Balham Leisure Centre - (Near , UK)

1 /5 Burner Account: Useless staff. Charged a no show fee despite attending. I showed my booking at the reception and mentioned Ive never been before so dont know where everything is. Staff member completely disinterested, didnt even point me into the right direction. The next day I got an email saying I have been charged a few for non attendance and theres no easy way to dispute it. Management, tell your staff to actually note down attendance!

3 /5 E M: 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 someones 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 youre 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, theres plenty of room for everybody to share the lane safely and comfortably together.

5 /5 Crissi Dares: The 5 stars is for 2 of the swimming teachers in particular - Patryk and Alfie teaching the 4:30 Monday beginners class. Absolutely excellent! Theyre actively in the pool with the kids, and the attention they give to each individuals ability is brilliant. Were so so pleased with our daughters progress, (and also the growth in confidence thats come with it). Many MANY thanks to them!

1 /5 Olena Stanislavska: It is impossible to have a relaxing session in sauna. Frequently, groups of people have very loud conversations in a very small space, so it is impossible to escape or ask them to keep quiet and risk the conflict. The management should install the rule of silence in the sauna to make it a relaxing and inclusive experience. There are many other places where people are encouraged to have a conversation.

2 /5 Matthew James: Decent gym gear and facilities but completely disinterested staff. Rather unfriendly place with little community feeling during the week. Finally a problem with a gym user was never satisfactorily sorted and said member was allowed to return again and again, despite exhibiting poor behaviour towards a certain sector of gym user. Management did NOT exercise proper safeguarding in this respect.