GOUROCK'S iconic outdoor pool will finally re-open on September 7 after missing its summer season due to Covid-19.

Staff are working hard behind the scenes to ensure swimmers can return safely to the water after the go-ahead was recently given for pools to be brought back into use after five-months-plus in lockdown.

The pool, operated by Inverclyde Leisure, couldn't open in May as normal because of the pandemic and public health restrictions.

It will be the only outdoor freshwater pool to open in Scotland this year after councillors recently agreed to extend the season until the end of October.

Councillor Jim Clocherty said: "I think the fact that the iconic Gourock pool is re-opening shows that Inverclyde Leisure is back in business.

"Everything has been put in place to make sure it is safe and that customers feel safe.

“We have some of the best facilities in the country and it’s been a shame to see them lying there empty for so long because of the pandemic."

The council has splashed out £36,000 to extend the season until the end of October.

Cllr Clocherty said: "No matter what the weather, the temperature in the pool will remain balmy.

"It's like going into a jacuzzi."

Staff are busy preparing the pool for re-opening on September 7, while fitness fans will be welcomed back to the adjacent Gourock Gym on Monday.

Social distancing measures and screens are being put in place along with hand sanitising stations.

Councillor Ahlfeld said: "I welcome the fact that the council found the money to extend the season and I hope the weather is kind to us.

"I am quite confident about the measures put in place to ensure everyone stays safe."

Meanwhile a host of other facilities have also been given the green light to reopen.

Gyms at the Waterfront Leisure Complex, Ravenscraig Activity Centre, Boglestone Community Centre in Port Glasgow and Birkmyre Park in Kilmacolm will be back up and running on Monday.

There will also be a 'partial reopening' of Greenock Sports Centre.

Inverclyde Leisure's David McCorkindale said: “The gyms are ready to go on Monday but the nature of swimming pools means they will take a little bit longer and they will reopen on Monday September 7.

"People in Inverclyde love their swimming.

"At Gourock pool, the model will be structured swimming so that people can enjoy what is left of the season.

"The pool is now being filled with fresh sea water from the River Clyde, which will be filtered, treated and heated to a cosy 29 degrees Celsius."

The pool at the Waterfront Leisure Centre in Greenock will open on September 7 too, but the leisure part of it will have limited opening and the Port Glasgow baths will not open at all until next Easter 'at least'.