Frequently asked questions about special swimming card
The issuing criteria for the special swimming card were changed in 2024. On this page, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the reform and its impacts, as well as other frequently asked questions.
Why were the issuing criteria for the special swimming card changed?
The primary purpose of this reform is to ensure equal treatment of residents. Going forward, you will also not have to disclose your private health information to Sports Services in order to obtain a special swimming card..
Why can you no longer use a particular diagnosis to prove that you are entitled to a special swimming card?
The aim of the reform is to treat Helsinki residents equally when issuing special swimming cards, regardless of their diagnosis. The revised issuing criteria make it possible to buy a special swimming card, regardless of which illness or disability you have.
I am not eligible for a special swimming card. What other affordable options for water sports are available to me?
Children under the age of seven can use the City of Helsinki’s swimming halls and outdoor swimming pools free of charge. In summer 2025, children and young people aged 7–19 who live in Helsinki can also access Helsinki’s outdoor swimming pools free of charge with a Helsinki Youth Services membership card, also known as Jässäri.
The most affordable option offered by Helsinki’s swimming halls for adults is the weekday product, available for purchase since 1 April 2025, which allows swimming between 11.00 and 15.00. You can also use the weekday product to access the gyms and weight training halls managed by the City of Helsinki. If you would also like to exercise in the morning or evening, the most affordable product is the seasonal product that is valid for four months. The seasonal product of a swimming hall or outdoor swimming pool also gives you access to the gyms and weight training halls managed by the City. Customers belonging to concession groups (e.g. children, seniors, students) receive a substantial concession on the four-month seasonal product.
Price list of Helsinki Sports Services
Read more about the weekday product
Additionally, partner swimming halls (Urheiluhallit Oy, Lauttasaari Secondary School, Helsingin Suomalainen Yhteiskoulu Secondary School) offer different prices for different target groups, if you prefer to use their swimming halls.
How can I bring an assistant with me to a swimming hall in the future if the special swimming cards allowing for an assistant (special swimming cards 2 and 3) are discontinued?
The special swimming card 2 was a card that allowed you to bring one assistant, while the special swimming card 3 allowed you to bring two assistants. These cards were discontinued on 1 March 2024.
Going forward, a special swimming card of the City of Helsinki will automatically include the right to be accompanied by an assistant. Your need for an assistant is verified at the swimming hall’s cash desk each time you enter the facilities. The swimming hall’s cash desk will grant the assistant access for a single visit.
Why were the special swimming cards allowing for an assistant (special swimming cards 2 and 3) discontinued?
The purpose of the special swimming card reform was to harmonise the practices regarding assistants and make the cards better meet the individual needs of those requiring an assistant. The previously used special swimming cards allowing for an assistant were subject to strict rules on assistants, which often did not serve all people who need an assistant in the best possible way. Under our revised policy, we no longer require an assistant to be present at every swimming session, and the assistant does not necessarily have to be of the same gender as the person being assisted if the customer does not need the help of an assistant in the shower and changing rooms. Therefore, the practices regarding assistants will be the same as those for customers without a special swimming card. Customers will also be better able to define where and how they need an assistant based on their individual needs.
Additionally, the policy on the right to an assistant will be expanded. Going forward, a special swimming card of the City of Helsinki will automatically include the right to be accompanied by an assistant. The need for an assistant is verified at the swimming hall’s cash desk upon entrance. The swimming hall’s cash desk will grant the assistant access for a single visit.
What is a base card and how does it differ from a special swimming card?
The base card granted the right to purchase a special swimming card under the issuing criteria that were in force until 29 February 2024. The special swimming card is a seasonal product for water sports.
I have a base card that is still valid – can I use it to buy swimming time until my base card expires?
The base card policy was an arrangement that was intended to make it easier for customers to use their special swimming cards. In practice, it was a record in our system indicating that the customer had provided proof of meeting the previously used issuing criteria for special swimming cards, and that they have the right to purchase swimming time for as long as the same issuing criteria are valid. Thanks to this arrangement, customers did not need to present proof of their eligibility once a year when purchasing a special swimming card. As the issuing criteria were changed completely, the right to buy swimming time based on the old criteria also no longer applies.
The special swimming card reform does not affect the validity of any previously purchased swimming products that are valid for one year, and you can use up such products as usual. When next purchasing swimming time, all special swimming card holders will have to verify their eligibility for a special swimming card under the new criteria. In other words, the old base cards are cancelled as a result of the reform, in order for the issuing criteria to be the same for everyone after the reform.
Why was the card for the visually disabled retained if diagnoses are no longer accepted as an issuing criterion?
Visual impairment is not an individual diagnosis but a general term for a visual functional limitation, in the same way that a physical disability indicates a person’s reduced mobility, for instance.
The card for the visually disabled is accepted as proof because, going forward, the special swimming card will be issued on the basis of significant functional limitations that are due to disabilities or long-term illnesses. The card for the visually disabled is issued based on a medical certificate that proves that the degree of the person’s visual impairment is at least 50%. A 50% visual impairment is classified as a significant functional limitation. As the special swimming card will be issued to persons with a significant functional limitation going forward, the card for the visually disabled will be accepted as proof because it verifies a person’s significant functional limitation.
The criteria for the special swimming card changed. Where can I return my card and can I get a refund on the €4 customer card fee?
The card is personal and does not need to be returned. The €4 customer card fee is non-refundable in accordance with the customer contract terms. You can return the card to the sports facility if you wish, but you can also exchange it for a Sports Services customer card, free of charge, if you would like to purchase another seasonal product.
I have lost my special swimming card. How can I obtain a new card?
You can obtain a new card at any of the service points selling the special swimming card by proving your identity. Please note that you will have to pay the €4 customer card fee again. A special swimming card that has already been paid for will be updated to the new card.
Where can I check the validity period of my special swimming card?
If you are unable to go to a swimming hall to check the validity period, you can enquire about the matter by calling the service number for special swimming cards, +358 9 310 87509 (telephone hours Mon and Thu 14.00–16.00), or by emailing erityisuimakortti(at)hel.fi.
I have a special swimming card. However, I need an assistant to accompany me to the swimming hall. What should I do?
If the customer is of school age or older and needs an assistant in the changing or shower room, the assistant must be of the same gender as the cardholder, unless the swimming hall has a unisex changing room available (= same changing room for all genders). If the customer does not need the help of an assistant in the changing and shower rooms, the customer does not have to be of the same gender as the assistant.
The following swimming pools have a unisex changing room, which customers can use with an assistant of a different gender:
- Itäkeskus Swimming Hall (no sauna)
- Pirkkola Swimming Hall (only one customer + assistant at a time)
- Töölö Swimming Hall (no sauna)
- Mäkelänrinne Swimming Hall (no sauna)
- Vuosaari Swimming Hall (must be booked separately).
My child is entitled to a special swimming card. How can I apply for a card for the child, and how can a parent accompany the child?
Children over the age of seven can obtain a special swimming card based on the same criteria as adults. Please note that all children under the age of seven can swim free of charge at the City of Helsinki’s swimming halls.
The parent can accompany the child if the child needs an assistant. A valid special swimming card of the City of Helsinki includes the right to be accompanied by an assistant at the swimming halls and outdoor swimming pools of the City of Helsinki, Urheiluhallit Oy, Helsingin Suomalainen Yhteiskoulu Secondary School and Lauttasaari Secondary School. Your need for an assistant is verified at the cash desk of the swimming hall or outdoor swimming pool each time you enter the facilities. The swimming hall’s cash desk will grant the assistant access for a single visit.