Duncan Bannatyne turns the swimming pool heating down ‘one degree’ at his health clubs in an attempt to survive the cost-of-living crisis – but faces angry backlash from customers
- The Dragon’s Den star, 73, said some of his energy costs had at least quadrupled
- He said all his pools are set at 28C and are ‘certainly not too cold’ to swim in
- Scotsman said they were turned down 1C to ‘help us combat the energy crisis’
Duncan Bannatyne has sparked a backlash after turning the swimming pool heating down by ‘one degree’ at his health clubs in a bid to survive the cost-of-living crisis.
The Dragon’s Den star, 73, revealed online that he and his company Bannatyne Group have told staff to turn down pool temperatures amid soaring energy prices – and said some of his running costs had at least quadrupled.
It came as Twitter users alleged some of the 69 pools currently operated by the group were ‘freezing’, as one claimed: ‘Plenty of people have complained yet no change.’
Mr Bannatyne responded: ‘My swimming pool temperatures are set at 28C which is certainly not too cold to use.
‘They were turned down 1 degree to help us combat the energy crisis. Some other clubs have closed pools or hot tubs Many clubs & leisure centres will close during the next few months.’
He added: ‘The cost of energy to heat pools has quadrupled in costs. Sometimes more.’
Duncan Bannatyne has sparked a backlash after turning the swimming pool heating down by ‘one degree’ at his health clubs in a bid to survive the cost-of-living crisis (Pictured: Bannatyne with his wife Nigora)
Twitter users alleged some of the 69 pools currently operated by the group were ‘freezing’, as one claimed: ‘Plenty of people have complained yet no change.’ (Pictured: File photo of the swimming pool at the Bannatyne Health Club in Maida Vale)
The Dragon’s Den star, 73, revealed online that he and his company Bannatyne Group have told staff to turn down pool temperatures amid soaring energy prices – and said some of his running costs had at least quadrupled
After one person told him to ignore the ‘malcontents’, the entrepreneur added: ‘Thank you. Many members have offered support of our temperatures.’
And following another comment suggesting it was ‘motivation to get swimming if people think it’s too cold’ he replied: ‘Yep.’
MailOnline has contacted representatives for Bannatyne and the Bannatyne Group for comment.
It comes after the Bannatyne Group tumbled into the red after the pandemic triggered the prolonged closure of its venues.
Accounts covering 2020 showed how turnover more than halved from £132.46m to £59.89m
Earlier this month, Bannatyne’s gym chain announced it would be shutting down posh perks like saunas in a bid to save cash amid the deepening energy crisis.
Bannatyne Health Club and Spa, which has dozens of sites dotted across the UK and is owned by the Scottish millionaire, confirmed it will be scaling back on its facilities.
The news was broken to members of the fitness operator in an email, which revealed that some exercise machines, saunas and steam rooms will be switched off during ‘non-peak times’.
After one person told him to ignore the ‘malcontents’, the entrepreneur added: ‘Thank you. Many members have offered support of our temperatures.’ And following another comment suggesting it was ‘motivation to get swimming if people think it’s too cold’ he replied: ‘Yep.’
It comes after Mr Bannatyne cut a smart figure as he cosied up to his glamorous wife Nigora on the red carpet at the Pride Of Britain Awards 2022 at the weekend.
Nigora, who he wed in 2017, is Duncan’s third wife after previously tying the knot with Gail Brodie and Joanne McCue, in 1987 and 2006 respectively.
The divorce from his second wife, Joanne McCue, was reported to have cost him a staggering £345million.
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