Bahrain Swimming Pools Near Full Capacity for Summer

Swimming pools across Bahrain are almost sold out for the summer, with bookings hitting 95pc and some sites full until early September.

Families have snapped up morning and evening slots as searing heat and high humidity drive people away from parks and other open-air spots.

Prices range from BD70 to BD200, based on the pool’s size, area and facilities. Many operators charge about BD120 on weekdays and up to BD160 at weekends.

Indoor and air-conditioned pools are drawing the biggest crowds, with families keen on privacy, cooler rooms and space to eat, play and spend the day.

Abdullah Al Isa, who runs a pool in Sanad, said bookings shot up once pupils broke for the summer.

Most morning and evening slots were now full, with dates taken through July and August and into the first days of September.

He said the rush was common at this time of year, as families turned to malls and pools to escape the heat.

Ahmed Al Dallal, who owns a pool in Karzakan, said every slot had been taken until September 10.

He was also receiving dozens of calls each day from customers still trying to find a booking.

Pool owners were now offering far more than a place to swim, he said, with barbecue areas, sports courts, big screens for football matches and rooms fitted with video games.

Closed pools were the first choice for many families because they gave them privacy and shelter from the heat.

Al Dallal said weekday bookings cost about BD120, rising to BD160 at weekends.

He blamed higher water bills and the rising price of chlorine and other cleaning supplies.

A pool booking cost no more than BD100 in most cases three years ago, he said.

Mohammed Al Atta, who owns a pool in Buri, said customers began booking in mid-May, with weekend dates going first.

His prices had stayed near BD120 on weekdays and BD150 at weekends over the past two years.

Demand was still as high as in the last two summers, he added, with almost every slot taken.

Mr Al Atta said the market now ranged from smaller pools charging about BD70 to larger sites costing up to BD200, based on their area, fittings and extra services.