Between 2020 and 2025, Germany’s swimming pool industry’s turnover grew by an average of 2.6% annually only to hit €7.4 billion at the end of the five-year period. Much of this increase can be attributed to the recovery from the pandemic-induced dip in 2020 as the sector still struggles. Municipal swimming pools, the backbone of public swimming infrastructure in Germany, are under increasing financial strain. Rising operating costs, combined with aging infrastructure, have placed significant pressure on local governments, which manage the majority of these pools. Many municipalities are struggling to maintain existing facilities, leading to closures and a decline in services. This has had direct consequences for community access to swimming lessons, particularly affecting children’s water safety. Funding bottlenecks continue to impede Germany’s swimming pool industry’s development. Structural disadvantages, particularly in rural areas, have exacerbated the challenges of maintaining widespread access to swimming facilities. As many pools operate on a strictly regional basis and cater primarily to nearby residents, the potential for broader market dominance by any single operator remains limited. This regional fragmentation, while providing community-level engagement, also limits economies of scale and long-term investment. All of this hasn’t slowed down public interest in outdoor pools. Despite these obstacles, the popularity of outdoor pools remains strong. During the warmer months, these venues continue to pull large sections of local communities. According to the German Association for the Bathing Industry, German outdoor pools saw a 4% increase in visitors in 2024 compared to the previous year, totaling approximately 6.4 million visits. The data, drawn from 268 surveyed pools, revealed that 75% were traditional outdoor pools, while the remainder included combination facilities, natural pools, and pools with biological water treatment systems. About 8% of facilities remained closed during the survey period, mainly due to renovation or technical issues, highlighting the ongoing need for infrastructure investment.