Brussels’ outdoor swim spot Flow reopens on 5 July

Brussels’ outdoor pool Flow in Anderlecht reopens for the summer season from 5 July until early September.

Reservations for swim spots open on 4 July, although it’s already possible to book for group swims and swimming classes.

Open seven days a week, the 17m x 7m pool is available to the public every afternoon, while the sun terraces and kiosk with its refreshment stand are open all day.

The pool remains free for swimmers who reserve at the pool or drop in for a last-minute dip if there are free places. But for online reservations of a 45-minute time slot, a booking fee is charged.

The morning sessions are reserved for a variety of aquatic activities, including fitness classes and swimming lessons. It’s also possible to swim on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8.30-10.00. On Saturdays, there’s a reserved session for women only.

Organiser, Pool is Cool, recommends that visitors book ahead, especially when temperatures rise.

Cultural events lined-up

Once again, the site along the canalside also serves as a seasonal cultural venue with a programme of music, dance and artistic performances, pool parties, children’s storytelling and talks.

To mark the opening weekend, the pool invites Etat des Lieux #1, an experimental event around sound and water, curated by Nadine.

Pool is Cool is a nonprofit initiative by campaigners who are promoting outdoor swimming in the capital.

They have introduced a new biological water treatment at Flow. Water in the pool is no longer treated chemically with chlorine, but with biological filters where plants and microorganisms guarantee good water quality.

This ecological approach is already in practice at other public swimming spots in Belgium, including Zwemvijver Boekenberg in Antwerp and Piscine Belvédère in Dour.

Flow also has a partnership with sustainable energy platform Bolt for a 100% green electricity supply. It’s generated in Wallonia by the Fabribeckers Family hydroelectric plant.

Flow
Pont Pierre Marchant/Digue du Canal
Anderlecht

Photo: courtesy Pool is Cool