TV paranormal investigator explores activity at Westbury pool

A television paranormal investigator has conducted a ghost hunt inside Westbury Swimming Pool, with participants standing in the water during the late-night session.  

Investigator Barri Ghai,  known for Help! My House Is Haunted, was joined by his wife and fellow investigator Emma Ghai and 18 guests at the historic Victorian venue on Saturday 27th June. 

The idea was first suggested jokingly during the recent heatwave, when the couple considered carrying out an investigation in the water to stay cool. After discussions with venue management, permission was granted for the event to go ahead. 

Westbury Swimming Pool, which first opened in 1888, is recognised as one of Britain’s oldest working public swimming pools. Staff and visitors over many years have reported unexplained activity including apparitions, footsteps with no clear source and objects moving without explanation, along with accounts linked to two deaths during its history. 

As darkness fell, guests and investigators stood waist-deep in the pool while specialist paranormal equipment was used, including SpiritWave, the Alice Box and digital voice recorders. 

Barri said it developed from an informal idea into a full investigation. 

“It genuinely started as a joke between Emma and I because of the extreme heat we’d been experiencing. 

“The more we talked about it, the more we realised nobody could find any record of anyone investigating a reportedly haunted swimming pool whilst actually standing in the water. 

“We spoke with the management team, who loved the idea, and before we knew it, we were standing in the pool in complete darkness carrying out a full paranormal investigation. It was one of the strangest, yet most enjoyable investigations Emma and I have ever delivered.” 

During the investigation, guests reported several unusual experiences. 

Whilst standing together in the water, a female guest asked, “Are you waiting for us in the changing room when we get changed?” 

Several people, including Barri and Emma, believed they heard what sounded like a faint male laugh at the exact moment the question was asked. 

“When the digital recorder was later reviewed, what appears to be a mocking male laugh can actually be heard immediately following the question,” said Barri. 

A few minutes later another guest asked, “Is swimming a sport or a hobby?” 

On playback, a faint female voice appears to respond, “It’s a hobby.” 

“Another unusual incident took place in the female changing room,” said Barri. “Whilst guests were changing into their swimwear, a wooden chip fork accidentally fell from a guest’s bag onto the floor. She picked it up and placed it into a bin several feet away on the opposite side of the changing room, an action witnessed by several other guests. 

“Approximately one minute later, what appeared to be the same wooden chip fork seemingly fell onto the floor nearby, drawing everyone’s attention. Although no explanation has been found, the incident sparked discussion amongst those present as to whether the object had somehow moved from inside the bin, with some present suggesting it may have been an example of an alleged ‘apport’ phenomenon.”  

The evening also featured psychic artist Andy Moore, who worked blind to the reported activity and produced sketches including a young girl he referred to as Grace and a male figure he believed to be connected to the female changing rooms. 

Barri said the venue’s history and the approach of the group made it a memorable investigation. 

“Whether people believe in the paranormal or not, this was an unforgettable experience. The venue has an incredible history, everyone approached the evening with an open mind, and we captured several genuinely intriguing moments that deserve careful analysis. It was a fantastic night and we’d absolutely love to return.” 

Selected footage from the investigation is expected to be released in the coming weeks on Barri Ghai’s YouTube channel and social media platforms. 

Pictured: Barri and Emma (front) with other participants