Oldest Danish open-air pool faces million-kroner upgrade to meet environmental rules

Engesvang Friluftsbad, Denmark’s oldest open-air swimming pool, must raise more than DKK 5 million to renovate its basins and piping to comply with tightened environmental standards, according to a report by DR.

The 1930 facility in central Jutland draws 10,000 visitors a year, but its volunteer board now faces a bill exceeding DKK 5 million for new overflow gutters and pipework, chairman Jakob Østergaard told DR.

“That is a very, very large sum for us,” Østergaard said. “We will have to seek grants and foundations to make it work.”

Denmark counts 54 open-air pools, most run by volunteers. SvømDanmark director Allan Nyhus warned that stricter environmental rules threaten the viability of such facilities, potentially limiting children’s access to swimming lessons.

The Environmental Protection Agency told DR the rules are necessary because chlorine alone cannot remove all contaminants brought in by swimmers; water must circulate through filters and other treatment to remove particles.

Odense recently closed its 93-year-old open-air pool after renovation costs became prohibitive, and Glamsbjerg on Funen has temporarily drained its pool for the same reason. Hammershøj and Nr. Søby face similar upgrade costs of DKK 5 million and DKK 16 million respectively, with Nr. Søby also planning to add water slides.

Engesvang’s board hopes to complete the work within a few years; no firm deadline has been set.