Royal Commonwealth Pool

Fantastic experience: Very good facilities and good viewing balcony form competitions

Fantastic experience: Lovely spacious centre and kind staff

Negative experience: I dare say the pool and the soft play are wonderful, however the cafe is garbage, and the attitude of the staff stinks, asked if there was any more bacon or sausage coming out, was told " not just now". So sod you, someone else can get my money

Fantastic experience: Lovely swimming pool with sauna and fitness centre

Fantastic experience: There's no better place to swim in Edinburgh than the commie pool. 50 glorious metres of clean water, wide lanes and decent polite swimmers who pretty much always keep to the correct lane according to their ability. There's the usual problem of swimmers who don't wear caps, meaning the odd mouthful of hair every now and again, but that's a (very British) cultural thing rather than any fault of the pool. The changing area is generally pretty clean, but there is noticeable black mould in the shower areas which isn't great. The only real issue is that you never know when the club (or school) swimmers will take up some of the lanes, leaving fewer lanes for us lesser mortals. It would be good if this info was shown on the app. But all in all, a really great experience.

Positive experience: Big public pool and diving boards, aquadash is fun.

Positive experience: Fantastic pool, but at almost £8 for a lane swim (!) it’s not doing much to encourage people to go, or to battle the obesity epidemic!

Fantastic experience: Super friendly staff. Super clean changing rooms and pool. Love the architecture.

Positive experience: We booked online only 55min in family pool

Positive experience: I liked the pool in general, but the floors of the lockers and changing rooms were always muddy. I took my shoes off at the entrance, but when I saw that they were dirty, I left the hallway with my shoes on.I was afraid I wouldn't be able to use the locker because I didn't have £1. Luckily I went to the reception and asked them to charge my credit card for £1 but they gave me a key ring that looked like a coin for £1. The smell of chlorine was overwhelming. Even though we came home and took a shower, the smell of chlorine had settled into our bodies. Overall I liked it. I recommend it. I will go again but this time I hope the floor will be clean and people will pay attention to cleanliness.

Fantastic experience: Good place to take the kids a swim

Positive experience: I have not been back to this pool for a long time now. They took away the sauna and steam rooms and parking was confusing as i mean to take a ticket but not in use anymore. Nice big pool but mixed changing room and usual typical hygiene standard for changing rooms where hairs are everywhere. People make a mess because they dont have to tidy up. I usual take a shower when i get home . What is the point of having a shower in a pigsty.

Fantastic experience: We love this place and really enjoy the diving facilities. Staff friendly and helpful.

Negative experience: Only pay by card and the female changing floor is filthy my feet were covered in other people’s hair, hair all over free soap box in shower. Pool floor in 50m had plasters in each lane on floor. God knows when last saw a cleaner.

Negative experience: Really disappointed with a member of staff and her attitude to me and my son. My son ran over and told me he was shouted at for little to no reason so I asked her a normal and simple question and I was just not happy with her response and they way she spoke to me and my 8 year old boy. Didn’t catch a name but I believe she was some sort of supervisor as she was in blue. Would have liked to learn her name all I can describe her as was dark hair and she seemed to have a pretty rough deep voice. Really think it’s out of order. Spoke to an off duty lifeguard who let me know that “that’s just what she’s like” surely that’s not usual for a workplace to have one of their leaders to have a reputation like that?

Fantastic experience: Great pool that allows swimming 50 meter lengths

Fantastic experience: I usually go for fitness classes at least 2 to 3 times a week. A variety of fitness classes are being offered. If you know to swim, they have a lovely pool and diving facilities too. Easy to book via app and very well maintained centre with helpful staff.

Fantastic experience: I want to say a massive thank you to Katie. I temporarily lost my stuff after a swim. She, along with other members of staff, very quickly located my belongings. Absolute lifesaver, thank you so much!

Fantastic experience: Pool is brilliant, especially if the 50m is open

Fantastic experience: Lovely pool and well cared for by friendly and helpful staff. I spent a week visiting Edinburgh where I swam daily. Loved the early opening times too. Made to feel very welcome.

Fantastic experience: I have to go to work tomorrow and Edinburgh, cover-up

Fantastic experience: Great facilities, my little boy had a great time

Fantastic experience: Great place for a swim or to use the gym. It is a good idea to use the Edinburgh Leisure app to find available fitness classes. If the class you want to book is full the waiting list works very well and you'll get a notification when a space becomes available.

