Time has run out for Lahti’s land-based swimming pool – the famous summer oasis is closed for good as a safety risk

The legendary land pool in Lahti will no longer open its doors. A thorough renovation of the pool would have cost €8 million.

The Gulf ground swimming pool closes for good. Located at the foot of the Hyppyrimäkie, the ground pool is legendary for many people in the city. Tourists from other parts of the world have also enjoyed a dip in the pool.

The city’s welfare and leisure committee decided yesterday that the swimming pool will be closed. It will not reopen this summer.

Opening in summer 2026 would have meant expensive renovations. Keeping the power plant open would have required an €8 million renovation.

– It is virtually overwhelming below.

According to Mäkunen, chlorine water has been reinforced. It oxidizes the reinforcement.

– The situation is that it is a genuine security risk from the perspective of people and the environment.

In addition, according to Mäkunen, the outdoor swimming pool is located on groundwater.

– This has been the case for many years with an exemption. Now the situation is that we are no longer able to take the risk.

Can the city afford to invest in other sports services?

In Lahti there is a heavy need for sports investments, but money is tight.

The city has long been awaiting a 50 -meter swimming track and otherwise better opportunities for swimming.

The Welfare and Leisure Board, which has decided to close the outdoor swimming pool, wants the city to be prepared for the construction of a water sports center in next year’s budget.

The new council will be decided. Maria Mäkynen points out that she is not involved in decision -making. For him, the council should now have the courage to make a decision on a new water sports center.

– The swimming pool was not repaired because we wanted a new water sports center, so I think it’s a condition for this, says Mäkynen.

If the plans for sports center are implemented, it is possible that an outdoor swimming pool will also be built in connection with it.