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Approximately one out of every three outdoor swimming pools increases its admission fees.

Uncertain financial footing persisted

Berlin residents endure lengthy queues at Columbia-Bath location
Berlin residents endure lengthy queues at Columbia-Bath location

Wave Goodbye to Sunbathing and Splashing? Every Third Public Pool in Germany Braces for Higher Entrance Fees

Approximately one out of every three outdoor swimming pools increases its admission fees.

Summertime's coming, and the livin' ain't easy for everyone—not least for those who love a refreshing dip in their local swimming pool. But here's a cold shower to start off the season: a survey reveals that more and more German public pools are raising their entrance fees.

To be precise, a whopping 35% of pool operators surveyed by the Association of Municipal Enterprises (VKU) have confirmed they'll be bumping up prices this year. And the news isn't all sunshine and roses from there, either; over three-quarters of municipal operators of outdoor and indoor pools anticipate their financial situations to worsen in the next five years, with barely 4% expecting things to get better. Heck, 16% are even considering shutting down outdoor or indoor pools in the short to medium term!

Why the doom and gloom? The usual suspects: staff shortages, deferred maintenance, and you guessed it—a lack of financial resources.

In fact, a whopping 72% of pool operators predict a skiddy financial future, with only 4% seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. That's got to leave quite a splash.

But all hope ain't lost, as 27% are still holding out for a rise in demand this year. We're talking around 75,000 pool visitors per facility, according to VKU data from 2021. Here's hoping they're right.

Calling it a "wake-up call," VKU CEO Ingbert Liebing is urging both the federal and state governments to pony up with better, better-equipped funding programs for pool preservation. "We're talking about swimming pools being vital for our social cohesion, places for fitness, health, and learning the critical life skill of swimming," he insists. "And it's too important to be determined by where you live or your municipality's financial situation."

So, we need a big ol' doughnuts-and-coffee summit of the feds and states, stat! And no busy-talk—just results. Ingbert's proposing a cool billion euros to modernize and upgrade sports facilities in the coalition agreement. That's music to our ears, buddy!

Want more? Dive into the "Bathing Atlas" and you'll find over 6,000 indoor and outdoor pools—don't fancy outdoor bathing? You're in luck: less than half of them are outdoor! With around 2,400 pure outdoor pools and an additional 400 hybrid ones, you'll find the perfect swimming ground somewhere. Happy bathing!

Sources: ntv.de, als/AFP

  • Pool Prices
  • Operational Costs
  • Maintenance Expenses

Behind the Scenes

Here's what you might munch on while reading the revised article:

  • Pool Prices Increasing: Economic factors such as rising energy and water treatment costs (caused by inflation and broader economic conditions), maintenance expenses, and staff shortages could lead public pools to hike up their entrance fees. While higher prices might deter access for lower-income families, frequent user membership programs like the Sommermehrfachkarte in Berlin can offer a cost-effective alternative for committed pool-goers.
  • Subsidies and Partnerships: To offset the financial burden on pool operators and swimmers, there are other options on the horizon. For instance, subsidies and discounts for low-income families, public-private partnerships for financing upgrades and maintenance, and enhancing sustainable practices can all contribute to lower operational costs and improved facility conditions.
  • Social Impact: Aside from the economic impact on pool operators, rising prices might lead to negative perceptions and reduced usage of public pools as community spaces. Conversely, boosting investment in pool modernization and renovation can help maintain their vital role as hubs for social cohesion, health, fitness, and learning essential swimming skills.

The increasing pool prices could be a result of economic factors such as rising energy and water treatment costs, maintenance expenses, and staff shortages. To address this, federal and state governments could consider providing better-equipped funding programs for pool preservation.

Subsidies and partnerships with private entities for financing upgrades and maintenance, as well as enhancing sustainable practices, could help offset the financial burden on pool operators and swimmers, especially lower-income families. These measures could ensure continued access to these essential spaces for health, fitness, and community engagement.

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