About Vesturbæjarlaug Pool
Vesturbæjarlaug Pool opened in 1961. The building is 850 square meters. The facility features a swimming pool, children's pool, five hot tubs, a steam room, two saunas and an infrared sauna. In 2014, a double hot tub was added. Two saunas and an infrared sauna were also added in 2025.
Architects
Bárður Ísleifsson and Jes Einar Þorsteinsson.
Year of construction
1961.
Building history
In 1953, two committees were appointed for the construction of the Vesturbæjarlaug Pool. One was a building committee, organized by the Reykjavík town council, the other was a fundraising committee appointed by the Reykjavík Sports Federation. The fundraising committee raised funds from the residents of Vesturbær and girls from the Women's Academy (“Kvennaskólinn”) also raised funds for the construction of the pool.
By the end of 1953, 150,000 kr. had been raised. The intent was not to build the pool only for the collection money. The town of Reykjavík also gave funding. This initiative led to the start of construction. The collection money was used to buy a piece of art painted on ceilings and walls at the front and to buy a large aquarium that was installed in the pool lobby, and enjoyed by visitors for years.
A new double tub with massage nozzles was added in 2104.
In 2025, we added two new saunas and one infrared sauna, along with a shower area and relaxation area.
| Building size: | 850 m2 |
| Lot size: | 1,633 m2 |
Main pool
| Length: 25 m, width: 12.5 m | Max depth: 3.80 m | Min depth: 0.90 m | Circulation time: 6 per 24 hours |
| Surface area of the main pool and children's pool: 430.5 m2 | Volume: 700 m3 | Temperature: 27-30°C | Number of lanes: 5 |
Children's pool
The children's pool temperature is 32°C. Cleaning equipment is shared with the main pool.
Hot tubs
| Cold tub | Temperature: 8-12°C | 3.7 m2 | 2.7 m3 |
| Tub 2 | Temperature: 38.6°C | 1.5 m3 |
| Small whirlpool bath | Temperature: 38.6°C | 3 m2 | 1.5 m3 |
| Tub 4 | Temperature: 43.6C° | 3.3 m2 | 6 m3 |
| Large whirlpool bath | Temperature: 39°C | 59 m2 | 44 m3 |
| Wading pool | Temperature: 37°C | 33 m2 | 10 m3 |
Cleaners are sand filters, 4 for hot tubs and the cycle time is 48 times a day. Disinfectant medium is chlorine pH. CO² management. The total amount of water in hot tubs is 14.2 m3.
The large whirlpool bath and paddling pool do not have a heat exchanger. These are real old school thermal pools. These additions are equipped with 4-cubic-meter balancing tanks and the latest computerized systems to control temperature and water quality.
Steam room
| Steam room | Joint: 28 m2 |
Sauna
The facility was expanded in December 2025 with two new saunas, an infrared sauna, and new shower and relaxation areas.
Saunas are not open to children under 16 unless they are accompanied by an adult. The saunas are wheelchair accessible.
Water in showers
Mixed thermal spring water and heated cold water to reach 43°C.
Pool water
All water in showers and pools and tubs is thermal spring water. The pH of the water is controlled by the use of carbon dioxide and therefore has a pH of about 7.5, which makes it possible to limit the use of chlorine.
Chlorine levels are determined by Article 17 of Regulation No 814/2010 on Hygiene at Swimming and Bathing Facilities.
Playground equipment
Small children's slide and basketball panel.
Outdoor change rooms
Outdoor change rooms have four showers and a toilet.
Private changing room
The facility has a private changing room.
Directors since opening
Höskuldur Goði Karlsson 1961-1965
Guðmundur Þórarinsson assistant
Erlingur Þ. Jóhannsson 1965-1981
Haukur Jónasson 1981-1994
Ólafur Gunnarsson 1994-2004
Jens Á. Jónsson 2004-2005
Guðrún Arna Gylfadóttir 2005-2011
Hafliði Halldórsson 2011-2017
Guðrún Arna Gylfadóttir 2017-2022
Anna Kristín Sigurðardóttir 2022-