Swimming is a popular hobby in Finland. Local residents often swim in natural bodies of water during the warm summer months. As the water cools down, they head to indoor swimming pools.
An indoor swimming pool, or ujula in Finnish, is a place where one can swim, participate in water aerobics, relax in a hot tub, play in a children’s pool, and enjoy a sauna. Visiting a swimming pool supports well-being in various ways.
In Helsinki, there are 13 swimming pools, with the Yrjönkatu swimming pool located in the city center currently undergoing renovations until the end of 2025. Visiting a swimming pool is a paid activity, with a two-hour time limit for each visit.
Rules are in everyone’s interest
When visiting a swimming pool, it is important to familiarize yourself with the rules of the facility. These rules ensure a pleasant and safe experience for everyone.
Proper hygiene, including showering before entering the pool and wearing appropriate swimwear, is crucial to maintaining the cleanliness of the pool water. Clothes and outdoor shoes should be left in the locker room, and before entering the pool, one should shower without swimwear. Hair should be thoroughly wetted or covered with a swim cap. It is not allowed to shave, dye, or cut hair, or do manicures/pedicures in the swimming pool area.
Swimwear should have sleeves and legs, and swim shorts are allowed but not beach shorts. Underwear should not be worn under swimwear, and skirts or dresses are not allowed in the pool area.
When using the sauna, leave swimwear in the dressing room. Finns typically sauna naked, but you can cover yourself with a towel if you prefer. The sauna is a place for relaxation, and some people prefer silence, so it is important to speak quietly. It is polite to ask others for permission before throwing water on the sauna stove.
At the Itäkeskus swimming pool, there are separate dressing rooms for women and men, as well as a unisex dressing room for all guests. For example, families with children, people with disabilities, and representatives of sexual minorities can dress and shower in private cabins. The key to the unisex dressing room can be obtained from the swimming pool cashier.
Children from the age of seven must use the dressing room corresponding to their gender.
Take care of your and your children’s safety
Swimming is a fun activity for the whole family. It is recommended that children spend time in the water and learn to swim. The caregiver is responsible for a child who cannot swim. One adult with swimming skills can supervise up to three non-swimming children.
A child under the age of 10 who cannot swim can only enter the water with a person over the age of 15 who can swim. Non-swimmers should only be in the shallow end of the pool. To enter the large and diving pool, one must be able to swim at least 25 meters.
Walk carefully in the shower and pool areas to avoid slipping. Only jump into the pool from designated areas, usually the ends of the pool. Always follow the instructions of the swimming pool lifeguard.
Swimming schools and women’s swimming times in autumn 2024
Swimming pool summer closures vary in length. In July, the Töölö, Malmi, Vuosaari, Kallio, and Kontula swimming pools will open. In August, the Itäkeskus, Pirkkola, Mäkelänrinne, and Siltamäki swimming pools will open. The Jakomäki, Lauttasaari, and Helsingin Suomalainen Yhteiskoulu swimming pools will open in early September.
Popular women’s swimming times will continue at the Jakomäki swimming pool on Tuesdays from 2 pm to 8 pm starting from September 3rd. During this time, only female staff will be present in the swimming pool. Tickets for swimming times can be purchased in advance from the online store, including limited swimming lessons.
If you want to learn how to swim, paid swimming schools are available for both children and adults. Adults learn in mixed-gender groups, and there are also groups specifically for women led by a female coach.
You can find out about the autumn courses on the City of Helsinki’s online sports store starting from July 29th. Registration will begin gradually from August 12th.
7th to 9th-grade students can participate in a free swimming school through Vimma Sports.
In conclusion, swimming is not only a popular hobby in Finland but also a great way to stay active, relax, and socialize. By following the rules and guidelines set by swimming pool facilities, visitors can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for themselves and their families. Whether you’re looking to improve your swimming skills or simply unwind in the sauna, Finnish swimming pools offer a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy.
