Water damage in the seaside resort of Starnberg: renovation remains uncertain!
Starnberg seaside resort remains closed due to significant water damage. Renovation uncertain, loss of income for the city.

Water damage in the seaside resort of Starnberg: renovation remains uncertain!
The seaside resort of Starnberg, a popular attraction for locals and tourists, has been closed for nine months. The sauna area of the pool is particularly affected, as it cannot be put into operation due to significant water damage. Mayor Patrick Janik confirms that the damage is in the newly built part of the pool, although the exact cause of the damage and the overall extent are still unclear. It is estimated that the pool loses around 800 liters of water every day, which further complicates the situation. Demolition work is currently underway while the city's construction department is actively preparing tenders for the urgently needed renovation. In addition to heating and ventilation, plumbing installations, electrical systems, screed, tiles and woodwork are also affected, which illustrates the extent of the renovation measures.
The closure of the Seebad sauna, which has been closed since mid-September 2024, brings with it further challenges. Although the city is insured, loss of revenue during the closure will not be covered. Mercury reports that there are several moisture damages that need to be repaired urgently. In two damage scenarios, it is assumed that the “reed sauna” is experiencing ongoing water loss, while the water from the supply pipes that run under the floor slab is seeping away to a significant extent.
Extensive renovations are pending
The city has decided to completely replace the affected water supply line, which requires the removal and restoration of tiles, sealing, screed and heating pipes. Howthe South GermanAs we note, the indoor whirlpool, the infrared cabin and the steam bath are also affected - the list of necessary repairs is long. Basic complications such as standing water in the pipe-carrying floor channel and corrosion damage have already been identified. A site inspection was initiated to create a detailed renovation plan and determine the total effort. Concerns about possible botched construction during the seaside resort expansion a few years ago are also present in discussions with city councilors.
All of these problems come at a time when many swimming pools and bathing facilities in Germany are facing similar challenges. According to a current survey by the German Institute for Urban Studies, one in seven public swimming pools could close in the next three years if comprehensive renovations are not carried out. This would mean the loss of around 800 pools nationwide, which would have fatal consequences for swimming and bathing culture. ZFK reports about the alarming lack of investment by the municipalities, which clearly falls short of the necessary financial resources to ensure adequate sports infrastructure.
The opening of the sauna in October 2024 is now in question, and the citizens of Starnberg must continue to prepare for an uncertain future regarding the use of the sought-after leisure facility. While the city is hoping for insurance to cover some of the costs, it remains uncertain how the lost revenue will be compensated in the long term. The situation is tense and there does not seem to be an early end to the problems in sight.