Piscina da Associação Cultural e Social da Marteleira

Marteleira is a village in the municipality of Lourinhã, and its cultural and social association (Associação Cultural e Social da Marteleira, or ACSM) runs a pool alongside a gym and other activities. It is a teaching pool: almost the whole timetable is given over to classes, from babies with their parents to teenagers, adults and hydrotherapy. The association also brings in local school groups, and a scheme called “Nadar é Fixe” (“swimming is cool”) fills many weekday mornings.

For a family living on this part of the Silver Coast, it’s a place for weekly lessons, not a drop-in splash. You enrol for the season, pay monthly and keep the same class slot.

The association accepts babies from 6 months. Baby classes (natação para bebés) are for ages 6 to 36 months, last 30 minutes, and one adult goes in with each child. The ACSM describes them as playful sessions that build a baby’s confidence in the water, with work on orientation, body control and breathing. Babies must wear proper swim nappies.

Children’s classes last 40 minutes and are grouped by age. The 2026/27 timetable lists groups for 3/4-year-olds, 5/6, 7/8 (split into stronger and less confident groups), 9/11 and 12/15, plus a triathlon swimming group. Classes run on weekday afternoons and evenings, mostly from about 16:00 onwards, and throughout Saturday, when baby classes run at several times.

Every new pupil does a short test with a teacher so they are put in the right group. A class needs at least six pupils to stay open, and groups can be merged during the year. In July, when numbers drop, some classes may be cancelled.

What parents do during the lesson

The regulations say companions may not stay on the pool deck, except for certain classes and situations, so parents of older children wait elsewhere while the teacher is in charge. From the age of 8, children should go into the changing rooms on their own. Changing rooms open 10 minutes before a class and you must leave them within 15 minutes of the end.

Parents are asked to take young children to the toilet before class and to remind them to ask the teacher if they need to get out.

When you sign up you pay the registration fee (€20, including the electronic user card), the annual accident insurance (€10, unless you have your own policy that covers swimming) and the first month. Re-enrolling costs €10.

Monthly fees:

• Baby classes, once a week: €33.
• Swimming, hydro-gymnastics or hydrotherapy: €33 once a week, €43 twice, €53 three times.
• Unlimited pass (livre trânsito): €60.

With the second to fifth monthly payments you also pay a quarter of July’s fee (for example €8.25 on a €33 class), so there is nothing to pay in July itself. Fees are due by the 8th of the month; paying between the 9th and 15th adds 15%, and after that 25%. A drop-in class costs €10.

Family discounts are generous: 30% off the monthly fee for the second and third member of the household, 40% from the fourth, and no registration fee from the third member onwards. Discounts can’t be combined.

Lane swimming (treino em horário livre) is open to ages 14 to 75 who can swim at least 25 metres without stopping or any aids. Each session lasts up to 40 minutes and costs €4, or €6 for a one-off visit. Top-up packs add a bonus: €40 gives €48 of swims. You must book a slot by phone or at reception. Up to three swimmers share a lane, swimming anticlockwise, with no diving and no swimming side by side.

The association’s basic rules make these compulsory:

• A close-fitting swimsuit without pockets.
• A swim cap.
• Rubber or plastic flip-flops.
• A shower and the footbath before getting in.
• Jewellery and make-up off before swimming.

Nobody enters the water without the teacher’s permission. Children with a cold, skin infection, open wounds or head lice can’t swim. There’s no eating, drinking, chewing gum or running around the pool. Bring your own padlock for the lockers and don’t leave it on after your session. The association is not responsible for anything stolen.

Dino Parque Lourinhã, with its life-size dinosaur models, is in the same municipality and makes an easy pairing with a Saturday swimming class.

From what age can a baby start swimming at Marteleira?

From 6 months, in baby classes with one adult in the water per child.

Can parents watch the lessons?

Companions are not allowed on the pool deck except for certain classes, such as baby classes where a parent swims.

Is there a family discount?

Yes: 30% for the second and third family member, 40% from the fourth, and the third member onwards pays no registration.

Can my child just come for a swim?

Free swimming is only for ages 14 to 75 and needs booking. Younger children swim in classes.

Do children need a swim cap?

Yes. A cap, a close-fitting swimsuit and flip-flops are compulsory.