Overview
- Official data published July 21 by the Federal Statistical Office show the cost of a pool visit rose 3.6% year‑on‑year in June 2026, compared with 2.3% overall inflation.
- Municipal budget shortfalls, higher energy and staff costs and a backlog of renovations are the main drivers cited by cities and industry groups for the above‑average tariff increases.
- The city of Bonn has introduced free summer entry for residents under 18, requiring proof of Bonn residency at the gate and linking any future extension to available budget funds.
- Safety groups warn that many facilities are run‑down and at risk of closure, with the DLRG saying about half of pools need renovation and that closures would cut supervised swimming lessons and raise drowning risks.
- Political pressure is growing for federal support, including a demand from Left co‑leader Luigi Pantisano for a €1 billion fund, as uneven regional access and travel times leave some rural areas far from the nearest pool.