Sugathadasa Stadium Pool — Serious Swimming, Tiny Price
If your child can already swim and you want an affordable place for regular practice, the Sugathadasa Stadium pool is unbeatable value. At under LKR 400 per session, it’s the cheapest quality swimming option in Colombo.
Facility Details
- Pool: Olympic-sized (50 metres), outdoor
- Depth: 1.5m to 2.2m — not suitable for non-swimmers
- Cost: LKR 200-400 per session
- Hours: Generally 6am-6pm, but check current schedule
- Requirements: Swim cap required, goggles recommended
What to Expect
This is a no-frills, serious swimming pool. There’s no splash area, no slides, no changing room luxuries. It’s an Olympic-sized pool primarily used by competitive swimmers, athletes, and fitness swimmers.
For children who can swim confidently (at least freestyle across 25 metres), it’s an excellent facility for building stamina and technique.
Our Experience
We bring our 11-year-old here on weekday afternoons for lap swimming practice. The pool is clean and well-maintained, and the water quality is good. During off-peak hours, it’s quiet enough to have a lane mostly to yourself.
Weekend mornings can be very busy — swimming clubs and competitive squads train early. For family swimming, weekday afternoons (2pm-5pm) are the sweet spot.
Who This Is NOT For
- Non-swimmers: There’s no shallow end and no lifeguard dedicated to children
- Toddlers: There’s no splash or wading area
- Beginner swimmers: The depth is not suitable for learning
- Families wanting a “day out”: This is functional swimming, not a resort experience
Tips
- Bring your own swim cap — it’s required for entry
- Weekday 2pm-5pm is the best time for families
- Bring flip-flops for the pool deck
- There’s limited shade — apply sunscreen
Our Verdict
3.5 out of 5 — excellent value for regular swimming practice, but only suitable for children who are already competent swimmers. For beginners, look at the Colombo Swimming Club or hotel pools instead.
👉 See our guide to Public Swimming Pools in Colombo.
📍 Getting There & Contact
- Address: Sugathadasa Stadium, Colombo 2
- Google Maps: View location
