Sarria Swimmers Shift to Outdoor Pools for Summer Lap Training

Sarria opened its seasonal lap lanes at the Sarrià Municipal Pool on Carrer de l'Església on June 15 with 25-metre marked lanes now operating daily from 7 a.m.

July temperatures climbed above 30 degrees for 12 straight days this month, pushing more locals toward water-based exercise instead of indoor gyms. The city wellness plan launched last year already lists outdoor swimming as a priority activity for residents aged 18 to 65.

The Sarrià Municipal Pool sits at the edge of the Sarrià neighbourhood and shares its schedule with the nearby Parc de l'Oreneta rock pools along the Riera de Sant Gervasi stream. Both sites maintain separate lap sections that close only during scheduled maintenance on Tuesdays.

Two sites draw steady crowds

At Parc de l'Oreneta the natural rock pools offer three 20-metre lanes cleared each morning by Sarrià Sports staff. Swimmers pay 3.50 euros for a two-hour session, and the site recorded 1,240 visits during the first week of July. The municipal pool charges 4.80 euros for the same time slot and keeps a 50-metre lane open until 8 p.m. on weekdays.

Both locations sit within a 10-minute walk of Plaça de Sarrià, making them reachable without a car for most neighbourhood residents. The city added new bike racks at each entrance in May to support the active-commute push.

Practical steps for lap swimmers

Arrive before 8 a.m. on weekdays to secure a lane at either site, as numbers rise after 9 a.m. Bring a cap and goggles; the rock-pool water stays at 21 degrees while the municipal pool holds 24 degrees. Check the Sarrià Sports website each evening for any lane closures announced for the next day.

Swimmers who prefer the rock pools should wear water shoes on the stone entry steps. Those choosing the municipal pool can rent kickboards for one euro at the kiosk. Both sites advise booking a spot online when possible to avoid queues at the gate.