To make up for a shaky opening at the beginning of summer, Brussels' only public open-air swimming pool will remain open throughout September.
Pool is Cool, the organisation behind FLOW which is Brussels' only public open-air swimming pool, announced that this year's swimming season will be extended with the site on the Anderlecht canals remaining open until the end of September.
"First FLOW got off to a bumpy start this season and then the summer left much to be desired. To make up for that a little bit, we have decided to stay open in September," the organisation stated, putting the final open day on Sunday 24 September.
Water quality and endless rain
The start of the summer swim season was announced on 5 July but just two days later, the pool closed doors due to poor water quality, to the disappointment of those excited for a dip that first warm weekend.
This year, organisers opted for a biological water treatment system, which was the reason behind the closure. Levels of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria (which can cause ear and skin infections in vulnerable people) were deemed too high.
Water tests being carried out at the pool. Credit: FLOW
After a closure period of two weeks, the organisation announced that FLOW would once again be welcoming swimmers as the water quality had significantly improved. But by this point, it was almost the end of the first summer month.
To add salt to the wound, the days following the opening were grey and remarkably wet; conditions haven't improved much since.
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The organisation has now confirmed the pool will remain open for a longer period – welcome news for many Brussels residents, as weather forecasts predict up to 28°C next week and sun.
From 3 September, the pool will be open to everyone on Wednesdays (from 08:00) and during the weekends (from 09:00). On Saturday at 11:00, the pool will only be accessible to women.
The organisation noted that "plans might change according to weather and other circumstances." Swimmers have been asked to check the FLOW website or social media channels before their visit.
