Authorities order immediate closure of Szent István pool in Esztergom

The municipality is considering a legal challenge. Temporary venues are being discussed for swimmers as the city prepares a renovation.

Authorities in Komárom-Esztergom County have ordered the immediate closure of the Szent István pool in Esztergom. Local outlet KEMMA reported that Mayor Ádám Hernádi announced the decision on October 9 and said the municipality was examining whether to challenge it.

The district office’s order concerns operating requirements for public baths and documentation for water treatment. KEMMA reported that the pool can reopen after the relevant public-health and technical rules are approved. The mayor had said a July sample showed free active chlorine and trihalomethane levels within legal limits and questioned the need for closure without a follow-up sample. That is the municipality’s position, while the closure order came from the supervisory authority.

The city is discussing temporary options for swimmers, including a covered pool at the Aquasziget leisure complex and capacity in nearby Dorog and Štúrovo, Slovakia. Mayor Hernádi said the bath is more than 100 years old. The city is preparing a renovation and plans to include funding for it in next year’s budget.