Outdoor pool confusion: New swimming regulations in Lörrach and Müllheim!

Outdoor pool confusion: New swimming regulations in Lörrach and Müllheim!

In the last few days, new regulations in outdoor pools in Baden-Württemberg have caused a lot of conversation. In the Lörrach park swimming pool and that Müllheim leisure and family pool Bathers must now wear tight-fitting swimwear. In the park swimming pool, women are required to wear outfits that reach down to the elbows and knees, while men now also have to wear tight swimming trunks down to the knee instead of baggy swimming shorts. Baggy swimming shorts and burkinis are strictly prohibited here, a move aimed at improving water quality and hygiene.

The situation was particularly exciting when a TikTok video made the rounds claiming that from July only tight swimming trunks would be allowed in Berlin pools nationwide. The Berlin police made it clear that this video was fake and did not come from them. The German Bathing Society also emphasized that every operator can decide for themselves which swimwear is required in their facilities. There is no federal law that would enact such regulations.

Water quality in Baden-Württemberg

But it's not just the swimwear that attracts attention, the water quality in lakes and swimming pools is also an important issue. In Baden-Württemberg the water quality is mostly classified as very good, although temporary closures occasionally occur. Regular water checks, which take place at least once a month, serve to protect against diseases. Bacteria such as E. coli and enterococci, which can indicate fecal contamination, are examined SWR Current.

In the 2025 bathing season, water quality will be examined particularly closely: The Heilbronn District Health Office is checking many bathing lakes with regular samples. Although there has not been a significant increase in contamination in the past, it is important to respond quickly to any problems. Some bathing lakes, such as Sunthauser See in the Schwarzwald-Baar district, were temporarily closed due to poor water quality.

Be careful with cercariae

Particular attention is also paid to the danger of cercariae, which enter the water through the droppings of waterfowl. These small parasites can cause skin rashes. In Zaberfeld, measures are even being taken to hunt waterfowl and thus reduce the spread of cercariae. The high water temperatures combined with climate change are also promoting algae growth and the proliferation of these parasites, which can lead to further challenges in the region.

The water controls and regular quality tests carried out by the Federal states are an important tool to ensure safety when bathing. According to the Federal Environment Agency, 98 percent of all bathing water in Germany met the quality requirements of the EU Bathing Water Directive in the last bathing season.

The debates surrounding swimwear and water quality show how important it is to keep an eye on both compliance with hygiene standards and the personal freedoms of bathers. Where will we be on July 24, 2025? One thing is clear: there is still a lot to do!