05.12.2016
Largest indoor swimming pool in the country opens

To say the indoor swimming pool in Uster has merely been renovated would give the wrong impression; after all, the revamp has cost CHF 38 million.
 
Much of this has gone on constructing a new Olympic-sized pool, i.e. of 50 metre-length, with no fewer than ten lanes. Another feature it has, unique to Switzerland, is that, with the help of an automatic barrier, lanes can be divided into 20 lanes of 25 metres each, or even into ten lanes of 25 metres and five of 50 metres. All this will be very much appreciated by the Uster Wallisellen Swimming Club, the most successful in all Switzerland.  As its president, Philipp Walter, explained, some top swimmers train as often as ten times per week. Thanks to this major upgrade, the club will now be able to accommodate 100 more members, meaning 350 in all; it is not surprising there is a waiting list.
 
When it comes to major galas, a mobile stage with seating for as many as 700 spectators can be moved into position. Of course, there are new offices and conference rooms, too, and, what is more, a room for doping tests to be made.
 
With windows on three sides of the building, natural light floods through into the pool areas; the gold-coloured the ceiling of the Olympic-sized pool yet another particular feature of its striking design.
 
The 50-metre slide with its many curves remains, but the paddling area for children has been greatly enlarged. Then there is a new spa area, too, with Finnish and bio saunas as well as a steam bath.
Not unsurprisingly, the complex benefits from the latest technology, with warm water and electricity provided by solar panels and a heat-recovery system installed.
 
So where did the CHF 38 million come from? The Swiss state made a contribution of CHF 4 million and the canton helped with a further CHF 3.5 million. The rest was paid for by locals themselves, but, as this article in the Neue Zürcher Zeitung explained, at least they benefit from cheaper admission charges.
 
 
 
 

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