Cooling off at Bucharest’s swimming pools

Summer is officially here, although one might not think so judging by the weather over the last couple of weeks. But with the rainy period hopefully behind us, BR brings you a selection of better places to get wet as the mercury rises – Bucharest’s top swimming pools.

By Oana Vasiliu

The capital is not awash with places to take a dip, so we have put together a list of resorts which offer a good splash, where you can unwind with a refreshing cocktail or sate your post-swim hunger with a bite to eat.

In south Bucharest, approximately 6,000 pool lovers per year use the wellness facilities of Daimon Club, which has an indoor swimming pool inaugurated in 2005, and an outdoor one in use since 2008, says Anca Ivanov, the club’s PR & marketing coordinator. The number is expected to rise by another 500, for all facilities, including the wellness club, restaurant, tennis court, football pitch and the club zone, added Ivanov.

The other side of the city, in the north, at Pescariu Sports & Spa, the swimming pool was opened in 2012, and is considered one of the most modern and luxurious pools in Bucharest, with various facilities and special sections, says Valentina Vasilescu, the club’s marketing manager. As summer season started later than expected, Pescariu Sports & Spa estimates growth of only 10-15 percent in the number of pool clients this year.

Moreover, the latest pool in town is also situated in the north. Vitality Wellness Club, from Ramada Hotels, has already sold 300 subscriptions for the whole facility, with another 500 still available, says Ben Yehuda, general manager of Ramada Plaza and Ramada Parc. At Vitality, the indoor semi-Olympic pool is cleaned with organic chlorine which club officials say is made from salt and is not harmful to the body. In mid-July the outdoor pool will also be opened.

Aqua Garden Militari Residence
Address: 70 Rezervelor Street, Rosu, Ilfov Country

Over 900 sun beds await guests around the two outdoor swimming pools near Bucharest, along with facilities for children such as a playground and baby pool. The tropical bar sells fruit juices and the restaurant serves both Romanian and Mediterranean food.

Club Floreasca
Address: 1 Mircea Eliade Blvd.

The resort, situated in a quiet area of Bucharest, has an indoor pool equipped with a state-of-the-art water filtration and heating system. It has a special area for sun bathing, if you want a natural tan, and there are also facilities for children. The entrance fee is RON 80 per day, and one-, three-, six-month and one-year subscriptions are available.

Club Snagov
Address: 1B Nufarului Street, Snagov Sat, Ilfov

If you want to be in water while you re-hydrate, try the palm tree-adorned Snagov Club Pool Bar. About 25 minutes away from Bucharest, the bar serves a range of cocktails which you can also enjoy on one of the chaise-longues, amid palms, music and fun.

Crowne Plaza Hotel
Address: 1 Poligrafiei Blvd.

In the north of the city, the hotel boasts a relaxing indoor heated pool, which comes with a summer terrace surrounded by greenery, and chaise-longues where you can sunbathe. The entrance fee is RON 65 from Monday to Friday. Subscriptions also include access to the gym, sauna and massage area.

Daimon Wellness Club
Address: 10 Calea Piscului Street
The club awaits its visitors with two swimming pools, outdoor and indoor. A day pass costs RON 60 at weekends, or RON 40 from Monday to Friday. If you want to get in shape for your summer holiday, there is also fitness, spin and a sauna. Ask about the discounts for family members and children.

Divertiland
Address: 1st Divertismentului Street, A1 Bucharest-Pitesti highway, km 13, 077040, Chiajna, Ilfov.

This place promises food courts, inflatable tubes, sun beds, lockers, clean water, a team of lifeguards and first aid unit, plus shops and an ATM.

Children can have some aquatic fun at the Elephant Springs or the Hippo Pool, while adults brave the water slides, the Rainbow Tower, Waterfall and Kilimanjaro.

If you’re in the mood for more extreme pursuits, try Bungee Dome – the jumper attraction. Entrance costs RON 50 on weekdays, RON 80 at weekends. Subscriptions come with discounts.

Pescariu Sports & Spa
Address: 3 Glodeni Street

Since opening in 2012, this place has established itself as one of the most modern and luxurious pools in Bucharest, with a Jacuzzi, fun jets and illumination systems, as well as a VIP area, restaurant and bar zone and other facilities. A day pass costs RON 60 on weekdays, and RON 100 at weekends, while the VIP zone charges RON 300 and RON 450 respectively.

Saftica Resort
Address: DN 1 road, Saftica village, Ilfov.

A three-ring swimming pool for total relaxation 10 km from Bucharest, the Aqua del Mar pool offers leisure, play and swimming zones, but the most indulgent option is to get a cocktail from the pool bar and enjoy it on an inflatable. Prices go from RON 20 to RON 40.

Strandul Tineretului
Address: 1 Primo Nebiolo

The pool is situated in the Kiseleff zone, on a secluded street that leads you to a summer hot spot. Entry fees are pretty low for the area, at RON 20 from Monday to Friday and RON 30 at weekends. The swimming lessons are a popular option.

Vitality Wellness Club
Address: 3-5 Poligrafiei Blvd.

Vitality Wellness Club is the latest facility to open up in the north of Bucharest from Trend Hospitality, including an indoor semi-Olympic pool, a fitness room, dry sauna and wet sauna. In mid-July an outdoor pool, children’s playground, all-season Jacuzzi, relaxation zone with 80 sun beds and a terrace will join the mix. Membership packages run from EUR 110/daytime/month to EUR 1,090/full-time/year.

Waterpark
Address: 255A Calea Bucurestilor, Otopeni, Ilfov, near Otopeni Airport.

Offering unlimited splashing fun, Racer, Twister, Turbo Slide, Kamikaze, Super Ride and Splash Crash are the tubes recommended by Rino, the water park’s mascot.

The ideal destination for a day of wet and wild fun in the sun.

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