Balham Leisure Centre

“The 5 stars is for 2 of the swimming teachers in particular - Patryk and Alfie teaching the 4:30 Monday beginners class. Absolutely excellent! They're actively in the pool with the kids, and the attention they give to each individual's ability is brilliant. We're so so pleased with our daughter's progress, (and also the growth in confidence that's come with it). Many MANY thanks to them!”

“Lane etiquette rules are there to make sure everyone can safely and comfortably share the lane. The aim is to avoid collisions like the one my partner experienced at Balham this week when someone swam headfirst into him on the wrong side of the lane and hit him in the face. For any management or swimmers not aware, here are the essential points of how it works: 1) Observe the other swimmers and always choose your lane appropriate to your speed. Make sure you are swimming in the same direction as other swimmers and on the correct side of the lane (using the marking on the floor of the pool) 2) People already swimming have right of way, people standing at the end or getting in have to choose the right time/spot to join in. Try to leave a 5sec gap between swimmers and do not push off directly on someone's feet. 3) The lane goes in speed order with the fastest person at the front. If someone is catching you up (and especially if they tap you on the feet) move aside at the end of the lane and let them pass. 4) Turn on the side you will come out on. If you're swimming on the right side of the lane, cross to the left before you turn, then turn and push up on the left. If you are standing at the end of the lane, do not stand in the turning spot as it forces people to turn and push up on the same side, into the path of oncoming swimmers. Even in busy pools, if everyone follows basic lane etiquette, there's plenty of room for everybody to share the lane safely and comfortably together.”

“Been going to this gym for years now so have quite a few points to make, the equipment is decent they are missing quite a bit of extra weight lifting equipment that you'd find in cheaper gyms such as the gym group but overall its enough to get your workouts done. When equipment is faulty it often takes weeks to fix and given that this gym is usually packed if you go anytime after 3pm / even sometimes midday on weekdays, this is extremely inconvenient. The pool facilities are okay but the poolside changing rooms have constantly smelled extremely bad the entire time I've been going to this gym, honestly smells like human feces as though the sewage is open or something and this has remained just as bad over the past 5 years with some days smelling worse than others. Staff are nice enough although there are a few members of stuff that are disrespectful and take their hate for their job out on you.”

“Very disappointing experience today. While using the steam & sauna, I was abruptly asked to step out by a staff member named Victor and another young female staff. Their tone and manner were rude, confrontational, and completely unnecessary. The interaction felt unreasonable and very targeted, and as an individual of an ethnic background, I couldn’t help but feel singled out and the lack of basic courtesy and professionalism was shocking. Gyms should be inclusive, respectful spaces. Unfortunately, this experience fell well below that standard. I hope management takes this seriously and addresses staff conduct and customer service training.”