De Houtvaart, Outdoor swimming pool in Haarlem, Netherlands.
De Houtvaart is an outdoor swimming complex in Haarlem with a 50-meter main pool containing heated water and a separate shallow section for children. The concrete structure incorporates water basins positioned above the entrance to provide natural heating for the pools.
The facility was built in 1927 with a distinctive concrete cubic design typical of early 20th-century modernism. Originally it featured separate sections for men and women divided by removable wooden partitions.
The facility serves different communities in Haarlem, with early swimmers, families, and naturists each having dedicated times throughout the week. This arrangement makes the place meaningful to many groups within the city.
The pool is located at Piet Heinstraat 12 and only accepts electronic payments for entry. Children without swimming certificates must wear flotation aids, so plan accordingly and bring any equipment needed or check what the facility provides.
The water tanks positioned on top of the structure were an innovative 1920s solution for free solar heating. This early sustainable approach to temperature control has been preserved and remains visible to visitors today.
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