Temperatures are set to rise again this week, meaning many people will be looking to cool down with a refreshing swim. Luckily, Brussels has a wide range of bathing spots on offer.
Discover some of Brussels' most beloved pools below, as well as other spots on the horizon.
Open-air swimming pools
FLOW in Anderlecht is the only public open-air swimming pool in the region. Located at the Pierre Marchant bridge, it first opened to the public in 2021 and has since become locals' favourite spot to cool down in the summer months until early September.
Pool is Cool, the organisation behind FLOW, announced that this year's season will be extended until the end of September, to make up for the rocky start due to low water quality levels and poor weather.
Credit: FLOW
While FLOW is currently the only outdoor public swimming pool, potential newcomers are on the horizon. Last year, Brussels gave the green light to build a swimming complex on the Abattoir site in Anderlecht, which will see an indoor and outdoor swimming pool being created on the roof of the Manufakture building. Jérôme Bruyère of perspective.brussels confirmed the project is underway, but the opening has not yet been confirmed.
The BecoBad project is also in the works. The idea was announced last summer and will see a swimming zone – no less than 355 metres long and 13 metres wide, which equates to seven Olympic-sized swimming pools – created in the Becodok in the canal, near Gare Maritime. The City of Brussels aims to secure the planning clearance by 2023 so that the pool can open in 2026.
Finally, Brussels Environment is looking into opening up the Neerpede ponds (also in Anderlecht) to swimming.
Public swimming pools
There are around 40 swimming pools in the region, but some of them are privately owned. However, half are public and open to all.
The 15 communal pools operated by the various municipalities and public authorities offer cheap rates to Brussels' residents: a single ticket usually costs under €5 for adults and children under three swim for free. There are reduced tariffs for those living in the commune and cards for 10 or 50 sessions which also lower the price.
Piscine du Centre (Centre Baths), Les Marolles
Swimming here catapults you into another era: the construction of this iconic building started in 1949 and it was finally inaugurated in 1953. It is an ingenious piece of Art Deco architecture as, due to the lack of space and the irregular shape of the site, the two pools are placed on top of each other in the building's upstairs floors.
Credit: Les Bains des Bruxelles
Swimmers can enjoy the panoramic view of the Chapel Church through the bay windows and huge glass panes on the roof.
The building houses one sports swimming pool (25 x 12.50 metres and divided into six lanes) and one teaching pool (18 x 12.50 metres and divided into five lanes). The sports infrastructure is due to be renovated this year but the pool aims to stay open for as long as possible during these works.
Find out about ticket prices, opening hours and more here.
The Saint-Josse-ten-Noode swimming pool
The Saint Josse-ten-Noode swimming pool is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in Brussels. It was built in 1933 in the Art Deco style, and was soon listed as a monument of the region. It was then partially remodelled in 1960 with additional mosaic panels. It closed its doors in 2010 for renovations and did not reopen to the public until 2019.
The Art Deco pool was reopened in 2019. Credit: Saint-Josse-ten-Noode
The result was worth it: the grand façade, the monumental entrance hall and the rows of changing rooms around the swimming pool and on the first floor have all been preserved and returned to their original grandeur. The pool hall itself is covered by a vaulted ceiling, and the walls are pierced by large windows with plenty of natural light.
Find out about ticket prices, opening hours and more here.
L'Espadon in Etterbeek
L'Espadon is recognised as one of the best and cleanest swimming pools in the capital. Located in the commune's sports centre and inaugurated in 1976, the facilities include a swimming pool (25 x 14 metres), a training pool (7 x 14 metres), as well as a paddling pool and a small waterslide pool for children.
The municipal pool. Credit: Etterbeek
The impressive wooden arches over the large pool and windows on all sides provide a relaxing, light atmosphere, but what makes this pool particularly popular is the on-site Thermes de L'Espadon – a relaxation centre with saunas, hammam and jacuzzis.
Find out about ticket prices, opening hours and more here.
Soon to be re-opened
Neptunium pool in Schaerbeek
Neptunium, inaugurated in the late 1950s, is a must-visit for fans of modernist architecture. The structure is a perfect example of the so-called 'boat style' thanks to the bow-shaped elements, portholes and railings in the central swimming hall, giving the impression of being on a ship.
The pool will finally reopen from 18 September after six years of renovation work to improve the building's energy value and guarantee current hygiene and safety standards.
The Neptunium pool in Schaerbeek. Credit: Beliris
A variety of activities will be organised for the official opening, such as aqua gym sessions, scuba diving, underwater hockey, a synchronised swimming show and guided tours of the renovated facilities.
Find out about ticket prices, opening hours and more here.
Public pool of Ixelles
The Ixelles swimming pool was closed for major renovation work in September 2019 but is rescheduled to open in January 2024. It was built in 1904, making it the oldest pool in the Brussels-Capital Region, and was one of the first to introduce double-entry changing spaces.
The Ixelles pool ahead of the renovations. Credit: Beliris
The ongoing works will ensure facilitate access for people with reduced mobility and modernise the technical facilities.
Find out about ticket prices, opening hours and more here.
Victor Boin in Saint-Gilles
The historic Victor Boin pool is not scheduled to reopen until 2026. The bathing spot, which is over 100 years old, closed this year for maintenance works that are expected to take about three years as the heritage elements have to be safeguarded.
Credit: Saint-Gilles
As with many other historic pools in Brussels, changing cubicles are located all around the 33-metre-long lanes. The location is also famous for its hydrotherapy facilities, which are unique in Belgium.
Find out about ticket prices, opening hours and more here.
