A Dundee councillor believes the admission price structure at the new Olympia pool discriminates against people who want an early-morning swim.
Broughty Ferry member Laurie Bidwell thinks the showpiece £31.5 million centre at East Port is operating more like a private sports club than a public pool.
He has written to Leisure & Culture Dundee managing director Stewart Murdoch, who is also leisure and communities director on the city council, to ask for a rethink.
Mr Bidwell said a constituent complained to him that, between 6am and 8am, access to the 50-metre training pool is only for Leisure Active members, who must pay a minimum of £19 per month or get a National Entitlement Card.
The councillor said: “For those that want to swim at this time, and also from 8pm to 9.30pm, there is apparently no casual turn up and pay access.
“Dedicated lengths swimmers who don’t want to go to the pool just to splash around can’t just get in by paying the standard £3.50.
“This policy seems discriminatory because many people can’t afford the monthly cost of a membership.
“It also seems to exclude people who want to swim lengths and are not members of swimming clubs.
“They need a more comprehensive rethink,” Mr Bidwell added.
A spokesman for Leisure and Culture Dundee said: “It is intended that early hours access to the new Olympia will be by card.
“The National Entitlement Card and Leisure Active cards have been integrated and are the principal means of entry.
“A review of the membership scheme is currently under way and swim-only memberships are under consideration.”