DORCHESTER'S 1610 sports centre has found itself in hot water with customers after moving some aqua classes from the warmer small pool to the colder main pool.

Several have written to complain, some saying they are not being listened to, with reports that a few will be resigning their membership unless the changes are reversed.

A number of those who take the aquahiit (brief bursts of very high-intensity work followed by a recovery period) and aquafit classes are disabled and find it difficult to have to climb in and out of the main pool on a ladder, rather than walk into the small pool, as they used to, using steps with a handrail for added safety.

Many have complained not only about the colder water, but also say the main pool is on a slope with a shiny floor, putting them at risk of falling and causing strain by having to try and balance with one leg higher than the other.

"I think 1610 thought they could get more people into the aqua classes if they switched to the main pool because there is almost always a waiting list, but the reverse has happened with some classes now down to half of what they used to be," said one regular, "It's even more galling when you look across and see the small pool not being used."

In a statement 160 said they had made the changes to try and allow more people to book the classes but have not said they will make any immediate change to their current programme.

Copies of several letters of complaint have been sent to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which writes for local media outlets.

Said one: "Since I was diagnosed with severe degenerative arthritis in my spine several years ago I have been able to benefit from some of the exercise classes run by the excellent instructors of 1610… it has enabled me to build muscle to support my back and help to maintain my flexibility despite my condition.

"The relocation of the classes to the main pool has caused me a problem.

"The depth of water that I need to carry out my exercise program needs to be around the 1.2m. mark. I have found that if I exercise in water that is much shallower I do not benefit from the support of the water and my joints can hurt quite badly after a session. If I exercise in water that is much deeper, I find that I do not challenge my body enough to maintain those muscles that I rely on to keep me active."

Another, who benefits from a Wellness prescription to use the centre, said: "If you suffer with joint and mobility problems as I do myself, due to having Rheumatoid Arthritis, the cold water of the big pool really has a detrimental effect and many of the attendees have these problems too.

"The floor of the big pool is very slippy so you cannot exercise properly, and the differing water levels means you just cannot exercise as you should.

"The small pool is if a much better temperature for aqua exercise and it is a constant level of water which enables you to work out correctly.

"I know I am not alone in complaining why this class has been moved, this is just not acceptable especially if, like me, they are on the Wellness programme also.

"Whatever or whomever has come to these conclusions to move these classes should really be putting the wants and needs of the members first. I also know people lane swimming in the big pool are unhappy with these changes as it reduces the width of the lanes they can use, and puts restrictions on them also.

"Perhaps some further thought needs to be given to these changes as there's a strong possibility of people cancelling their membership altogether."

1610 have been asked if they will re-consider their current booking policy but in a statement did not say they would do so, only that the changes would be reviewed.

Their statement reads: "1610 are currently trialling running more aqua classes in the main pool. This is following customer feedback that some customers are experiencing difficulties in booking classes due to the popularity of aqua classes. By putting the classes in the main pool, we can allow more people to access these classes. The group exercise programme at Dorchester Sports Centre will continue to be regularly reviewed."