Helping cut Faversham Pool's energy bills
Published
Wednesday 15 April, 2026
Updated
Wednesday 15 April, 2026
The cost of powering Faversham Pools has fallen by 36% thanks to an energy-saving pool cover, part funded by Swale Borough Council.
The pools, which is a registered charity, received £10,000 from the council’s community infrastructure grant, funded by UK Government, to help towards the indoor cover.
The cover helps prevent evaporation and retains the heat generated by the heating system overnight or when the pools are closed.
This has reduced the pool’s energy consumption, lowering the charities energy bills meaning the pool could remain open during winter months and be kept at a warmer temperature.
The pools, which opened in 1964, welcome more than 250,000 visitors each year for swimming clubs, sunset swims, aquacise, babies splash sessions and school lessons.
The council previously provided funding to install LED lighting, further reducing their energy bill, improving safety, and allowing for new diving events to take place.
The council will also be investing in a new ‘changing village’ at the pool thanks to the government funded Pride in Place Impact Fund.
These improvements could be ready for when Swale Borough Council’s new leisure centre contract, which will now include Faversham Pools, starts in April 2027.
Cllr Monique Bonney, chair of Swale Borough Council’s Economy and Property Committee, said:
“The swimming pools in Faversham are an important and well-loved community asset, where countless people have learnt to swim and created so many memories.
“We are proud to be able to help support the pools through these government funded initiatives, helping reduce their electricity usage and save them money on their energy bill.”
Cllr Hannah Perkin, chair of the Housing, Health and Communities Committee, said:
“This funding allows the charity to continue providing their important service to our community despite rising costs.
“We have agreed to add the pools into our wider leisure contract from 2027, making sure this community asset continues to thrive, while opening the door to further capital investment.”
Jon Lazenby, General Manager for Faversham Pools, said:
“The Community Infrastructure Grant enabled us to install an indoor pool cover, and we’ve now been able to compare usage year on year since the installation.
“We can confirm that this project has contributed to an approximate 36% reduction in our energy usage. This gives a much clearer picture of the impact that the cover has had since it’s been in place and operating.
“This is a huge step forward for us as a charity. Not only does this help reduce our operating costs, but it also supports our long-term sustainability and environmental goals.
“Alongside this, the wider energy efficiency improvements we’ve completed in recent years have helped modernise our plant room, improve water quality management, and enhance the overall experience for our users.
“These improvements, combined with the future inclusion in the borough’s leisure contract from 2027, help secure a positive and sustainable future for Faversham Pools for many years to come.”
