Brussels' open-air pool closes temporarily to ensure water quality
Brussels’ only open-air pool is having to close temporarily as its popularity has put a strain on its biological water treatment system.
Flow, in Anderlecht, is open every day in the summer and has frequently been fully booked due to recent warm weather. Regular tests of the water quality have shown that two out of nine parameters tested were above the official limit in Brussels. The pool will remain closed until all parameters are back within the limits.
Lab test results will be discussed with the engineers responsible for developing the natural water treatment infrastructure and experts from Brussels Environment and the municipality of Anderlecht to decide when Flow can reopen. Because of the public holiday on Thursday, this will not be before the weekend.
“The situation is very unfortunate for you and for us,” pool management said in a statement.
“This is a possible scenario that we want to deal with as responsibly as possible. The swimming pool and the plant filters of the water treatment system are an interconnected natural system that unfortunately has no quick fixes. Instead, the system needs a few days of rest to recover and return to its ideal balance.”
Flow was created in 2021 by the collective Pool is Cool, which wants to promote open-air swimming in Brussels and show policymakers that there is a demand among citizens. Since December, the pool has also been open on Sundays for winter swimmers.
© BELGA PHOTO / VIDEO LAUREANE BARBIER
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