It's time to get the swimsuits out, as Brussels' beloved open-air swimming pool FLOW by the canal in Anderlecht will welcome its first visitors soon.
The bathing spot, located at the Pierre Marchant bridge, first opened to the public in 2021 and has since become locals' favourite spot to cool down in the summer months until early September. During this period, it is open every day of the week.
As was the case in the previous two years, mornings from Tuesday to Friday are reserved for organisations to plan group swimming sessions for free, while during weekends, the mornings are reserved for (free) swimming lessons for children, teenagers and adults.
FLOW swimming pool in Anderlecht. Credit: POOL IS COOL
Reservations can be made free of charge on-site, but those looking to get in early and book their 45-minute time slot for an afternoon swim (from 13:00 until 19:00) can do so from Tuesday 4 July via the booking page for a reservation fee of €3 for adults and €2 for children, 24 hours in advance.
"It is best to book a time slot in advance as demand will far exceed FLOW's capacity on days with nice weather," the organisation stated.
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As FLOW runs solely on donations and help from volunteers, a 'FLOW SUPPORTER' ticket option has been launched to allow those who have the financial means to support the organisation while reserving a spot.
This year, the biggest change to the pool is the new biological water treatment. This means that the water at FLOW is treated with biological filters, where plants and microorganisms guarantee good water quality rather than chemicals such as chlorine.
More than just swimming
The sun terraces and the kiosk selling local food and drinks will be open to everyone all day, and other sports activities such as yoga, qigong and aqua-gym classes will be offered throughout the week.
Various other events will also take place at the pool, including concerts and pool parties, children's story times, debates and dance performances.
For now, FLOW is the only open-air pool in all of Brussels. However, more bathing spots are set to open in the region soon, including along the Quai des Péniches, located in the heart of Brussels' Northern Quarter, and on the roof of the old Abattoir building in the Cureghem district in Anderlecht.
