Splashin' Cash: Soaking Up the Cost of Summer Dips at Public Pools
Every third outdoor swimming pool increments its fee.
Gear up for those warm summer days, because it's about to cost a pretty penny to take a refreshing dip at your local swimming pool. According to a survey by the Association of Municipal Enterprises (VKU), one-third of public pool operators across Germany are hiking their ticket prices this year—and they're far from the deep end financially, either.
72% of these operators expect their financial situation to worsen over the next five years. The main concerns? Staff shortages, maintenance backlog, and worryingly, lack of funds. With 16% considering shuttering outdoor or indoor operations in the short term, it begs the question—what's the fate of these much-loved, social hubs in our community?
The costs cited are multifaceted. Inflation and energy expenses are a major contributor, along with ongoing maintenance and upgrades to meet safety standards. To the untrained ear, it might sound like a splash in the ocean—butchered wallets aside, think of it like a drop in the bucket for communal swimming pools that serve families from all walks of life.
What's on the horizon? Government intervention could be just what the pool lifeguard ordered. VKU boss Ingbert Liebing termed the situation a "warning bell to federal and state governments ": One billion euros for modernizing and refurbishing sports facilities, a stipulation in the black-red coalition agreement, might be the lifesaver our pools desperately need.
Swimming pools, with their health, social, and life skills provisions, serve as theellixir of our social cohesion. Let's keep them open and thriving, regardless of the municipality's pocketbooks and currency flows. Unfortunately, studies have shown an increasing number of children who can't swim, making these spaces more crucial than ever.
Fun fact : The Bäderatlas, a bathing guide by the German Society for Bathing, lists more than 6,000 indoor and outdoor pools. Of these, a mere 43% are dedicated outdoor pools. Embrace the splendid sensation of cold water against your skin—just be ready to weather the price hike.
- Swimming, Surveys, Prices
The current financial situations of pool operators are a cause for concern, with 72% anticipating a worsening financial condition over the next five years. Employment policies and community policies might need to be adjusted to address staff shortages and ensure the maintenance and upgrading of swimming pools. The finance ministry might consider allocating funds from the promised one billion euros for modernizing and refurbishing sports facilities to mitigate the financial issues faced by swimming pools.
