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It's our favourite time of the month – new issue day! The October Back To Pool issue is out now and available to order.

Recent research by Swim England shows that aquatic activity generates £2.4billion of social value – but that this is at risk due to uncertainty regarding the future of many of the country’s swimming pools. Financial pressures on local councils, increased costs and ageing pools mean many facilities have a precarious future. To coincide with Swim England's Don't Put a Cap on Swimming campaign, our Back To Pool issue celebrates swimming pools and urges us to support our local leisure centres. Scroll down for editor Ella Foote's pick of what's in the new issue. 

As the temperature of natural bodies of water drops, many of us head indoors for longer swims. The new issue includes a FREE pull-out Training Guide to inspire your training plans over winter. Whether your 2024 ambition is to enter an event, book a swimming holiday, get faster, swim further or simply be more confident in the water, time spent in the pool can help you achieve your goals. 

Happy swimming,

Jonathan Cowie, Contributing Editor

What's in the Back to Pool issue?

As autumn sets in, it can feel like we lose a little of ourselves to the season. While many of us have embraced winter swimming, getting the time and distance in the water when it is cooler and days are shorter becomes a real challenge. Many will head back to the pool, which is why this month we are celebrating swimming pools. Rowan Clarke investigates and urges us to support our local pools, I take a dip into the wonderful world of natural swimming pools and Elaine K Howley explores the history of chlorine. 

Away from the pool, Richard Nelsson reports from Denmark where he swims like a local with the Copenwater crew, John Weller swims from Albania to Corfu and Matthew Bradman adventures to the westernmost edge of the world. Plus all the regulars, including health news, outdoor swimming news, training, swim locations, technique, travel, event listings, gear news and kit reviews.

Enjoy the issue!

Ella Foote, Editor