OVER 1,000 swimmers have taken the plunge to enjoy a dip in Gourock Pool since it re-opened.

Management say that bookings have been brisk and sessions consistently busy despite a mixed bag of weather.

Reaction from customers who missed out on the summer season has also been very positive.

A total of 1,064 people had visited the pool as of September 17.

Allan Johnstone, 52, of Gourock, is one of them.

He said: "I've been here every day since it opened.

"I've loved every minute of it.

"I think it's even better when the weather's bad because the water is heated and it is very pleasant.

"The saltwater is great and it's an excellent way to keep fit, there's a bit of density you don't get in an indoor pool.

"It gives you a better workout."

Visitors have been flocking from all over to experience the heated saltwater experience, including from Glasgow and surrounding areas.

Rae Brady, 73, hasn't been well but was determined to travel from Renfrew to give it a go.

She said: "I think it's magic here.

"I've not been well and my mobility isn't great so it was the saltwater and heated pool that brought me here.

"The staff were lovely."

Stuart Boyle, area operations manager with Inverclyde Leisure, said: "The pool is operating with a new booking slot system and restricted numbers.

"Since opening an average of 82 per cent of bookable slots have been taken and feedback has been very positive.

"One of the encouraging things is that we are still attracting customers from outwith Inverclyde, which says a lot for the safety measures we have introduced."

A re-opening customer survey for people using all Inverclyde Leisure facilities has revealed that 100 per cent of them were glad to be back exercising and felt there were enough cleaning and hygiene stations around facilities, while 99.43 per cent said they felt safe using the facilities.

The pool will stay open until the end of next month.