Fantastic experience: Clean, staff are very attentive, great place to swim

Fantastic experience: For ppl who are going and below 25 yrs old, do recommend ask the receptionists or look up the web to see what offer fits you better. I was here for a short term so I got the 7 day pass and it’s 20 pound. Was there during weekdays so only few ppl were there in the pool. Really nice service and a nice place to work out.

Positive experience: Facilities are fantastic and aquadash extreme was great for my 2 grandsons, however around 25 people missed the safety briefing despite standing next to reception and staff in changing area ignored thisbfact when multiple people brought it to their attention...

Fantastic experience: We were traveling through the United Kingdom on vacation. Our son swims competitively in the United States, so we reached out to the team, and they allowed him to come in practice with the team. Everyone at the facility was so nice.

Fantastic experience: A great place for active leisure

Fantastic experience: The best public pool in Edinburgh, great facilities, free parking, clean and good for the kids.

Negative experience: Tried to join the gym and couldn't get staff to help. The first young man said he didn't know what to do and to go and wait in the other (very long queue) when we did get to next in line to speak to the girl at the desk, she pointed to an eye pad and told us to join on there. Tried and failed, then asked the girl again and she said probably better doing it at home online. Not great when I asked for help 3 times in all then told to go home to join.

Fantastic experience: Excellent facilities and staff are on hand to help with most exercise questions. I go 3 times a week and the pool is normally easily accessible and not too busy.

Fantastic experience: Went with my toddler for the Family Fun session in the training pool and it was excellent. Pool is large so can accommodate lots of people, and there are arm-bands, floats, balls and suchlike provided. The water is maybe a little on the cold side for young children - a wetsuit style costume might be good for those under 2. The family changing rooms are great - spacious, with a changing table for young kids, and a high chair to safely put kids in while you get changed. A fair amount of parking is available across the 2 car parks, but the pool is well serviced by buses.

Fantastic experience: Very nice pool for lap swimming. It is a full Olympic size pool, the water is at the right temperature for swimming and very clean. The morning slot was rather empty this morning - 5 people in a 50m lane.

Fantastic experience: Great for a swim, taking the kids to soft play or going to the gym

Positive experience: I got directions but didn't go, google suggested I review it. It is unclear what I can say, or what I should. I think it's a good pool, I wanted to go

Fantastic experience: One of the best Edinburgh leisure centres with out of the world swimming facilities and coaches. The gym and fitness classes are quite good as well!

Fantastic experience: Excellent facilities and staff. Plenty of coaching and group lessons as well as open swim time and family sessions. Plus gym and free parking. What’s not to like?

Fantastic experience: Very nice staff very helpful and easy to book the gym and swimming

Fantastic experience: Went to the soft play area, had fabulous fun! Great service at the cafe too.

Positive experience: Its a really big pool! Single entry tickets are expensive so its best to buy a monthly membership! Unfortunately you have to check the schedule to make sure what times are best for public swimmings, as there are classes

Positive experience: Clean and modern. Lacks steam room or sauna. Cafe serves unhealthy breakfast food and some OK sandwiches. Didn't try the gym.

Fantastic experience: A lot of activities for all age people good and convenient for transport.

Fantastic experience: It was the perfect family outing! The facilities were top-notch, and the atmosphere was welcoming. Our son is now a proud member of the swimming club for kids, and we couldn't be happier. It's a fantastic place for families to enjoy quality time together while staying active. Highly recommended!"

Fantastic experience: Lovely pool, very clean, great staff. Clean big changing rooms. Perfect for training

Fantastic experience: Excellent for birthdays parties. Plenty of fun activities. Well worth a visit.

Fantastic experience: What a place to have fun with family and friends! We visit this pool often for 'extreme aquadash' experience.

Fantastic experience: Finest Swimming pool in Edinburgh...swimming coaching for kids...kinda of difficult to get slot...once you get...its very easy ..my son is enrolled....They have a gym which has lot of activities to enroll on monthly subscription ,soft play for toddlers which can be used as a venue for birthday parties...

