Bathhouse in Bytom

The bathhouse in Bytom is a functionalist building opened in 1934 that still serves as the municipal indoor swimming pool. It is distinguished by its reinforced concrete frame and clinker façade.

Construction

A design competition was announced in 1928 and construction began in May 1929, but it was interrupted by the economic crisis. The building was opened on 15 April 1934. The design was by Albert Stütz and Moritz Wolf, although some sources also name Carl Schmidt. The pool basin, measuring 33.3 by 12.5 m, was supplied with brine from the “Centrum” mine, probably until the 1960s. In the 1950s it was, according to accounts, the largest indoor swimming pool in Poland, with about 30,000 visitors a month.

Architecture

The modernist building has reinforced concrete load-bearing walls, a steel roof over the pool hall and cladding of clinker brick, sandstone and ceramic tiles. It includes an internal courtyard, and the three-storey pool hall is lit by windows on three sides. The six-storey tower, 22.6 m high, housed the boiler room and the tanks for water and brine.

Renovation

A renovation was carried out in 2009-2012, after which the pool opened on 1 June 2012. The new steel basin rests on hydraulic jacks because the area is subject to mining damage. The brine pool was not restored. The renovation added a lift for people with disabilities.

Practical information

• The bathhouse is a working swimming pool managed by the Sport and Recreation Centre in Bytom.
• Opening hours and rules of use are given by the centre on its website.