Unfavorable Beginning for Swimming Pool Operations - Difficult initiation for the outdoor swimming season
OutdoorPool Season in Berlin Experiences Sluggish Start
In the initial stages of the outdoor pool season in Berlin, visitor numbers have dwindled significantly compared to previous years. The city's bathing facilities have so far only recorded 43,541 visits, according to the Berlin Baths Operations, contrasting drastically with the 112,096 visits from the same period last year (May 26).
The Baths Operations attribute the lower turnout to unfavourable weather conditions. "In May 2025, we had hardly any swimming-friendly weather, which was already the case in the previous year," said a representative. Specifically, this year Berlin has witnessed only two days with maximum temperatures of 25 degrees, while 19 days have registered temperatures below 20 degrees, according to their records.
Unexpectedly, despite the cooler weather, visitor numbers were higher during the equally chilly May of 2023, with 65,787 people visiting the outdoor pools. This suggests that the lower temperatures this year may not fully account for the reduced attendance.
Cool temperatures and unheated pools are believed to be deterring visitors, although the exact extent to which new pricing structures are playing a role remains unclear. This season, only four swimming pools have been heated using fossil fuels, while the rest rely on sunlight and black hoses for warming.
In addition to the outdoor pools in Kreuzberg (Prinzenbad) and Wilmersdorf, those at Am Insulaner, Olympiastadion, and Strandbad Wannsee have also opened. Swimming pools at Freibad Gropiusstadt and two pools within the Sommerbad Seestraße in Wedding are heated to 22 degrees.
Early bird discounts and family-friendly rates remain available for online ticket purchases, with ticket availability being monitored and displayed online.
Considering factors such as weather, tourism, infrastructure, social demographics, and political environment, this year's outdoor pool season may well reveal additional trends and considerations for future planning in Berlin.
- To boost attendance during the sluggish outdoor pool season in Berlin, the city could explore implementing additional community policies that emphasize health-and-wellness, such as promoting fitness-and-exercise programs, in conjunction with vocational training initiatives that teach essential water safety skills to Berlin residents.
- As scientific research continues to highlight the significance of physical activity and preventative health measures in maintaining overall well-being, providing vocational training opportunities related to health and fitness industries could further motivate Berlin's community members to take advantage of outdoor pool facilities, even during cooler seasons.
