Confrontation regarding Berlin's public swimming pools
In the heart of Berlin, a heated debate has arisen over the city's public outdoor pools for the 2025 season. The local government's decision to no longer heat the majority of Berlin's 14 outdoor pools (Freibäder) has sparked discontent among residents, particularly those who rely on these pools for relief during warm months[1].
The decision to forgo heating is a result of budget cuts, saving the Berliner Bäder-Betriebe between €300,000-500,000[2]. However, heating costs are particularly high in the months of May and September, which are generally the times with the fewest bathers in the summer pools[3].
Brigitte Pieck, a 79-year-old resident, voiced her concern, stating that the unheated pools are not usable, especially for older people and children[1]. Ralf Wendling of Wilmersdorf launched a petition, complaining that swimming in the cold water can lead to hypothermia and that swimming lessons for children are no longer possible[1].
The changes have also raised questions about who can afford to swim in these public spaces. With increased entry prices and mandatory online booking, many people cannot buy tickets due to a lack of a credit card, PayPal account, or internet-accessible device[4]. Freibad für Alle, a citizens' initiative, has expressed concern that "spontaneous visits to the outdoor pool will become even more difficult" and has alleged that "the swimming pool operators are not responding to criticism of the ID requirement ... and to reports of incidents in which young swimmers were denied entry due to racism"[1].
Local Die Linke rep Ferat Koçak called out the pools as a class issue, stating that people who don't have much money can't go on holiday abroad and need a space to go to in the summer[1]. Sophie Springer, a Neukölln book publisher, shares this concern, thinking the issue with Berlin's pools goes beyond temperatures and ticket prices and is concerned about limiting access to the benefits of swimming[5].
Despite the backlash, four pools were announced to be heated after a flood of messages[6]. However, entry prices for Freibad day passes have increased from €5.50 to €6-€7[6]. The Senate has promised to invest €370 million in the pools over the next five years, with plans for new construction and renovation[7].
When asked about reversing the heating and pricing changes when city belts are less tight, the Senate's ministry simply said the budget would be audited appropriately[1]. The budget for pool security in Berlin is €1.5 million[8].
References:
- Berliner Morgenpost
- Tagesspiegel
- Berliner Kurier
- Berliner Zeitung
- Neuköllner Zeitung
- Der Tagesspiegel
- Berliner Morgenpost
- Berliner Zeitung
In light of the budget cuts, the city's home-and-garden scene may see a shift towards more affordable outdoor activities, as the heated public pools, a key feature of Berlin's lifestyle during warm months, are no longer prioritized for heating. The heated debate over the pools has expanded to include concerns about accessibility, with questions raised about who will be able to afford swimming in these spaces with increased entry prices and online booking requirements.
