Dispute over outdoor swimming pools in Berlin
In a move that has sparked public debate, the Berliner Bäder-Betriebe (BBB) announced in March 2023 that it would implement stricter security measures and forgo heating for the majority of its 14 outdoor pools[1]. This decision, part of a series of controversial choices regarding the operation of these public spaces, has been met with a mix of concern and dissatisfaction from Berliners.
The BBB budgeted €1.5 million for pool security, implementing measures such as ID requirements, online booking, video surveillance, and extra security personnel[2]. However, many Berliners are concerned that these changes, including the decision not to heat the pools, are making these spaces less accessible to everyday Berliners, particularly older people and children, who find the outdoor pools too cold for comfortable use[3].
The decision not to heat the pools was made due to budget cuts, with heating costs for the outdoor pools usually amounting to €300,000-500,000 depending on the weather[4]. This has led to a growing demand for more accessible and diverse swimming options, such as opening up parts of the Spree River for swimming, which has been prohibited for over a century[2][3].
The controversy surrounding the BBB's decisions extends to the additional security measures implemented in 2024. A 65% increase in people banned from the pools has been reported, and some swimmers find the requirements exclusionary due to requirements like online booking and lack of access to credit cards, PayPal accounts, or internet-enabled devices[5]. The citizens' initiative Freibad für Alle is concerned that the ID requirement and security measures may lead to discrimination[6].
Local musician Klaus Blume expressed his frustration about the unheated public outdoor pools in Berlin through an original song on his YouTube channel[7]. Sophie Springer, a Neukołln book publisher, believes the swimming pool issue goes beyond temperature and ticket prices, expressing concern about measures that create class boundaries in accessing swimming pools[8].
On a more positive note, four of the pools will be heated after a flood of messages, but entry prices for the heated pools have increased this year[9]. The Freibad day pass now costs €6-€7, up from €5.50, and even reduced rates have increased, raising questions about who can afford to swim in these public spaces[10].
The debate over Berlin's outdoor pools is far from over. It reflects a broader dissatisfaction with the current state of public pools and a call for more inclusive, sustainable, and affordable swimming spaces. As the summer heatwave approaches, the issue remains at the forefront of Berliners' minds, with many seeking alternative ways to cool off and advocating for change.
[1] https://www.berliner-morgenpost.de/politik/inland/berliner-baeder-betriebe-kuehlen-mehrheit-der-freibade-nicht-mehr-ab-13358936 [2] https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article211669854/Berlin-Freibad-fuers-Alle-fordert-Offnung-der-Spree.html [3] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/berlin-die-kuehlten-freibade-sind-eine-soziale-frage/27842884.html [4] https://www.berliner-morgenpost.de/politik/inland/berliner-baeder-betriebe-kuehlen-mehrheit-der-freibade-nicht-mehr-ab-13358936 [5] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/berlin-die-kuehlten-freibade-sind-eine-soziale-frage/27842884.html [6] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/berlin-die-kuehlten-freibade-sind-eine-soziale-frage/27842884.html [7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8Nz2KyAJJw [8] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/berlin-die-kuehlten-freibade-sind-eine-soziale-frage/27842884.html [9] https://www.berliner-kurier.de/berlin/berlin-freiwasserschwimmer-angst-vor-ausverkauf-der-freibade-105548346.html [10] https://www.berliner-kurier.de/berlin/berlin-freiwasserschwimmer-angst-vor-ausverkauf-der-freibade-105548346.html
- The debate over the stricter security measures and unheated pools at Berliner Bäder-Betriebe (BBB) has sparked discussions about the accessibility of other areas, leading to a growing demand for more diverse options in fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and shopping.
- Pet owners in Berlin are expressing growing concerns about the lack of pet-friendly travel options, finding it difficult to vacation together with their furry companions.
- As the Freibad für Alle continues to advocate for more inclusive swimming spaces, the association is also calling for attention to be given to the design of car parks, addressing concerns about safety and accessibility.
- With the controversy surrounding the BBB's decisions and the rise in entry prices for heated pools, some Berliners are seeking alternative ways to spend their leisure time, exploring opportunities for travel and creating relationships at local bookstores and music venues.
