For many Germans, a garden pool has become a four-season pool with various functions for kids and adults. For some people, it is a place for sporty swimming or aqua jogging, but others use it as a space to relax and unwind in the sunshine. The pool is a welcome investment with health returns and it has also become a way to create a new living space in the backyard.
The pool is a popular leisure activity in Germany, especially as temperatures are warming up. In Berlin, for example, many lidos are booming and one of the most famous is the Stadtbad Schoneberg “Hans Rosenthal.” It was named after Jewish entertainer Hans Rosenthal who learned to swim there as an adult after being forbidden to do so by the Nazis. The pool was recently renovated and features slides, pools for laps, and even a special non-swimming area for guests who want to relax. Achtformpools
Some swimming pools in Germany are more than just a place to take a dip: they serve as cultural centers and bring together people from different backgrounds. One of Berlin’s largest pools, on Columbiadamm Street near two refugee housing centers, serves as a community hub for new arrivals and longtime Berliners alike. Social worker Hartmuth Kurzhals runs the pool’s program, “Bleib Cool am Pool” (Stay Cool at the Pool), to help refugees learn about German pool culture.
In addition to the traditional pool infrastructure, most public swimming pools in Germany are equipped with changing rooms, showers and kiosks. Most offer a variety of activities, from sports to concerts. Some are more modern and designed to be a place to float the day away, like the Liquidrom in the former Tempelhof Airport, which was designed by GMP Architekten in 2002 and is part spa, part music venue. The pool has underwater speakers that play everything from ‘Downbeat’ to ‘Romantic Harp’ to create a calming, relaxing atmosphere.
Other pools are more upscale, with features like water jets and lazy rivers, as well as high-end food and drink options. The swanky Sommerbad Neukolln offers a range of spa treatments and is a favorite among the city’s elite. A separate family pool caters to parents and their children, with lifeguards on duty for safety.
There are also countless natural lakes and ponds where Germans can enjoy a refreshing dip on a warm summer day. Many of these natural bathing places (“Freibad”) are managed by the local municipalities and are monitored by swimming supervisors. Some of them are very pristine and can be found in scenic locations with great views, while others have more basic facilities, such as changing rooms, toilets and kiosks. They are often referred to as Waldbad, Naturbad, Flussbad or Strandbad. Some are open to the public while others have an entrance fee.
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