Got a question about The Sovereign Centre?
We know you might have lots of questions following the changes since we took over the centre on 1st April, and we really appreciate your patience and support during this time. Behind the scenes, we’ve been busy deep-cleaning, updating systems and signage, training our new team, and—most excitingly—getting everything ready for the leisure pool (formerly known as the fun pool) to reopen this weekend!
To help answer any questions you may have, we’ve put together a handy FAQs page with all the information we have so far.
If you still have questions, feel free to email us at sovereign@gll.org or chat with a member of our team next time you visit. We’ll keep updating the FAQs so that everyone stays in the loop.
Thanks again for your patience—we can’t wait to welcome you!
Memberships and Prices
If I am a Better member, can I swim for free?
If you have a Better adult, junior and swim school prepaid membership you can use all pools at no extra charge.
My child is a Better Swim School member. Do they get free lane swimming as part of their membership?
Better Swim School members aged 11 and above can book our 'Swim for Fitness' sessions if they are a good level swimming capability, as part of their membership, so no extra cost. Over the coming week we will add additional 'Swim for All' sessions into the 25m training pool which people of all ages can access as long as Swim Safety rules are adhered to.
What is a resident card, what does it mean and how do I get it?
Resident cards are free for local residents and give up to 10% discounts on activity prices. You can register for a resident card on the membership joining site here and filter to single payment membership options.
I have an old resident card. Does it still work?
Active resident cards plus log in details have been transferred across to us from 1st April and we would recommend you pop in to speak to the team in-centre if you are experiencing any issues booking with them.
Are we still honouring the i-go cardholder discount?
Yes, we are accepting the i-go card as proof of eligibility for concessionary memberships. You will need to choose the concessionary scheme you would like to access here; adult, Carer, off-peak, inclusive or junior and the I-GO card will be your proof of eligibility.
What is the £12.50 set up fee?
This is a one-off fee charged as standard set-up when a customer commences a new membership or enrolment to swimming lessons.
Do you offer SEN and accessible swim sessions? If so when?
Yes we do. The first Saturday of every month during term time between 9am and 10am, the leisure pool has a 'Swim for All' session without the wave machine, waterslide and other features running suitable for SEN and disabled customers.
Is there a discounted rate for disabled users?
Yes. We offer a range of discounted memberships for a variety of customers in the community; disabled people, concessionary recipients, older people (aged 66+), students, juniors and public sector employees. All our membership can be found online with full details, costs and proof required to set up the membership. Find out more here
What if I have a Carers card or are there discounts for Carers attending with a disabled child?
If you are a disabled user paying to use our facilities, your Carer will be allowed free access when accompanying you to the changing rooms and your activity.
If your Carer would like to use the facilities alongside you, they will need to have a membership or paid for the relevant activity.
I'm trying to book swimming at the weekend with my child's membership but it keeps giving me a price to pay?
If you're having trouble logging into your membership then please contact us at the centre or via our Help Centre staff and we'll help you resolve any issues. You can contact our Help Centre by phoning: 01323 738822
I can't get a residents price for activity bookings
Please make sure you have registered for your free residents card here. Select 'Pay As You Go' from the membership drop down and 'Single payment'. Then log into you account to automatically receive your discount.
Centre Access
I don't have a smart phone, how can I get through the barriers?
You can still book, pay and access at reception. Please speak to a member of the team on your next visit.
There seem to be different pool names, what's changed?
That is correct and you will see this when you make your bookings online or via the Better UK app. The Fun Pool is now called the Leisure Pool, the Gala Pool is the 25m Training Pool and the former 20m Training pool is now called the Learner pool.
Why do I need to book a swim? Can you just turn up?
Yes you can still turn up without booking for a swim. However, to avoid queueing, if you download the Better UK app and prebook your session, you simply scan the app at the barriers on arrival and walk straight in to enjoy your swim.
Are there age restrictions for the gala pool? (on the app says 11-15 but not on the website)
Over 11s can book 'Swim for Fitness' sessions if they are a good level swimming capability. Over the coming week we will add additional 'Swim for All' sessions into the 25m training pool which people of all ages can access, as long as our with Swim Safely rules are adhered to.
Activities
What is Sovey Tumblers? Do I need a membership? Does it include a swim?
Sovey Tumblers is now called Soft Play and is bookable via the Better UK app or online. Access is activity dependent and swimming session should be booked separately.
Are the Rave Wave, H2O pool parties and disco coming back on a Friday?
Big wave sessions will be running on Fridays during the last Family Fun swim with music and big waves.
What is the pool temperature?
Temperatures vary between pools but we have not changed them. The Leisure Pool temperature is set at 30 degrees and ready for the reopening of the pool this weekend.
Why are the swim sessions shorter?
This is a standard swim session time. Unless we are approaching capacities we will not be asking people to leave until they are ready. So if customer would like to stay for longer then they will be able to do so.