Pentathlon GB athletes – based at the STV – were the very first swimmers to use the new Sport England-funded facilities – the redevelopment of which recent World Cup winner Jamie Cooke said “looks amazing”.

He said: “They have done a fantastic job with the refurbishment; it looks amazing and it was great to dive into clean water!

“It is nice to be back swimming in Bath and fantastic for our programme to be able to train in a 50m pool again as we approach the main part of the season – the European and World Championships.”

The 2015 European Championships – a qualification competition for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games – are taking place at the University of Bath from August 18-23.

Other users of the pool, including University of Bath students, shared similar sentiments after their first dip.

First year student Rachel Walters said: “The pool was fantastic! It was the perfect temperature for swimming.

“The changing rooms were great and the lockers are a good idea – especially as you don’t need to attach the key to your costume which can create a hole.”

What’s more, the pool is now open from 6am for several days of the week, allowing even greater access to the SwimFit Public Lane for early morning swimmers.

The pool redevelopments saw the installation of a new pool tank which features underwater facilities for recording and analysing stroke technique – technology which has been supported by UK Sport. During the same redevelopment period brand new changing room facilities were installed, the pool plant room was modernised and the ventilation system was refurbished.

But the Olympic-sized pool is not just for elite swimmers – it is also open seven days a week to members of the public. The price remains the same as before the refurbishment – £3.90 for adults and £3.30 for concessions (under-16s, over-60s, disabled, Alumni Card holders, NUS Card holders and University of Bath staff).

Swim membership is also available at £25 per month for adults, with concessionary rates available on request. The Team Bath membership hotline is 01225 383597. A timetable for public use can be found here: http://www.teambath.com/about/times-prices/swimming