Pool is Cool announces permanent closure of Brussels outdoor pool Flow

Brussels outdoor swimming initiative Pool is Cool is permanently closing its seasonal swimming pool Flow at the end of May.

In announcing the end of the canalside pop-up pool in Anderlecht, the community nonprofit organisation called on local authorities “to create permanent, accessible outdoor swimming places in Brussels”.

Pool is Cool cited political standstill, shrinking public funding and the fragile structure of its pool as reasons for the closure. “Continuing with Flow would no longer meet the standards of either the public or our team,” says coordinator Paul Steinbrück.

“Our aim was always to test and demonstrate possibilities, not to replace real, public swimming infrastructure.”

Pool is Cool also highlighted the regional government’s lack of action. Despite outdoor swimming being a stated ambition in the last majority agreement, “no permanent projects have been realised”.

Current proposals to create swimming facilities at Neerpede Pond, Becobad swimming zone, Abattoir pool and a natural pool in Uccle all remain stalled, it points out.

Since opening in 2021, Flow evolved over four seasons to became a vibrant social and cultural hub in the city. Thousands of visitors participated in year-round activities such as cold water swimming and sauna sessions.

But Pool is Cool will continue to campaign for outdoor swimming in Brussels and is willing to help public authorities “take the next step”, it says.

Photos: ©Pool is Cool