Visitor limit in the Dieburg outdoor pool: safety and order are the top priority!

Visitor limit in the Dieburg outdoor pool: safety and order are the top priority!

What is currently happening in the outdoor swimming pool scene in Dieburg? From 2026, a visitor limit will be introduced in the Ludwig-Steinmetz-Bad, as the city administration announced. Mayor Frank Haus explained that technical solutions to implement the visitor restrictions are being planned quickly. At the moment, as many guests are allowed to come as the weather and space allows - but this often leads to long queues at the entrance, especially on busy days.

And that's not all: the safety of bathers is also a priority. A security service has been patrolling the outdoor pool since July to maintain order and control the consumption of cannabis near playgrounds. Despite a legal ban stating that cannabis cannot be consumed within 100 meters of swimming pools, violations occur frequently. For this month, the security service was hired for 20,000 euros to make leisure activities safer.

Environment and safety in the outdoor pool

The question of cannabis consumption has become even more explosive due to the Consumer Cannabis Act, which came into force on April 1, 2025 and was signed by Federal Council President Manuela Schwesig. It regulates the possession and consumption of cannabis in Germany under certain conditions, but there is a strict ban in public swimming pools, especially if underage guests are present. This also applies to access to swimming pools, where people under the influence of intoxicating substances can be turned away, as stipulated in DGfdB R 94.17.

According to the Federal Environment Agency, water hygiene in swimming and bathing pools is of utmost importance to ensure the health of bathers. The water is continuously treated and disinfected to efficiently kill microorganisms and possible pathogens. The most important factors for safety in the water include optimal pool hydraulics and the regular replacement of at least 30 liters of pool water per bather with fresh water.

Challenges and solutions

The introduction of an access restriction could not only regulate the number of visitors, but also contribute to an improved safety situation in the outdoor pool. Increased video surveillance has already had positive effects, as unauthorized night-time visits have fallen dramatically. However, the problem of parking regulations remains, as the city has already issued dozens of notices against illegally parked vehicles.

The city administration will address the specific issue of access restrictions in autumn 2025. Until then, it remains to be seen how the situation in the outdoor pool will develop and whether the planned measures will be effective. One thing is certain, however: the planning and implementation of these projects requires a good hand in order to make swimming a completely successful experience for everyone.