Germany: Conversion of “Platsch“ Bathing Facility into Natural Adventure Pool

Germany’s Platsch bathing facility, which is located in Ennepetal/North Rhine-Westphalia and features an indoor pool, an outdoor pool and a sauna area, is part of the regional sports and leisure landscape. Due to high operating costs and outdated technology, the operating company of Platsch, Kluterthöhle und Freizeit GmbH & Co. KG, has recently taken the decision to transform the outdoor pool into a natural adventure pool.

In cooperation with Germany’s EKO-Plant company (part of Pauly Group), the outdoor pool will see a major renovation. Construction works are scheduled to start this spring. As a central element, a biological-physical water treatment plant will be built at the site of the adults’ swimming pool. Thanks to a so-called “Geomatrix®” filtration system, special reed plants and a phosphorus filter, the plant will be able to operate entirely without the use of chlorine.

In addition, a new pool structure is planned, combining the swimmer and non-swimmer pools with a total water surface of around 1,150 square meters and featuring a barrier-free ramp access. For swimmers, there will be four lanes and a separate endless loop area with a water depth of 1.8 metres. A wave slide is to provide additional bathing fun. The non-swimmers’ area will be connected to a sandy lagoon, leading to a sandy beach. In addition, a newly designed paddling pool with a slide and fountains, a new beach volleyball court and a toddlers’ play area will form part of the new offer for bathing guests.

After a construction period of around eleven months, during which the outdoor pool will remain closed, it is scheduled to reopen in time for the 2020 summer season. (eap)