Deurne (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The new swimming pond in Deurne (80m long, 1.8-2.5m deep) uses plants to clean water. Stijn De Rooster praised its warmth. It’s open until September 14, 2025, with more pools opening nearby.
As VRT News reported, the new swimming pond in Deurne, a district of the city of Antwerp, Belgium, uses plants instead of chemicals to clean the water. It’s about 80 meters long, with water that’s 1.80 to 2.50 meters deep. There’s also a smaller pool just for kids. Around the swimming area, there’s a big lawn.
How is Deurne ensuring safety at its new swimming pond?
The new swimming pond in Deurne opened with water at 17.9 °C. Stijn De Rooster, who is incharge of sports, said the water felt “tropically warm” compared to the 3-degree water during the winter polar bear swims.
The city is thinking about building more natural swimming spots in other locations, but safety is very important. They want to make sure these places are safe, clean, and fun so people can enjoy nature and swim outdoors.
“Without chlorine, swimming is a completely different experience”
Swimmer in the Boekenberg pond
The new swimming pond in Deurne is popular, even with the “polar bears” who swim in the cold winter months. One of the polar bears said the water feels warm to them. They enjoy swimming in natural water without chlorine.
Officials mentioned that the pond has a blue-flag label. This label shows the water is good, there are lifeguards, first aid, and clean toilets. GoodPlanet gives this label to places that help the environment and teach about water and waste.
“I’m not a polar bear, but the weather is quite warm. I was looking forward to this moment to come swimming after the past warmer days. This is the most beautiful open-air swimming pool in all of Belgium and perhaps even in the Benelux, with a wooden esplanade, plants and trees. I’m going to enjoy it until September,”
the Swimmer in the Boekenberg pond said.
Swimming at the pond is open every day until September 14, 2025. The open-air swimming pool De Molen is also open and ready for visitors. In the coming week, 2 more outdoor swimming pools in Park Groot Schijn will open. From mid-June 2025, the Bonapartedok at the MAS could become a new open-air swimming location, assuming a suitable partner is found to organise the swimming days.
