Molenbeek Sports Center / Bassin Louis Namèche

I have been swimming here for the last three years and, in my opinion, the first two reviews bear little reflection to reality. The pool was build at the beginning of the 1970s, a major and high quality community project. Naturally, almost 45 years of use have left their mark and the current state is a bit run down. But the hygiene is impeccable and the staff spare no efforts. Lanes are generously sized; and early mornings are very relaxed, not crowded. After 9 AM some of the lanes are usually booked for school classes; and even then there is section for the general public. In the afternoons, there is also a window when there are not many people. Having said all that, the pool closes on 24/12/2013 for a major renovation which is going to last minimum two years.

People swim every which way, with little regard for circle swimming, staying off the lane ropes, or finding lanes with “like ability” swimmers. OK until DROVES (hundreds) of kids showed up and swarmed over all of the lanes. Get there before 1:30 PM on Fridays, when the kids start entering the water. 12 – 1:30 was adults and manageable.

…beautiful pool. Nicest shower/dressing room I've every used… But, no lap lanes, just a large pool with a rope to divide the shallow end from 50m of deeper pool.