Plymouth pool repairs, a long drive south, planned properly.

Pools on the Sound and beyond

Plymouth looks out over Plymouth Sound, with the Tamar marking the border with Cornwall. It is a university city and a ferry port, with hotels near the waterfront, leisure and school pools across the districts, and health clubs on the edges of town.

Further out, in the South Hams and on the Cornish side of the river, there are private pools in homes and pools on holiday parks. Many of these are used hard for a few months a year and then rest. For those, the winter is usually the time to drain down and do the work, with cure time allowed before refilling in spring.

Sharp and lifting tiles come first

A chipped tile on a step or a lifted edge on the pool rim can cut a foot. If staff find one, it should be reported and the area made safe straight away, not left until the next refurbishment.

We will tell you honestly whether a quick repair is enough or whether the problem points to a wider failure that needs a proper closure. A tile that has lifted on its own often has neighbours with a weak bond, so we tap around it before deciding.

What to send before we set off

We do not price from photos, but they help us decide what to bring on a long trip. A clear set means the first visit can go further, perhaps with a small test clean or a test area if you are happy for us to try one.

• A walk-round video of the pool edge
• Close shots of any cracked, hollow or missing tiles
• The steps, waterline and any handrail fixings
• Labels or paperwork for the original tiles