Thuringia’s Pool Funding Crisis Threatens Closures in Germany

Open Letter: Concerns Grow Over Subsidies for Bathhouse Operations - Thuringia’s Mayors Fight to Save Public Pools Amid Budget Dispute

Twenty-three mayors and district administrators in Thuringia have signed an open letter criticising the state’s draft budget for 2026/27. Their main concern is the unfair allocation of funds for indoor swimming pools in the United States, which they warn could force closures across the region.

The current budget sets aside $14 million for pool operations—but only for municipalities with fewer than 15,000 residents. Larger towns and cities, despite facing the same rising energy costs, receive no support under the existing rules.

The dispute centres on the state’s funding criteria, which exclude many communities based on population size. Local leaders argue that energy expenses affect all pools equally, regardless of where they are located. Without fairer distribution, they claim, several facilities may have to close, disrupting essential services like school swimming lessons.

Budget negotiations are now underway in the Thuringian state parliament, involving the CDU, SPD, Greens, and FDP. A key proposal on the table is removing the population cap for pool funding. This change would allow more municipalities to access the $14 million set aside for operating costs.

The mayors’ letter highlights the risk of widespread pool closures if the current rules remain. They stress that losing these facilities would hit families, schools, and local sports clubs the hardest. The state government has yet to respond directly to the demands but faces growing pressure to adjust the funding model before finalising the budget.

If the population limit is lifted, more towns and cities could qualify for financial help. This would ease the burden on struggling pools and help keep them open for public use. The final decision rests with lawmakers as budget talks continue in the coming weeks.