More than 50 of Flanders’ indoor public swimming pools have closed over the past 20 years as it becomes too expensive for local authorities to continue running them. As a result, people have to travel further to reach a pool, where they often pay a higher price as non-residents. The Flemish government is offering a grant for 40 new pools, but only four local authorities have taken up the offer.
Flanders has around 140 public indoor swimming pools. Four in 10 local authorities have their own pool. Many of these were built in the 1960s and 1970s and were beginning to show their age by the early 2000s. Local authorities then had to decide whether to build a new pool.
Many towns and municipalities chose to close their facilities, considering the renovations too expensive and the running costs too high.
For example, Aalter expects an energy bill of €278,000 this year for its pool and several sports halls. The costs for cleaning staff amount to €185,000 and water costs a further €28,000.
“We also have to change 60 litres of water per swimmer to keep it hygienic,” says Kristof De Blaere (CD&V/DU), the councillor responsible for sport. “Running a swimming pool is simply incredibly expensive.”
Aalst, too, has opted to build a new swimming complex, with a 50m pool. “Last year, we paid €260,000 for our energy,” says councillor Matthias De Ridder (N-VA). “We paid €108,000 for water. These are huge sums, which not every local authority is willing to pay.”
The declining number of pools is not without consequences. In some places, those who want to swim have to travel further than before. This is also a problem for schools, which are subject to a spending limit. A long coach journey quickly drives up the cost, meaning children get fewer chances to learn to learn to swim.
Running a swimming pool is simply incredibly expensive
In 2025, the Flemish Parliament approved a decree offering 40 projects a grant of €150,000 a year, for 30 years, to build a swimming pool. Local authorities carrying out a complete renovation of their pool are also eligible for the grant.
The government hopes to encourage towns and local authorities, as well as operators such as Lago or Sportoase, to build new facilities. However, after a year and a half, only four applications have been submitted: in Zaventem, Puurs-Sint-Amands, Bree and Veurne.
Zaventem is joining forces with Lago. The swimming pool will be part of a larger sports complex, which is due to be completed in a few years. The Aquapassion swimming pool in Puurs-Sint-Amands, a private initiative supported by the local council and Sport Vlaanderen, is due to open next autumn.
Four applications have now been approved, and there are a further six pending in 2026. That is certainly encouraging
“Local authorities need time to put together a sound application, taking into account various factors such as available resources and planning permission,” says Flemish Sports minister Annick De Ridder of N-VA.
“A grant application can only be submitted once the genuine intention to build a public swimming pool can be demonstrated. We expect applications to reach full speed next year. Four applications have now been approved, and there are a further six pending in 2026. That is certainly encouraging.”
Sport Vlaanderen and the local authorities of Zemst, Boortmeerbeek and Mechelen have reached an agreement in principle regarding the construction of the future swimming pool in Hofstade. Work on the only 50m pool for elite athletes in Flemish Brabant is due to begin in 2028.
The agreement brings to an end a years-long search for local partners for the complex, which will feature a 50m competition pool, a 25m teaching pool and a paddling pool.
A private partner is being sought to provide pre-financing for the €52 million project, as well as to handle the design, construction, maintenance and operation. The participating local authorities will commit to making annual financial repayments. In return, residents will benefit from a reduced rate.