Increasing Congestion in Rehabilitation at Open-Air Baths According to Recent Survey Reports
Swimming Pools in German Municipalities: A Pressing Matter
Berlin - Many community baths across Germany require extensive renovations and struggle with funding, according to a survey. A staggering 38% of operators stated that their local bath needs a comprehensive makeover within the next five years, reflecting a 3% increase since 2024. These findings come from a survey of 113 operators of public swimming pools, conducted by the Association of Municipal Enterprises.
According to the survey, 35% of operators only require minor repairs. Roughly a quarter of the baths have been recently refurbished. "The growing number of public baths in need of major renovation is evident," said the managing director of the association, Ingbert Liebing. "Renovations are crucial for our baths to stay open and accessible to everyone in the future."
Is Sufficient Money Available for Repairs?
Before renovations can even begin, funding must be arranged. Per the survey, 88% of bath operators highlighted the need for additional funds, deemed inadequate or unsuitable. About 79% expressed concerns over escalating renovation costs. "Scarce funding, rising construction prices, and increased interest rates make it challenging to secure the financing required for renovation projects," said Liebing.
In early 2023, the German Life-Saving Association (DLRG) sounded the alarm over the potential closure of hundreds of public swimming pools due to a lack of renovations. The "German Bathing Atlas" by the German Bathing Association lists over 6,000 indoor and outdoor baths nationwide, encompassing private facilities as well.
What is the Federal Government's Plan?
The new federal government aims to invest one billion euros in the modernization and refurbishment of sports facilities. Baths could potentially benefit from this funding. Association chairman Liebing echoed this sentiment, stating the initial step in the right direction, though he emphasized the importance of long-term funding increases to maintain baths as community offers for all age groups and social classes.
Recently, the opposition in the Bundestag warned of the consequences of the federal government’s tax plans for municipalities. Green parliamentary group deputy Andreas Audretsch cautioned: "These tax cuts will cripple many municipalities in Germany." The loss of billions in revenue would have implications, including the closure of public swimming pools along with youth and cultural facilities.
Insight: Funding for Public Baths
No single, nationwide public funding program in Germany is specifically dedicated to the renovation of public baths. Municipalities can, however, access various funding streams for infrastructure improvements, such as infrastructure funds, municipal or state grants, and indirectly, EU grants. Industry partnerships and events like ISH Frankfurt play a crucial role in encouraging innovation, but direct funding for renovation often requires tailored grant applications at the municipal or state level [1][2][4].
[1]: Infrastructure Fund may indirectly benefit public baths through broader investment in infrastructure.[2]: Industry events like ISH Frankfurt can encourage private-public partnerships for bath modernization.[3]: EU Funding Tools are generally targeted at cultural or creative projects rather than public infrastructure like baths.[4]: Direct funding for bath renovations remains at the municipal or state level, with each case requiring case-by-case tailored grant applications.[5]: Tax benefits for private individuals or real estate investors do not target public baths directly but may help cover renovation costs.
The science of funding for health-and-wellness facilities, such as public swimming pools, needs attention, particularly in light of the survey conducted by the Association of Municipal Enterprises showing that 88% of operators require additional funds. Future fitness-and-exercise opportunities could potentially be thwarted without adequate funding for pool renovations.
