Wahlsdorf outdoor pool: rescue for the summer or impending standstill?

Wahlsdorf outdoor pool: rescue for the summer or impending standstill?

Things are currently looking rather poor in Germany's small municipalities when it comes to outdoor swimming pools. What is particularly pleasing, however, is the outdoor swimming pool in the Brandenburg village of Wahlsdorf, which is run by the city of Dahme/Mark. With its 296 residents, it is not only a popular meeting place for villagers, but also attracts tourists and users of the Flaeming skate track. According to Kommunal.de there are still a total of 2,416 outdoor swimming pools in Germany, but the decline is dramatic. Five years ago there were 3,240, and the main reason for this is a shortage of staff and skilled workers.

38% of indoor and outdoor swimming pools in Germany already have vacancies. Last season, one in ten pools had to close temporarily. This problem is also noticeable in Wahlsdorf. In 2023, the city of Dahme/Mark transferred the operation of the outdoor pool to Aquapark Management GmbH. Mayor Thomas Willweber emphasizes the importance of outdoor swimming pools for rural areas and the need for investment.

Outdoor pool under pressure

The funding for the modernization of the outdoor pool in Wahlsdorf is a ray of hope. The municipality received 260,000 euros from the EU's Leader funding program. Extensive modernizations are planned, including the renewal of the water treatment system, new piping and heating with waste heat from a biogas plant. Nevertheless, current data from the German Hotel and Professional Association shows a deficit of 915 lifeguards in Germany. It is reported that many swimming and outdoor pools in Germany have to open later, close earlier or even close completely.

The pandemic-related brain drain has hit the sector hard. In addition, more and more children cannot swim, which further increases the pressure on swimming facilities. Critics unanimously emphasize the need to train and promote new lifeguards.

Difficult future for bathrooms

Overall, the outlook for the outdoor swimming season is cautiously optimistic, even if the challenges are huge. According to a survey by the Association of Municipal Companies (VKU), 46% of operators report a better season in 2023 compared to 2022. However, there are still major concerns about the shortage of skilled workers, the renovation backlog and the transition to climate-neutral pools. The uncertainty about the continuation of the federal program for the renovation of municipal facilities also creates additional challenges.

Despite all the adversities, there is also hope. 89% of outdoor pool operators expect similar or increasing visitor numbers for 2024. Especially in Wahlsdorf, people remain optimistic when it comes to the role of the outdoor swimming pool in rural areas: it not only offers relaxation for the residents, but is also an economic factor for tourism. The entry prices are fair, adults pay 5 euros, children under 14 and people with disabilities pay 3 euros. The outdoor pool is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., and there is a day off on Mondays and Tuesdays.

The situation remains dynamic and one can only hope that the outdoor pools in Germany will flourish again soon.