Although New Brighton was more famous and more flamboyant, the Derby Pool was the first to open on this stretch of Wallasey coastline.
Opened on Harrison Drive by Lord Derby in June 1932, like New Brighton it was also 330ft long (just over 100m) and designed by the borough engineer, Lt Sgt G Wilkinson. There was a high diving board, spring boards, fountains and a chute, and alongside the rectangular pool was a two-tier pavilion and terrace shielding bathers from sea breezes.
Former swimmers say that this was the coldest outdoor pool on the Wirral, and that the side of the pool nearest the golf course was less popular as it was infested with ants. Swimmers at the Derby Pool were very territorial, each group occupying their own section of the pool surround.
The pool was damaged several times by storms, and was demolished in 1980. A Harvester pub bearing its name is all that remains as a memorial to all those happy summers.
