Dolphin Centre History

September 2024 - Pool Maintenance Work 

The main swimming pool at the Dolphin Centre was closed while essential maintenance work was carried out in 2023-2024. The work represented a major investment in the pool, which like the centre marked its 40^th anniversary in 2022. (The Dolphin Centre opened in November 1982 and has been open over 40 years).

There have been numerous improvements and changes to the building over the years, the most significant in 2006, which resulted in remodelling of the building, however limited work was carried out on the pool, mechanical and electrical installations at that time.

The pool works formed part of a £3.9m improvements programme delivered between 2020-2024, which have included the installation of the bowling alley, new soft play and gym refurbishment, as well as improvements in changing facilities.

Background Information

The removal of the tiles in the main pool in the early stages of the demolition programme identified that concrete cracking and failure of the movement joint waterproofing had led to chlorinated water leaking through the structure and damaging the steel reinforcement in the concrete. This informed further detailed investigation works in other areas where deterioration was previously evident but not thought to require works in the near future. 

The pool improvement programme included works such as:

• Repairing cracking in the main pool walls.
• Realignment of the movement joints in the pool floor to ensure that they run parallel with the tiling and prevent future risks of leaks.
• Additional structural repairs and waterproofing associated with the replacement of input pipes.
• Exposure of areas of structural steelwork and application of corrosion protection.  
• Application of render to correct the misalignment of the pool, the pool requiring squaring up.

Darlington Borough council are committed to ensuring that residents can continue to enjoy their local pool, with all areas re-opening in September 2024.

November 2nd 2017 - Dolphin Centre turns 35 years old

Stars from Diversity help celebrate the Dolphin Centre's 35th Birthday.

August 2015 - Pool Project Refurbishment

From the end of August 2015 to early May 2016 we carried out a pool plant refurbishment to the whole of our pool complex.  This part of the project involved installing new lighting and tiles, improvement to the ventilation in this area and the replacement of the waterproof membrane. We also refreshed the Changing Village and family changing facilities and installed a new interactive Toddler Pool.  As a result customers will now experience greater comfort levels in a brighter and more inviting pool environment.

Plant Room 1 below the swimming pool – The old boilers have been removed and new boilers installed, which will improve heating and efficiencies for the whole centre. The New UV filtration system installed for the swimming pool will considerably improve energy efficiency. New chemical dosing systems have been installed offering increased efficiency of water treatment.

Plant Room 2 above the pool hall - The air handling units for the pool hall, gym, changing village and sports hall have been removed ready for the new units to be installed.  The units will provide improved air handling in these areas, which in turn will improve comfort levels for customers.

The Changing Village has been completely dismantled and work is now under way to replace the changing village floor drainage and tiles.

November 2nd 2012 - Dolphin Centre turns 30 years old

November 2nd 2012. An historical occasion and no doubt many people who visited as children now visit as young adults. Hopefully they will continue to use the facilities in the future and will bring their children and grandchildren to do the same. The Dolphin Centre has made an enormous contribution to the fitness and enjoyment of the people of Darlington. Long may it continue to do so. To view the collection of photos please view our Flick album [external link].

December 2007 - Refurbishment Project