Spiere's open-air swimming pool has a special history. In 1935, the State built a factory between the Spierebeek and the Scheldt, with the aim of conducting tests on water purification. On May 18, 1937, King Leopold III visited this water treatment plant. The plans were canceled because they were too expensive and too polluting. The building was neglected and was transformed into a swimming pool by Mr. Samain. There was a last swimming session in 1955. In the meantime, the former open-air swimming pool was given the status of a protected monument.
Since 2021 you can visit a permanent outdoor exhibition. No fewer than eight artists immersed themselves in the story of this unique heritage gem and presented their artistic interpretations of the Old Swimming Pool. Their designs are presented on panels on the wall between the changing cubicles along the old swimming dock. Nostalgic archive photos were previously given a well-deserved place there.
Each concept receives the necessary explanation via an audio story that is available both via the Heritage app and via YouTube. The visitor can also watch a short documentary about how vibrant life in and around the swimming pool used to be via a QR code on site.