The dilapidated swimming pool in Semily is set to be transformed into a biotope

Semily - The dilapidated and long unused swimming pool in Semily is set to be transformed by the local council into a biotope swimming pool. The costs for building the natural reservoir with a root cleaning system and facilities at Ostrov are estimated, including the project, to be 12 million crowns. If the necessary permits are obtained and construction begins in the spring, the new swimming pool could welcome its first visitors as early as next summer. This was announced today by Mayor Lena Mlejnková (Choice for Semily).

There has been a lack of swimming facilities in Semily for years. The city has long debated what to do with the dilapidated site and the crumbling reservoir. Currently, the only option for residents is to swim in the Jizera River or travel to swimming pools in neighboring municipalities. However, at the end of last year, the councilors decided to prioritize the reconstruction of the swimming pool into a biotope.

The swimming pool will be built by the council according to the design by Jiří Rous from the Terén design studio. The design includes an oval swimming area with shallow gently sloping water surfaces. Wooden docks will be placed at the edge and within the swimming area. The cleaning principle is based on the water flowing through a gravel filter and plants, which will be located in a separate area and partially along the edge of the swimming area. The design also includes small water attractions and facilities for refreshments.

Although there are currently not many such swimming pools in the Czech Republic, their numbers have been increasing in recent years. "Water cleaning in a biotope swimming pool occurs naturally, through biological processes in the cleaning zone. Thanks to this, the water is clean and hygienically safe even without the use of chemical disinfection, making it suitable for allergy sufferers and eliminating the risk of skin and eye irritation," Mlejnková described the advantages of the chosen solution. Lower operational costs are also an advantage. "We investigated this with others and the costs are one-third," added Deputy Mayor Tomáš Sábl (Choice for Semily).