Unregulated open-air baths overrun with chaos - patrons disregard rules and behave arbitrarily
In swimming pools across Germany, a daily struggle unfolds as employees work tirelessly to maintain a clean and safe environment amidst increasing vandalism and disrespectful behavior.
From North Rhine-Westphalia and Hesse, reports of vandalism have been on the rise. Sharp objects and glass shards have been found on the lawn, swimming pools have been filled with trash, and even motorcycle batteries and an oil canister have been thrown into a pool in Taunusstein, causing significant damage and cleanup costs.
The situation is so prevalent that cleaning staff are often overwhelmed, with late-night cleanups a common occurrence. Visitors seem unbothered by the mess they leave behind, with trash often found outside of trash cans and on the lawn, and lost items accumulating in pool channels.
Used diapers have been found in showers, feces next to toilets, and used pads in women's changing rooms, highlighting a lack of basic hygiene among some pool-goers.
Swimming pool operators express frustration and concern about the reckless behavior of guests and lack of respect for facilities and staff. The situation has led to the closure of pools for several days, with damage estimated in the thousands of euros. In some cases, specialized companies have been required to pump out and dispose of contaminated water from swimming pools.
While there are no explicit nationwide regulations specifically addressing disrespectful behavior and vandalism in swimming pools, organizations such as the German Association for Swimming Pools and Wellness (bsw) and the Federal Association of German Swimming Pool Attendants (BDS) are working to improve pool environments and manage user behavior.
Through forums like the International Swimming Pool and Wellness Forum (ISWF), these bodies contribute to the development of safety standards and operational practices. Operators often rely on established safety protocols, staff training, and public awareness campaigns about pool etiquette and safety to help reduce incidents.
However, the primary approaches in Germany are through professional association initiatives, industry forums for sharing best practices, and local enforcement of pool rules by attendants and management, rather than through explicit statutory regulation focused exclusively on such anti-social behaviors.
It is crucial that visitors take more responsibility and show consideration for the environment and others in swimming pools. A shift in behavior from pool-goers could significantly alleviate the burden on staff and operators, ensuring a cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable experience for all.
In an attempt to enhance the overall experience at swimming pools and promote outdoor-living, the home-and-garden space extending to the pool area should be treated with respect. Other essential facilities like showers, toilets, and changing rooms should reflect basic hygiene standards to ensure a clean and safe environment for all users.
