Christoph Ploß, the federal government’s tourism coordinator for the CDU, is campaigning for increased financial support for public swimming pools across Germany, arguing that these facilities must remain accessible essentials rather than becoming luxury amenities. Speaking to the newspapers of the Funke Media Group, Ploß called for a “freetime swimming pool offensive” nationwide. He stated that local municipalities should leverage the infrastructure funds provided by the federal government to carry out the necessary renovation and expansion of these public spaces.
Ploß highlighted the immense popularity of these facilities, particularly during the recent heatwave weekend, noting that record visitor numbers were achieved and tickets sold out in many locations. For many people, especially those who might not be able or afford lengthy summer vacations, these public pools represent a “piece of holiday at home.” Furthermore, he emphasized their role as a crucial factor for local tourism, as many people base their travel plans on the availability of bathing options in their vicinity.
In addition to demanding more investment, Ploß advocated for the reduction of bureaucratic obstacles. He stressed that pools need to be freed from unnecessary paperwork and overly strict regulations. As an example, he cited situations where diving boards are being closed because the step distances do not perfectly align with specific TÜV (technical approval) standards. He passionately stated that “children and teenagers suffer most from this-and that cannot be justified.”
Public swimming pools in Germany are currently facing significant pressure regarding necessary renovations. According to the German Society for Bathing (DGfdB), the backlog of required investment amounts to nearly 34 billion euros. This financial strain is compounded by many municipalities grappling with tight budgets and personnel shortages. Experts and industry associations are warning that without substantial and additional investment, more public pools risk having to close or significantly limit their services.
