Brussels' oldest swimming pool reopens to the public

The waiting is over - Brussels’ oldest municipal swimming pool, situated on the aptly named Rue de la Natation in Ixelles, welcomed its first visitors back into the water shortly before Christmas for the first time in five years.

The beautifully and meticulously renovated pool, built 120 years ago in 1904, but closed in September 2019 to carry out essential works, was inaugurated by Ixelles mayor Romain de Reusme (Socialist), fellow Socialist minister responsible for Beliris, which carried out the works, Karine Lalieux, and Brussels state secretary for heritage Ans Persoons (from the Flemish Socialist party Vooruit).

“Swimmers can now enjoy a modern swimming area that is more comfortable, more accessible and has been restored to its historic splendour,” Beliris said before the opening. A team of craftsmen had worked to restore any parts too damaged to their original state.

And indeed, the pool, listed in 2007, is stunning. The 1900s wooden changing cabins around the water - you leave your clothes there, it is a locker-free zone - have been perfectly preserved, the tired grey rubber pool liner has been replaced with ceramic monochrome tiles and the central hall wall’s pale yellow tiles literally gleam.

In addition, the pool building now meets the current standards of comfort, hygiene and accessibility, with its “original lustre” and “improved energy performance,” Ixelles commune said.

Notably, the leaky glass roof has been replaced by a triple-glazed structure, enhancing the insulation and aesthetics of the building. The pool is also accessible to people with reduced mobility. There is now a zigzagging access ramp to the entrance, a lift to the cabins and a new level footbath before entering the pool (also installed as essential to meet hygiene requirements).

And as before, something rare in Brussels’ pools, Ixelles has a special chairlift that allows wheelchair users to enter the pool in complete safety.

On the energy front, the heating and ventilation systems have been completely renovated, with the installation of new air handling units and a cogeneration system. All in all, the renovation will have cost some €8.5 million.

With the new setting offering old-world charm, superb heritage, up to the minute facilities and impressive access for all, mayor de Reusme, for one, could not conceal his pride telling reporters as he came out of the water: “I just want to say: come, don’t wait. The pool is exceptional, it’s really very, very beautiful.”

The pool’s oldest regular was invited to mark the occasion - 88-year-old Pierre, who had attended the pool for half a century, was delighted to return: “I started swimming here, and I still love going to aqua gym,” he said.

The 27°C heated pool is now open every weekday from 7.30 (07.00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays) until 18.00 (swimmers need to leave the pool at 17.45) with evenings reserved for swimming clubs and water sports, apart from Friday, a late opening day for all until 21.00. On weekends and national holidays, the hours are 9.30 to 17.30.

While Ixelles is no longer Brussels’ cheapest pool - in 2019, an adult Ixellois could swim all year round for less than €90 - its spectacular transformation is worth the higher entrance price.

This is now €3.50 (from €2) for a single Ixellois ticket and €5 (up from €3) for a non-Ixelles resident. Meanwhile its six and 12-month subscriptions are second cheapest in the capital – at €100/€120 and €180/€220 respectively for Ixelles/non-Ixelles residents.

Saint-Josse – another pool, built in Art Deco style in 1934 and also subject to a very impressive and also lengthy renovation, reopening in 2022 – is the best value.

It offers Saint-Josse and non-Saint-Josse dwellers the opportunity to swim all year round for €100/€150 respectively, and half these prices for a six-month subscription.