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Mühlhausen fights for swimming pools: 24-hour swimming sets an example!
On October 28th, 2025, a 24-hour swim took place in Mühlhausen to preserve Thuringian pools and secure their financing.
Mühlhausen fights for swimming pools: 24-hour swimming sets an example!
At the Thüringentherme Mühlhausen, this year's 24-hour swim was a real celebration of the community. Over 100 participants, including children, seniors, competitive athletes and people with disabilities, not only swam in competition, but also to send a strong signal for the preservation of Thuringia's swimming pool landscape. This initiative was organized by 1. Mühlhausen Swimming and Health Sports Club e. v., and it met with broad support among the population.
Dr. Johannes Bruns, the mayor of Mühlhausen, emphasized the immense importance of indoor swimming pools for health, social cohesion and learning to swim in his opening speech. “Swimming pools are not just recreational areas, but also an important part of our community,” emphasized Bruns. He noted that financing these facilities is becoming increasingly challenging due to rising operating costs for energy, personnel and materials.
Challenges of pool financing
In the current discussion about indoor swimming pools, it is clear that these facilities are not only viewed as sports facilities, but also as an important place for social services. Meeting point community informed that the maintenance and operation of indoor swimming pools is a costly matter for municipalities. These pools not only require careful planning, but also regular maintenance in order to meet the safety requirements set by the Conference of Building Ministers.
The city of Mühlhausen therefore appeals to the state government to take more responsibility and ensure long-term, reliable financing. Also alarming is the fact that indoor swimming pools are not intended to generate profits; Rather, they must provide a social benefit, Bruns continued.
Funding opportunities and need for renovation
Various funding options are available to address the need for renovation and future improvements. The federal government has in 2023 400 million euros for the energy-efficient renovation of municipal facilities. These funds come from the federal program “Renovation of municipal facilities in the areas of sport, youth and culture” (SJK) and the Climate and Transformation Fund. A solid financial basis is crucial in order to bring indoor swimming pools to a modern standard.
An important goal of this funding is to increase the energy efficiency of the buildings. In this way, cities and municipalities can both reduce operating costs and contribute to achieving climate goals. This also includes carrying out energy-related renovations BAFA can be supported. These subsidies concern, among other things, the replacement of windows, insulation and technical building equipment - an important step in meeting the future-oriented demands on public swimming pools.
These initiatives make it clear that the future of the Thuringian spa landscape lies in the hands of politics and society. Only together can we ensure that indoor swimming pools remain as vital facilities for all citizens.