The Swimming Pool at Auschwtz

One of the more unusual constructions at the Stammlager is what seems to be a swimming pool. I first heard about the swimming pool in a documentary called Swimming at Auschwitz. So on a trip I just had to see for myself. The swimming pool is located behind Block 6 in the Stammlager near the perimeter fence. It was repaired by the museum in 2005. Apparently it was originally a water trough used as a fire brigade reservoir then converted to a swimming pool for the Kapos and prisoners to use as a reward for good behavior.

Kapos - a prisoner signed by the SS guards to supervise forced labour or carry out administrative duties in the camp. By assigning such prisoners meant that less SS guards were needed. They were very brutal towards the normal prisoners which the SS guards tolerated.

In the photos please note the diving boards and ladders.