The number of swimming pools in the UK continued to decrease over 2015/16 – although the number of new facilities opening doubled compared to the previous 12 months.

According to the 2016 State of the UK Swimming Industry Report, the number of swimming sites declined by 1 per cent in the 12 months to March 2016, from 3,265 to 3,229.

While the number of new public and private swimming pools being established grew by 40 – compared to 22 in 2014/15 – 76 facilities closed down over the same period.

The Leisure Database Company report highlights Pure Gym’s acquisition of LA fitness in 2015 – and the subsequent removal of all its swimming pools – as a contributing factor to the decline.

Despite this, 84 per cent of the UK population lives within two miles of a public or privately-owned swimming pool, although fees to use facilities have increased by 3 per cent over the past year.

David Minton, director of the Leisure Database Company, said despite the decrease in swimming pools “the future is still bright as long as we ensure that the swimming facilities are there to meet the demand”.

“In evolutionary terms, swimming trackers and wearables have some catching up to do on the latest technology for cycling and running, but I have little doubt that for keen swimmers they will start to become an integral part of the fun and interest the sport provides in the next 12 months,” he added.