Seljavallalaug pool was built in 1923 by Björn Andrésson, with the help from fellow country men and the local sports association who wanted to provide the people and children of Seljavellir with a place where they could learn to swim.

From 1927 swimming lessons were conducted in the pool as a part of compulsory education and for many years after, Seljavallalaug was a ‘secret spot’ known only by the locals and tourists who wandered too far.