Fantastic experience: We love taking our 19 month old swimming here. Great changing facilities for families. The pool has attentive lifeguards who also monitor behaviour of unfair swimmers. There's always plenty floating devices to play and share. There are hair dryers and a a wringer to wring your swimmers. It's fantastic Main entrance area has reception and canteen/Cafe which is decent. There is a softplay which is another great time for our little one. We've noted there is a gym and of course an Olympic size (50m) swimming pool.

Fantastic experience: Very friendly place, good for childrens to learn swimming and more.

Fantastic experience: Clean changing rooms and showers, not too busy, and a nice clean 50M pool. Really enjoyed it and will be back.

Fantastic experience: I recently had the pleasure of experiencing exceptional customer service from Bethan at the help desk of the Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh. I cycled in from Newcastle and needed a shower at the pool, and Bethan went above and beyond to ensure that the process was not only smooth but also convenient for me. Moreover, what impressed me even more was Bethan's genuine care for my experience in Edinburgh. Despite being pressed for time, she took the initiative to offer recommendations for places to visit in the city, going the extra mile to enhance my overall experience.

Fantastic experience: Plenty of water, which is ultimately what I look for in a pool. And it opens reasonable afternoon hours at the weekend, thereby scoring above other Edinburgh swimming pools.

Positive experience: Great pool, gym is a bit small and no sauna are my only complaints, but gym equipment is great

Negative experience: You have to book a slot to take a toddler into a pool with nothing in it, it's a closed off section of a pool. You would think it would have some slides or something considering you have to book it (also v annoying trying to plan your day with a toddler). It's also £7.50 for any adult that goes, if you're looking for a good place for a toddler, I'd suggest Wester Hailes pool

Fantastic experience: Good young Adult deal with membership for £27.50/month and access to all the Edinburgh leisure centres. Commonwealth has 4 pools (50m, 25m x2, diving pool), a gym, three studios and dry diving. Also a cafe and other facilities. Great place if you’re a local or if your visiting. Nice to have a 50m pool especially if you are training. Wide variety of gym classes. Cafe is a bit more on the pricey side but you would expect that for the area. Bus stops outside if needing transport from the city centre. Update: membership now £29.50 as of april 2024

Fantastic experience: Great facilities, perfect for all ages and abilities. Open every day early in the morning till late in the evening!

Fantastic experience: Great pool with access for all - gym well equipped - gym busy after work

Positive experience: Soft play is good but often a wait on weekends and school holidays Family swim sessions book up in advance... Dalry swim often has spaces though

Fantastic experience: Lovely pool to go to! Water and room air were nice temperature wise, the pools and changing rooms were clean. Staff were very helpful! I’ll definitely recommend this pool!

Fantastic experience: We visited for the family fun session on a Sunday. There was an initial problem at the desk as we tried to book in, they couldn’t find our online booking. This was resolved quickly and off we went. We had a baby with us and one of the staff directed us to the best changing rooms for him, close to the teaching pool. Pool changing rooms were very clean with constant staff members going around cleaning, plenty floats and staff at the teaching pool, we all had a great visit.

Negative experience: Too many closers, the staff answer to me when I was complaining this morning ( I have found the pool closed) that it's in the Website...Do you think all of us we have the spare time to make a seach in a poorly constructed Website.....your website gives priority to make adverts,......the good sales is the result of a good customer service........

Fantastic experience: We do family fun swim here, it's nice. They've recently bought some new floats. The attendants are nice too. Also the soft play is good. On the other hand when I was a student I climbed up to the top diving board and it was like being in space.

Positive experience: Fantastic soft play area. Very well built with loads of exploration options. Good cafe, food is good too. We went on a Sunday morning, busy with an average of 30 minutes wait to enter but good turnover and well controlled.

Fantastic experience: Started swimming again today 10 lengths of the 50 metre pool suitably exhausted working up to 20. This is a very modern facility with good changing facilities very clean, safe and secure, ample parking. I'll be going 5 times per week. Great membership deals for the over 65's.

Negative experience: Toilets beside the studios and bleachers are constantly destroyed with massive floaters sitting there bobbing up and down in the pan. Rather puts me off using them, do the staff ever check the state of the toilets during the day?

Fantastic experience: My 10yo is loving his RCP Diving Skills class. Coaches do a great job, with constructive feedback & compliments every time. Happy that he's moving through the grades.

