Merseyside was once home to a “fun pool” that entertained children and adults with its wave machine and water slides.
Europa Pools in Wirral was popular in the 1990s and 2000s with it being the perfect place for families and friends to spend time together. It was also the go-to destination for birthday parties, with kids splashing around for hours.
The ECHO recently wrote an article about the fun pool at Europa Pools in Birkenhead that has remained shut since the pandemic, with a gym now existing on the site. Many readers shared their memories from their childhood days spent at the venue or from taking their kids there.
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This includes their recollections of the pool’s adored wave machine that would roll into action every 30 minutes, and the two covered water slides that travelled outside of the building, snaked around each other, and then re-entered the pool.
In the comments section underneath the post sharing the original article on the My Wirral - Liverpool Echo Facebook page, Jenny said: “I used to go with my dad as a kid. I remember the little wall on the right hand side we used to sit on then the waves would come and wipe us all out. Shame this has closed.”
Lyndsay wrote: “Got some amazing memories at this place, it was absolutely fantastic for kids and adults. They really need to get rid of the gym and open the pool again.”
Ewen commented: “I remember being there when everyone had to evacuate as a poo was being fished out of the wave machine area with a net! Didn't ruin any childhood memories of going there, though.”
He continued: “You can't beat that cheap smelling and heavily vinegared poolside portion of chips afterwards. I remember them coming in a polystyrene tray and eating them at the little plastic table and chairs whilst watching everyone play in the wave machine.”
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Jay remembered the rumour that a shark lived behind the bars of the wave machine, while Sam recalled: “Europa was the best swimming pool. Chicken nuggets afterwards, too.” Sarah added: “Seriously miss this place!”
Lisa wrote: “Used to take my son here when he was little. So sad it isn't there anymore. The wave pool was amazing.” Jensen added: “I miss Europa so much, so many great memories!!” Sheila said: “My grandchildren loved the wave pool and slides. Was always busy.”
Many people tagged their friends to remind them of Europa Pools' fun pool. Phil mentioned a few people and wrote: “We used to go here all the time!! Loved it.” Chris replied: “Was this the place with ‘the killer whale’ slide?! I miss this pool.”
Jane tagged her pal and asked: “Remember this pool?” with Tianne replying: “Oh my god, yes! Best place ever!!!” Anya mentioned a friend and said: “Remember when we started going swimming on college breaks and we’d just go to the wave pool and get cinema scran?” Lauren tagged a pal and simply wrote: “Our childhood weekends.”
Many shared their annoyance of the fun pool being turned into a gym. Laura commented: “Such a bad choice for a gym, I spent many years of my childhood in Europa Pools, I have so many happy memories. I grew up there and took my daughter, too. It was a great place for kids and there are many gyms local to this area, pure greed.”
Cathie said: “We now have no pools on the Wirral that have a slide or are anything other than basic swimming pools.” Chloe wrote: “I’m still p****d off about that swimming pool. The waves and everything was childhood for me, my auntie and uncle, family and friends. I loved it and enjoyed the beautiful company, I could make them smile and laugh there.”
Although the fun pool has closed, families visiting Europa Pools can still enjoy the main pool, swimming lessons and a variety of classes.
What are your memories of Europa Pools? Let us know in the comments section below.
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