The revamped Zsóry Spa may take on a Matyó character

According to the tender documentation, the most important feature of the development, which will be built on a site of approximately 6,650 square metres, will be the new wave pool. This will be surrounded by curved adventure and cascade pools, as well as the „slow and fast river” pool, evoking the shape of the circular pool slated for demolition, in a mirror-symmetrical layout.

Seven swimming pools, three water adventure areas

The pool complex will house seven pools. The new wave pool has a water surface area of approximately 709 square metres, a depth of 0–152 centimetres, and a water temperature of 28 degrees Celsius.

In addition, plans are in place for a 166-square-metre seated adventure pool, a 149-square-metre standing adventure pool, a 145-square-metre adult pool, and a 213-square-metre slow and fast river. Families will be catered for by a 130-square-metre adventure pool and a 120-square-metre family paddling and baby pool.

The water world is complemented by three further water-based activity areas: the fountain, the paddling pool and an 185-square-metre water playground.

In addition to the pool structures, the construction work also involves the creation of new machine rooms, shafts, equalising reservoirs, water circulation and attraction systems, waterproofing, cladding, and the entire hydraulic infrastructure. The wave pool has a planned water capacity of 475 cubic metres and a circulation capacity of more than 445 cubic metres per hour.

Matyó traditions in architecture

On the southern side of the complex, a new service building may be constructed, the exterior design of which, according to the tender specifications, will be characterised by a colour scheme and stylistic elements in keeping with the Matyó theme. Thus, part of the development is Matyó Büféépület, which will house, amongst other things, a buffet, storerooms, a salt cabin, sound and aromatherapy rooms, an accessible toilet and a water circulation plant.

As part of the landscaping , new walkways, paving, green spaces and outdoor furniture are being installed. According to the plans, 19 pergola-style shade structures will also be erected. The project will also ensure accessibility, including accessible toilets and facilities to assist the visually impaired with wayfinding.

Another significant factor from an energy perspective is that the buildings’ heating requirements would be met using water drawn from thermal wells. Two water-to-water heat pumps, with a total heating capacity of 481.7 kW, could be installed to utilise the heat content of the discharge thermal water.

Thermal water gushed out instead of oil

The history of Zsóry itself began with a stroke of luck. In 1939, whilst searching for crude oil on the estate of Lajos Zsóry , a Member of Parliament, thermal water gushed to the surface from a depth of 875 metres. According to the spa’s own historical summary, the first pool was built as early as 1940, and the water was classified as medicinal water in 1968.

The spa continued to develop steadily thereafter. The circular and wave pools were built in 1979; later, the complex was expanded with numerous new pools, medical and wellness facilities, a new indoor adventure pool and indoor swimming pool in 2017, as well as a playground and sports pitches, and an outdoor water slide park in 2019.