Deurne — A newly opened swimming pond in Deurne, a district of Antwerp, Belgium, offers a unique eco-friendly experience by using plants instead of chemicals to cleanse the water. Measuring around 80 meters in length and between 1.8 to 2.5 meters in depth, it is designed for both casual swimmers and families, featuring a smaller area specifically for children. The facility is surrounded by a spacious lawn ideal for relaxation.
According to VRT News, the natural swimming pond opened with a water temperature of 17.9°C. Stijn De Rooster, the local official in charge of sports, described the water as feeling “tropically warm” — especially appealing to locals known as “polar bears” who swim even during winter in much colder conditions.
Safety remains a top priority for the city as it considers opening more natural swimming sites. City officials emphasize the importance of maintaining high safety standards while encouraging outdoor recreation in a natural setting.
“Without chlorine, swimming is a completely different experience,” said a regular swimmer at the Boekenberg pond. Many visitors express their appreciation for the natural, chemical-free water, noting it offers a refreshing alternative to conventional pools.
The pond has been awarded a Blue Flag label — a respected international certification indicating that the water quality, safety standards, sanitation facilities, and environmental education at the site meet stringent criteria. The environmental organization GoodPlanet oversees this certification.
“I’m not a polar bear, but with the warm weather, I was really looking forward to this,” another visitor shared. “This is the most beautiful open-air swimming pool in all of Belgium, and perhaps even in the Benelux. It features a wooden esplanade, lush plants, and trees. I’ll enjoy this until September.”
The Deurne pond will be open to swimmers every day until September 14, 2025. Other outdoor facilities are also beginning to welcome guests. The open-air pool De Molen is now operational, and two more pools in Park Groot Schijn are set to open within the week. Additionally, authorities are exploring the possibility of turning Bonapartedok at the MAS into a swimming location by mid-June 2025, pending the identification of a managing partner.
Eurotoday is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. It offers in-depth, independent coverage of international and European affairs. With a broad European viewpoint, Eurotoday reports on EU policies, political developments within member states, and global issues affecting Europe.
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