Integrated stairs and floor with valve in Swimming pool lokeren (Belgium)

NEW COMPLEX WITH FOCUS ON EASE OF USE AND ACCESSIBILITY

Lokeren Swimming Pool is part of a broader renewal of the Sports and Youth Complex, aiming for a clearly recognisable entrance, an inviting outdoor environment and a sports infrastructure ready for intensive daily use. The brief revolves around a transparent and public complex where sports, recreation and meeting come together-inside and outside.

Variopool realises two movable pool floors for maximum versatility

Variopool installed two movable pool floors in this project, so that the pools can be quickly and safely adapted to different target groups and activities. The target group pool has a moveable pool floor with two integrated steps, providing optimum entry comfort and accessibility for swimming lessons, senior citizens and aquatherapy, among others. In the competition pool, a moveable pool floor with flap has been installed, suitable for flexibly adapting the pool configuration to training, schools and competitions.

The movable pool floors have the following dimensions:
Competition pool: 25 x 6.4 metres (bottom with flap)
Target pool: 10 x 6 metres (bottom with two integrated steps)
The variable water depth creates a multifunctional pool that is efficiently programmable, with more possibilities within the same square metres of water surface.

Clear entrance and strong connection to surroundings

Access to the Sports and Youth Complex will be maintained via the subway between the Durme and the centre. In addition, an additional entrance on the east side has been realised so that visitors have direct and logical access to the entire complex. In conjunction with the building extension, a new reception area and catering facilities are planned, including a restaurant with a sunny terrace.

Outside, the sports site has also been made more attractive. The forecourt has been redesigned with level differences and play elements, so that the green environment actively contributes to recreation and meeting. The previously fragmented space around the complex now forms one pleasant, public green zone.

Pool facilities: sport, fun and wellness in one programme

The sports pool measures 25 x 17 metres and has six competition lanes, which can be converted to eight training or school lanes. A movable pool floor is integrated across half of the pool, with an area that extends to a depth of 3 metres. A paddling pool with play elements is available for young children. In addition, the complex offers additional recreational and relaxation features such as a 50-metre slide, water banks and a wellness zone with whirlpool, steam bath and sauna.
The warm instruction pool is multifunctional and, thanks to its moveable floor, suitable for various target groups: from recreation and swimming lessons to aquatherapy and supervised sports.

Design-build-maintenance: essential in complex pool technology

The realisation of a swimming pool requires specialist knowledge and tight process control. That is why a design-build-maintenance approach was chosen, in which design, construction and technical maintenance (for a longer term) are coordinated from the start. This integral cooperation supports quality, reliability and continuity in operation.

Energy-efficient and logically arranged building

The swimming complex is energy-efficient with an insulation score above the legal requirements. The ground floor houses sports functions, changing rooms, information desk and the restaurant. The first floor provides space for offices and meeting rooms. The entire technical area is underground, together with storerooms, bicycle sheds and additional functions such as the existing party hall, play-o-theque and the House of the Child.

Also designing a pool that effortlessly switches between target groups, lesson programmes and competitions?

Variopool realises customised solutions such as movable pool floors, including steps and valve configurations, for maximum flexibility and efficient operation.