Record summer for outdoor pools in the Dachau district: a hit for everyone!

Record summer for outdoor pools in the Dachau district: a hit for everyone!

With bright sunshine and warm temperatures, summer 2025 will be in top form. The outdoor swimming pools in the region are not only well attended, but are also reporting real visitor records. So reported Mercury that the baths in Ainhofen, Vierkirchen and Dachau are full of visitors almost every day. The Ainhofer Bad, with a capacity of 800 guests, sees large construction drums, especially on the weekends. The atmosphere is relaxed and happy, especially in the kiosk, where sales are record-breaking - although the entry prices remain pleasant at 4 euros per person.

Olaf Schellenberger, deputy of the Ainhofen Freibad sponsoring association, emphasizes the importance of the kiosk for income. Summer happiness is also reflected in Vierkirchen: between May 24th and June 27th, 5,890 bathers were counted there - last year there were just 3,882. This not only shows how popular the outdoor pools are with local residents, but also how important the volunteers who run the natural pool are.

The challenges of outdoor swimming pool operations

But while the outdoor swimming pools in the region are flourishing, the situation in other parts of Germany is completely different. This is how the outdoor swimming pool in Neumark is fighting for its existence MDR reported. Only ten helpers have taken on responsibility there, where previously up to thirty people were active. Patrick Diezel, a dedicated lifeguard and technician, reports on the emotional connection that the helpers have to their outdoor pools. In order to gain new support, the association has launched a call for help.

The municipality of Neumark helps by providing financial support for electricity and water, but that alone is not enough. New lifeguards, snack bar employees and craftsmen are urgently needed - an appeal that can be heard not only in Neumark, but also nationwide. The continued existence of such institutions often depends on the availability of volunteers.

Outdoor swimming pools as part of the culture

The background to this discussion is the social relevance of swimming pools. A documentation from the German Association of Cities and Municipalities, on which DSTGB points out that over 80% of the population consider swimming pools to be essential. Outdoor pools not only promote health, but also social interaction. Despite the financial challenges associated with maintaining them - estimates indicate a renovation backlog of around 5 billion euros across Germany - the preservation of these cultural institutions is more than ever on the agenda of cities and municipalities.

In Germany, outdoor pools are the third most common sport after cycling and running. So it's time for everyone to pull together to preserve these valuable retreats - be it here in the region or elsewhere in the country.