Fantastic experience: Staff are brilliant. Huge shout out to those who keep the pool changing area clean. A tough job and a never ending task but you always say hello in the mornings, give a smile and take pride in your work. Thank you!

Fantastic experience: One of the best swimming pool facility in Edinburgh, plenty of changing rooms, swimming pool is suitable for all age groups, It has has nice cafe and soft play area and gym

Negative experience: Unprofessional mannerism, made me wait like 20 minutes "for a chat" after not allowed to swim due to not having a "carer" yet I paid at reception and no one told me anything and one supervisor won't take responsibility as a result of showing discrimination toward people of colour and their disabilities. He would demand you to not use the facilities never mind the "temporary ban" because you have no carer yet you were not informed such things. There will be justice for anyone with disabilities to be treated the same as those who won't have a disability. Even if you don't have a carer !!! They need to know that you are not your disability. Highly won't recommend if you have a disability of ANY kind because they will "act nice to you" then later take advantage of your disability.

Fantastic experience: First visit here since the mid seventies. Great pool

Fantastic experience: Wonderful facility and a beautiful pool! Staff really friendly and helpful, manager Ian S is absolutely fantastic and a brilliant manager, top marks all round

Negative experience: My card has run out, I have only cash £170 on me, I’m on a £10/month card I asked if can just put charge on card so I can at least get in I’m in these gyms everyday for my mental health. Told they had to take the charge becuase if the type of membership. I’ve been allowed entry before and this is the worst service I’ve experienced at a gym it’s 7.30am I’ve been here 30mins trying to get someone awake to transfer money this is stress I start work at 10am I shower at gym before work this is a disgraceful way to treat a customer who’s been here 78days out the last 90!

Fantastic experience: We are regulars at the softplay area with my daughter as we use the monthly DD pass. The oat milk cappuccino are spot-on and the homemade soups are always really yummy! Staff are great and parking isn't normally an issue!

Fantastic experience: The cleanest and the best 50m pool I have ever swam in. Couldn’t be any cleaner. They provide loads of lockers, showers, changing rooms, hair dryer and the cool machine to dry your swim suit. Make sure you take off outdoor shoes before entering the pool area. Gym is very neat and well organised too. Staff members are all very helpful - ask them if you need don’t know how to use the machines. You can get their membership and go to all Edinburgh Leisure gym in Edinburgh. Its a great deal!

Positive experience: The kids enjoyed themselves as per, but I think we will be finding a new swimming/softplay destination from here on as they no longer accept cash anywhere within the building, apart from the changing lockers.

Fantastic experience: Surprisingly well managed and maintained for its age - had a great time. The family fun floats are well worth a visit.

Fantastic experience: Great place for all the family. Staff are great really helpful . Food service available and soft play, too. Cashless service

Fantastic experience: A little more expensive but really world class facilities if you can fit in with the timetable. The legacy of Scotland stepping up to host at short notice - really well executed, even the commonwealth village between the pleasance and the pool - maybe less notice attracted less corruption So high dive, swim, and general good activity with a reasonable canteen. To have a run around Arthur's Seat next door work outs are next level if you need them to be. Its also near some decent pubs because life is balance.

Fantastic experience: Clean, friendly, a terrifix facility for a swim workout! Bring a 1 pound coin to work the lockers - you'll get it back.

Fantastic experience: Aqua dash is one of the best way to spend family weekend with active kids. You need to purchase tickets online prior to the event, arrive 20 minutes before the start, and then there will be short instruction and 45 minutes of fun.

Fantastic experience: Best gym and pool in Edinburgh and lots of classes. Going here also supports local council facilities. How it should be.

Fantastic experience: Wow wow I love it. Price is affordable. The pool is clean. They provided everthing: locker, shower, change room, spin machine inside also has cafeteria, kid play zone & gym. Cannot be better

Positive experience: Can't spontaneously go swimming. Sessions need to be booked for use of baby pool. My 1st swimming session with my 2yr old. While waiting there is seating area's. Cafe. And kids soft play area.

