About to the VUB swimming pool
The swimming pool at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) campus offers modern facilities to accommodate a wide audience, including individual swimmers, schools, and clubs.
Located at the crossroads of Ixelles, Etterbeek, and Auderghem, the facility includes two pools: a 25-meter pool and a smaller 13-meter pool with a movable floor, enabling a variety of activities such as aqua aerobics and swimming lessons.
Open to everyone, regardless of affiliation with the VUB community, this pool demonstrates the university’s commitment to providing quality services to the broader Brussels population.
Built in :
1988
Management type :
SPORT VUB
Facilities and equipment – VUB swimming pool
VUB swimming pool
Infrastructures of the VUB swimming pool :
Address and contact information – VUB swimming pool
Adress : Bd de la Plaine 2, 1050 Ixelles
Phone : 02 629 23 11
Email : sport@vub.be
Public opening hours – Main pool
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 12h – 14h et 17h – 21h |
| Tuesday | 12h – 14h et 17h – 21h |
| Wednesday | 12h – 14h et 17h – 21h |
| Thursday | 12h – 14h et 17h – 21h |
| Friday | 12h – 14h |
| Saturday | 12h – 16h |
| Sunday | 10h – 14h |
Additional Information on Public Hours
Weekdays (Monday to Friday):
The main pool is open for lane swimming, with a requirement that all swimmers can comfortably swim at least 200 meters.
- 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
- 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM (Monday to Thursday)
Saturday:
The main pool is available for lane swimming, while the small pool is reserved for family swimming (with a depth of approximately 65 cm).
- 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Sunday:
The main pool is open for lane swimming, and the small pool is available for family swimming.
- 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Closures: the swimming pool is closed to the public on public holidays, on 20 November, and between Christmas and New Year.
Access for minors: swimmers under 18 must always be accompanied by an adult swimmer. For children under 12, VUB recommends the weekend family swimming sessions in the small pool or joining a swimming school/club.
Outside public opening hours
Outside of public access hours, the pool is open but exclusively available for schools and clubs.
- The main pool is occupied by schools and clubs from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, then from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (until 10:00 PM on Fridays), on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, as well as on Sunday from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM and from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- The small pool is open to clubs and schools from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM (except on Wednesdays from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, reserved for the Swimove Swim School), on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, as well as on Sunday from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM and from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Last entry and exit from the water
The VUB swimming pool asks swimmers to buy their ticket at least 15 minutes before closing time and to leave the pool at closing time.
Entry fees – VUB swimming pool
The individual entry fee is €5.70. For a single admission, no VUB Sports Card is required, and the ticket remains valid for one year.
For 10-, 20- or 50-session passes, a VUB Sports Card is required. It costs €11.10 and remains valid for 5 academic years. Sessions loaded onto the card remain valid for as long as the Sports Card is valid.
Rates applicable from 1 September 2026:
- VUB students and staff: €5.70 single admission; €45.90 for 10 sessions; €86.20 for 20 sessions; €200.10 for 50 sessions.
- VUB alumni and equivalent rate: €5.70 single admission; €48.10 for 10 sessions; €90.90 for 20 sessions; €222 for 50 sessions. This rate notably applies to students, teachers and parents of students at the International School of Brussels, as well as Basic-Fit members.
- Other visitors: €5.70 single admission; €48.40 for 10 sessions; €93.70 for 20 sessions; €231 for 50 sessions.
VUB Sport app: it is strongly recommended to check the app before each visit for available time slots, possible closures and notifications. Since 1 June 2026, scanning a QR code is no longer mandatory.
VUB STUDENTS AND STAFF
| Individual | Price |
|---|---|
| Individual entry | 5.70€ |
| Entry cards | Price |
|---|---|
| 10 entries* | 45.90€ |
| 20 entries* | 86.20€ |
| 50 entries* | 200.10€ |
*VUB Sports Card: required for 10-, 20- or 50-session passes. It costs €11.10 and is valid for 5 academic years.
OTHER VISITORS
| Individual | Price |
|---|---|
| Individual entry | 5.70€ |
| Entry cards | Price |
|---|---|
| 10 entries* | 48.40€ |
| 20 entries* | 93.70€ |
| 50 entries* | 231€ |
*VUB Sports Card: required for 10-, 20- or 50-session passes. It costs €11.10 and is valid for 5 academic years.
Activities offered by the VUB swimming pool
The VUB swimming pool offers aquatic activities for adults and children.
Rental of pool and lanes outside public hours
The VUB swimming pool offers a wide range of pool rental options outside public opening hours:
The pool rental system at VUB is well-structured and adapts to the needs of schools, clubs, and groups wishing to practice aquatic activities. Here’s how it works in detail:
Rental of the pool for schools, clubs, and organisations
Groups can rent either the large 25-meter pool or the smaller 12-meter pool, each available at specific times. The rental system is flexible, allowing hourly reservations depending on availability and user needs.
Large pool (25 meters)
- Dimensions: 25 meters long with 5 lanes, gradual depth from 1 meter to 3 meters.
- Rental options: By lane or for the entire pool.
- Equipment: Each lane is equipped with a starting block.
Small pool (12 meters)
- Dimensions: 12 x 7 meters with an adjustable floor depth from 15 cm to 2 meters.
- Features: Higher water temperature, ideal for sensitive groups (babies, seniors, persons with disabilities).
Rental hours
School Hours
Monday to Friday:
- 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
During these hours, the large pool can be rented by lane or as a whole, with a lifeguard provided by VUB Sport.
Club Hours
Monday to Thursday:
- 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Friday:
- 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
During these hours, clubs and groups must rent the entire pool (large or small). A lifeguard must be provided by the renter to ensure safety.
Weekends
Saturday:
- 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Sunday:
- 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Outside of public hours, the entire pool can also be rented.
Rental rates
Rates vary according to the pool and the renter’s status:
During school hours – VUB student/staff rate (lifeguard included)
- Large Pool, per lane: €18.20/hour
- Large Pool, entire: €80.70/hour
- Small Pool: €62.50/hour
External rate / external organisations
- Large Pool, per lane: €32.80/hour
- Large Pool, entire: €144.80/hour
- Small Pool: €113.20/hour
Weekends (outside public hours)
Rental options depend on available time slots and the renter’s status. The external rates above serve as a reference for external organisations.
Rental conditions
- Rental is possible with or without a VUB Sports Card, depending on the conditions.
- For rentals outside school hours, clubs or groups must provide their own qualified lifeguard.
- Individual users may reserve up to 3 time slots maximum.
Reservations and additional information
Schools, clubs, and organisations can submit a rental request via the VUB website for regular or one-time use of the pool. It is important to check availability before submitting a rental request.
For more details, interested groups can contact the VUB Sports Service or review the rates and conditions on the official website.
Water quality
The water in the VUB swimming pool is treated with chlorine to guarantee optimum disinfection and ensure the safety of swimmers.
Rules of VUB swimming pool
Accessibility – VUB swimming pool
The pool is located on the VUB campus, easily reachable by public transportation:
- Tram Lines: 7 and 25, stop “Arsenal”
- Metro Lines: 5, stops “Hankar” or “Pétillon”
Other public swimming pools in the vicinity of the VUB swimming pool:
- Espadon swimming pool (Etterbeek)
- Ixelles swimming pool
