Poolpod lifts now cover both Riverside pools and South Woodham Ferrers, so disabled swimmers can get into the water independently at any public session.

Swimmers with physical disabilities can now get into the water independently at both of Chelmsford City Council’s main pools, after a second Poolpod lift was installed at Riverside Leisure Centre in July. Riverside’s two pods now serve its main pool and its learner pool, and a pod was installed at South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre in June. The council announced the completed installations on 11 August. (Chelmsford City Council, 11 August 2026)

The Contenda Poolpods are platform lifts designed to give disabled swimmers and people with limited mobility what the council describes as independent, dignified access to the pool. Submersible wheelchairs are available, so users do not need to transfer out of a wheelchair at the poolside; they can go straight from the pod into the water. The controls use illuminated, tactile buttons with voice assistance, so swimmers with visual impairments can operate the lift themselves. (Chelmsford City Council)

Each pod carries a range of users: two seated adults, one adult with two children, a wheelchair user with a carer, or standing users who find pool steps difficult. The installations were funded through Essex County Council’s Disabled Facilities Grant. (Chelmsford City Council)

Councillor Jennie Lardge, the council’s cabinet member for culture and leisure, said: “We know that regular physical activity provides a range of health and social benefits, and it’s important that everyone has equal access to those benefits.” (Chelmsford City Council)

What it means for you

You do not need to book the pod or ring ahead. The council says the Poolpods are available during all public swimming hours at both Riverside Leisure Centre and South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre, so you can simply turn up to any public session and use them. (Chelmsford City Council)

If you swim at Riverside, the change since July is that both pools are now covered, so lessons in the learner pool are as accessible as lane swimming in the main pool.

If you are looking for accessible activity ideas in the district, our things to do in Chelmsford guide includes indoor options alongside the parks and days out.