Soaking Up the Heat, but Not Your Wallet: A Third of Public Pools Aim to Hike Prices
Approximately one out of every three outdoor swimming pools bumps up its rates
Summer is almost here, and the thought of a cool, refreshing dip in a public pool is enticing for many Germans. However, a survey by the Association of Municipal Enterprises (VKU) reveals that this leisurely experience might be denting wallets more than expected.
As per the data collected from 113 operators of municipal pools across Germany and reported by the Funke media group's newspapers, 35% of them have plans to increase prices this year. But this price hike might not alleviate the grim financial picture many municipal pool operators face: 72% of them anticipate a deterioration in their financial situation over the next five years, with a meager 4% expecting improvement. Concerningly, 16% are even contemplating shutting down outdoor or indoor pools in the short or medium term. The main issues, as reported by pool operators, are labor shortages, lengthy renovation backlogs, and insufficient funds.
Despite expecting similar visitor numbers in 2025 compared to an average of around 75,000 guests per pool recorded in 2024, 27% of those surveyed express hope for an increase in demand this year.
One Billion for Modernization? Not Enough, Say Advocates
Studying the survey and its financial implications, VKU CEO Ingbert Liebing calls it a "wake-up call to the federal and state governments." "We urgently need improved, well-funded programs for the preservation of our swimming pools, even though one billion euros is a step in the right direction," Liebing remarks, referring to the coalition agreement of the black-red federal government, which pledges at least one billion euros for the modernization and renovation of sports facilities.
Placing importance on swimming pools' contributions to social cohesion, Liebing comments, "These pools are the small summer for our social harmony. They serve as havens for health, fitness, and the fostering of essential life skills like swimming. They're places where individuals from diverse backgrounds can interact." This intermingling of people from different walks of life should remain possible, irrespective of one's place of residence or municipal finances. "The concerning trend of increasing numbers of children who can't swim is alarming," he adds.
The "Bathing Atlas" of the German Society for Bathing lists over 6,000 indoor and outdoor pools. While outdoor pools account for less than half, there are roughly 2,400 standalone outdoor pools and an additional 400 combination pools that offer both indoor and outdoor swimming facilities.
In facing these challenges, municipalities might strive to collaborate with the local community through consultations and partnerships with local businesses, fostering support and innovative solutions to maintain pool services. Meanwhile, many cities, such as Berlin, already offer seasonal tickets, aiming to stabilize revenue and reduce the need for price increases for individual visits.
- Given the financial struggles of municipal pool operators and the increasing number of pool closures, it would be beneficial for the community and employment policy to explore partnerships with local businesses for financial support.
- As swimming pools play a significant role in fostering social cohesion and teaching essential life skills like swimming, it is crucial for both the employment policy and the finances of the business sector to invest in improved programs for the maintenance and modernization of these facilities, particularly as the number of children who can't swim is alarming.
