Berlin's Outdoor Pools to Close Earlier This Year Amid Budget Cuts

The outdoor swimming season in Berlin is set to conclude earlier than usual this year, with all public pools scheduled to close at the end of the summer holidays on September 7. This decision is a direct consequence of budgetary constraints faced by the Berliner Bäder, which have been compelled to implement cost-saving measures.

Unlike previous years when many pools remained open until late September, and some even into October, this year's closure marks a significant reduction in operational time. The early closing has been attributed to funding cuts in the municipal budget, as reported by local media.

The summer of 2025 has been characterized by a lack of warm weather, which has adversely affected visitor numbers. By the end of July, approximately 760,000 guests had visited the city's outdoor pools since the season commenced in late April. This figure represents a decline of about 110,000 visitors compared to the same timeframe the previous year.

Despite the overall decrease in attendance, the final week of operations has seen a surge in visitors, prompting the pool management to consider extending the season if favorable weather conditions persist. They indicated a willingness to keep certain pools open longer should the summer weather stabilize.

In addition to the earlier closing times, the Berliner Bäder has also halted the heating of swimming pools, except for a few select locations. Only the Sommerbad Seestraße in Wedding and one pool each in the Prinzenbad and Wilmersdorf have maintained minimal heating, set to 22 degrees Celsius. These changes come after a reduction of three million euros in funding allocated for energy costs.

Moreover, for the first time in over a decade, ticket prices for entry to the pools have been increased. A new pricing model has been introduced, which adjusts the cost based on the type of facility, length of stay, and time of booking. This adjustment reflects broader financial pressures on the public swimming facilities.

Current statistics from the German Society for Bathing indicate that Berlin's pool infrastructure is among the least adequate in Germany, with only two swimming pools available for every 100,000 residents. Of the 73 public swimming facilities in the city, just 22 are outdoor pools, equating to less than half a pool per 100,000 inhabitants.

The situation has sparked discussions among residents regarding the accessibility and affordability of public swimming options in the city. Some community members have noted that the decrease in attendance may not solely be a result of weather conditions but could also be influenced by rising ticket prices and the complex pricing structure for entry.