Positive experience: I love the commy, it's fantastic to have this facility on our doorstep. The Edinburgh leisure summer pass is fantastic value, particularly for under 25's and the membership for people on benefits makes it accessible to everyone. The reception staff are always friendly, welcoming and helpful. Unfortunately it's not the cleanest facility, the showers in particular are disgusting. I also had a really wierd interaction with the staff in the cafe recently, I thought my yoghurt was off and they took it through the back to "check" leaving me standing like an idiot for ages. I could see the staff just staring at it looking visibly annoyed, and then the guy came back through and kept saying he thought it was fine but offered me a refund or a swap. I just asked for another yoghurt and it was indeed thicker than usual, but the fresh one which wasn't dated that day tasted fresh and the oats weren't soggy. I felt utterly embarrassed by this interaction though, and it's put me off using the cafe again. I wasn't rude, I felt awkward going up in the first place and there really was no need to be so hostile. Shame that the facilities are let down by a few minor things, but these really do make all the difference to your overall experience.

Negative experience: Can't believe the price 1 hour 15 mins parking £10 £20 for food for 2 adults and 1 child which was only a sandwich and juice then £8 for 1 hour for a 4 year old. In the way families r having to get by and the coat of living I feel it's an absolute rip of and won't b back... £10 PARKING u dnt even pay that up town for an hour and can't get through to customer services as usual.

Negative experience: The gym experience has been incredibly disappointing. Initially, they allowed me to take pictures and videos of myself before I committed to purchasing a membership. However, once I bought the membership and started recording, they began to harass me. It's quite hypocritical, given their prior assurances, and I feel deceived by the staff.

Positive experience: Pretty decent facilities, great Olympic pool, and helpful staff but everything is always out of order. Constantly there is something out of order and for the amount we pay we should be able to use what we actually pay for. I understand it’s an old building and it needs maintenance but if things are constantly out of order then we shouldn’t be charged what we’re being charged. Royal Commonwealth Pool…..you’re out of order .

Fantastic experience: Excellent staff and amenities. Gym, two large pools, soft play area, cafe etc loads to do

Positive experience: This is a really good pool to go to, but once when I was much younger I use to go to this very pool with my school class and we were in groups of five I think and the pool instructor/teacher told us to swim on our backs by hugging the float in our chest and this one boy in the group was struggling to swim so I thought I’d help him and swam back to join him and he wasn’t too far away, but i was only a kid back then and thought it would be fun to join him, when we make it to the edge of the pool the bald-headed instructor/teacher points and says to me “your not the teacher” since then it does bring up that not very nice moment

Fantastic experience: Perfect for swimming with the kids or for individuals, options there to choose along with nice facilities

Negative experience: Good.classes BUT Pay-Per-View doesn't take AMEX. Plus, their pool was closed for the day and they forced me to pay for the higher rate just to use the gym. Where is your customer service... there was none

Fantastic experience: Great place to be. The swimming pool is top notch....the gym Equipment are great. I love every bit

Fantastic experience: Friendly helpful staff. Clean well managed changing area. Nice big pool. Not overly busy.

Positive experience: Staff are helpful and friendly pool area and changing area are clean very accessible for everyone to enjoy pool can be cold at times

Positive experience: Although the facilities are very good. I'm giving 3 stars just for the fact that refresh the cafe needs more staff to serve. Waiting like 15 minutes for coffee is a bit much since I was 2nd in the queue, and that's not excluding actually getting to 2nd

Positive experience: Too cold for babies. I went swimming with my 6 months old twin babies, the water in the training pool is too cold. The changing area is quite cold too. The only way to warm up the little ones after getting out would be the shower (open showers only) but the water there is way too hot for them and temperature can not be regulated.

Fantastic experience: Wow - what a facility. Really friendly staff. Setup is brilliant and the pools when configured are really nice to swim in. 50 meter config made me feel like I was swimming with the greats. Highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: The changing rooms have everything you need! Showers, lockers etc! Don't take your snorkeling mask as it's not allowed. They got extra pairs of goggles to use if you need:)

Fantastic experience: Great pool with friendly staff. Always immaculately clean in thewum changing rooms. The staff down in the changing rooms are industrious and always seem to be on the go. This pool is one of the best in the UK, ( I've swum in quiet a few pools in the past 50 years in competition and training).

Positive experience: Signed up for unlimited use of pool and gym for one week at £20 while on a visit, which I think is good value for what you get. 50m pool is good, no real problems although I don’t like the “changing village” concept at all. The whole place could also do with better cleaning. However, the gym is the real standout - great area for free weights, friendly and knowledgeable staff, full range of ancillary machines, and a very welcome atmosphere for all users.