Historic pool is fit for the future

118 years after its opening, the Merkel swimming pool has made the leap into the here and now – and we at ATZWANGER have been closely involved. The historic Art Nouveau indoor pool and, above all, the swimming pools added in the 1960s, where generations of Esslingen residents took their first dips, have been successfully renovated and made fit for the future: with innovative and energy-efficient technology and the removal of barriers.

At the end of March, the city and Stadtwerke Esslingen ceremoniously handed over the renovated sports and teaching pools to clubs and schools. Work will continue in areas such as the ticket office and sauna catering until the fall, when entire complex will once again be accessible to the entire population.

The barely recognizable sports pool from the 1960s is bright, warm and modern – all in stainless steel, with new ceilings and floor coverings as well as heated benches. The teaching pool has also been fitted out in a much more comfortable way.

While the modernizations are clearly visible here, the heart of the renovation is hidden: The pool water technology, which ATZWANGER was commissioned to renew. 

“The circuits for all the pools have been renewed, and thanks to our modern pool water technology, the water quality has reached a top level,” explains Andreas Eschgfeller, the project manager responsible. “It also saves the municipal utility company operating costs. The water used to clean the filters is also not lost. It is treated separately and can then be used as irrigation water by the city's Parks Department."

Another special feature: “The Art Nouveau pool has its own well with mineral water,” explains the project manager, “this is also perfectly treated with our technology.”