Dieburg is planning to cap visitors in the outdoor pool: there is a risk of long waiting times!

Dieburg is planning to cap visitors in the outdoor pool: there is a risk of long waiting times!

It's a hot summer day at the Dieburg outdoor pool, but the visitors' joy is dampened by long queues at the entrance. Due to cashier difficulties, there may be delays in entry on some days. The city of Dieburg has recognized that there is an urgent need for action given the growing popularity of outdoor swimming pools. Mayor Frank Haus has therefore announced that he will introduce visitor restrictions on peak days from 2026 in order to defuse the situation. There is currently no upper limit on visitor numbers, which in the past has led to overcrowding and problems with guests who primarily do not practice swimming.

The reason for these measures is not only the high number of swimming pool visitors, but also the challenges that arise from this. The outdoor pool only has four 50-meter-long lanes, in contrast to the eight lanes in the previous pool. During the heatwave this year there was even a record visitation with 3,600 guests on a single day in late June. The security service, which was hired for 20,000 euros, received positive feedback both for its presence on busy days and for its measures against illicit cannabis consumption.

Security and order measures

As the reports show, the security service often had to intervene because of cannabis consumption, which is strictly prohibited in the outdoor pool. These interventions follow the installation of video cameras, which have reduced unauthorized nighttime visits to the bathroom. However, security staff and the technical solutions to be introduced to count guests as they leave the pool were often understaffed, especially on days with bad weather. These irregularities raise questions about how safety and order can continue to be ensured in leisure facilities.

The city of Dieburg is not alone in its decision. Throughout Germany, the handling of outdoor swimming pools and the associated crime statistics are critically examined. A look at the numbers shows that the number of visitors continues to trend upwards. According to the German Bathing Society, 6.4 million outdoor pool visitors were counted in Germany in 2024, despite a slight decline in the number of pools open. Experts dispute the idea that outdoor swimming pools are considered problem hotspots. They show that current crime is declining in many federal states, even if there are regional differences.

The importance of outdoor swimming pools in Germany

In Hesse, it should be mentioned that despite an increase in the last three years, the number of cases has fallen overall since they reached their peak in 2006. Even though 14% of outdoor pools report criminal incidents, the facilities are overall safe. More and more people are coming to enjoy the warm season in the swimming pools. Outdoor swimming pools are not places of horror, but rather accepted places of retreat for the population during the warm months. Maybe it's time to review the public image of outdoor pools and show the reality as it is: a popular place for sport and recreation.

In view of the new challenges, the city of Dieburg must now use the next few months to develop viable solutions that meet the needs of bathers. Visitors and residents can look forward to seeing what proposals come to the table in the fall to make the outdoor pool more pleasant and safe for everyone. A good hand in finding a solution would now be required.