How about a swim without the chlorine? Here at Biotop Radotín that is exactly what you get. It is a unique swimming experience. This isn’t your typical chemically treated pool.
Biotop Radotín uses a natural biological system. Aquatic plants and ecosystems filter the water. This keeps it clean. The filtration occurs in special lagoons. It is pure swimming without harsh chemicals.
The swimming lake here is kidney-shaped. It measures about 62 by 75 meters. The depth varies from 0.4 meters to 3.25 meters. This accommodates both swimmers and non-swimmers. The swimming lake forms a closed water circuit. It is separated from the surrounding environment by foils.
The biological cleaning lake measures 80 by 30 meters. Its depth ranges from 0.25 to 0.85 meters. It is located in the northeastern part of the area. The swimming area and vegetation zones are interconnected. They form a circulating system. Water lost to evaporation is replenished. Biological cleaning happens in the shore zones. Gravity moves the water through a filter. Then the water flows back into the swimming pool.
The location of Biotop Radotín has an interesting past. It used to be a wastewater treatment plant. This plant was problematic. It was even considered a brownfield site. The city of Prague transformed the area. They built this natural swimming pool in 2013 and 2014.
Before its transformation, the wastewater plant fell into disrepair. After catastrophic floods in 2002, it became a haven for the homeless. In 2008 the city approved the area’s cleanup. The idea for a swimming biotope emerged.
Jan Schlitz, an architect from Radotín, developed the first study for the biotope. Later, city officials visited similar biotopes. These were in Kovalovice and Bantice. A more detailed study was then created. It was submitted to Prague City Hall.
In the summer of 2009, the old wastewater plant was removed. Construction was delayed until 2011. This was due to land ownership issues. The biotope project was approved in 2012. Construction began in 2013. The entire area was completed in the summer of 2014. It opened to the public soon after.
Today Biotop Radotín includes more than just the lakes. You will find summer changing rooms. There are outdoor showers. A children’s playground provides fun for the little ones. The grounds are grassed. An artificial irrigation system keeps it green. Landscape modifications and fencing enhance the area.
The main building houses facilities for swimmers and a buffet. There is also technical support space. This unique swimming spot offers a refreshing alternative. It is a place where nature and recreation meet. Enjoy your chemical-free swim here at Biotop Radotín.