RTU Ķīpsalas Peldbaseins / Riga Technical University Swimming Pool

This is a good, functional pool for swimming laps. I visited on a Monday afternoon, three lanes were open for public lap swimming and teams were training in the other lanes. I shared a lane with only one other swimmer. Built in 1979, it's still got that Soviet-era feel to it.

Contrary to the earlier reviews, in September 2024 I was not required to take off my street shoes before going from the cash desk to the locker room.

The pool is located across the river from old town Riga, on the west side of the Daugava River. Kipsala iela (street) is the first bus stop over the Valdemara iela bridge on the right. The facility is a short walk, across the street from the Islande Hotel.

Upon entering, change into pool footwear on the benches to the left, then approach the reception desk. A key for a locker will be dispensed. Portholes that align the corridor to locker rooms provide an interesting underwater view of the pool.

The water is cool and deep. I found that the swimmers were polite in the lanes, but every day I swam there it was busy - at least three or four people per lane. The locker rooms were very clean and had hairdryers. And I agree with the first reviewer: Bring shower shoes.

The other 50m pool in Riga, the Elektrum Olimpiskais Centrs, is a bit more expensive and the hours are a lot later, 8:30AM or so on weekends, so I stayed with this pool. Apparently the other one is very nice, as well, and residents of Riga always mentioned that one to me when I asked about pools.

Clean; well maintained; well staffed; large change rooms; showers with ample hot water. The pool is 'all deep'; the water temperature ideal for training, not for 'fun' use. Take shower shoes, as shoes are left at reception and it's a long walk to the changing rooms.