Next Sunday, 19 September, the Ringallee outdoor pool will open for the last time this year. The Giessen pools can look back on a mixed season in many respects.
Around 55,000 visitors - the Giessen pools closed the 2021 outdoor pool season with this very clear figure. Compared to an average summer, only just over half of people came to cool off or relax in the sun. The reasons for this are obvious: the incidence figures only allowed the Ringallee outdoor pool and the Kleinlinden and Lützellinden outdoor pools to open on 8 June. "As a result, the season at the Ringallee outdoor pool lasted just 104 days," calculates Uwe Volbrecht, Head of Giessen Pools. In comparison: in the summer of 2019, it was 37 days longer.
But even if he and his dedicated staff had been able to welcome bathers earlier, the figures would probably only be marginally better. "As an outdoor pool operator, we are heavily dependent on the weather. And that simply didn't play ball this year," adds Uwe Volbrecht. In fact, plenty of rain and, above all, comparatively cool temperatures meant that people stayed at home instead of refreshing themselves in the pools and then sunbathing on the lawn. The fact is that the daily visitor limit due to coronavirus restrictions was only reached nine times.
A thoroughly positive conclusion
Although poor weather conditions are a problem for outdoor pool operators, they should not throw them off track. That's why Uwe Volbrecht can also take something positive away from this below-average summer: "Just like last year, everything went very smoothly on the whole. With very few exceptions, the bathers behaved responsibly, showed understanding, showed consideration for each other and still had fun." The Giessen pools team played a large part in this. Because in order to ensure that all the necessary rules for the safest possible pool operation under pandemic conditions were adhered to, significantly more staff and technology were deployed this summer than in a regular season.
It is clear that those responsible at the Giessen pools have once again succeeded in reconciling two needs that at first glance appear difficult to reconcile. The need for a certain level of safety and the associated hygiene rules and the need for carefree, enjoyable leisure activities. The online ticket has also proved its worth this season. "Our bathing guests are very pleased with this option of booking appointments online," says Uwe Volbrecht.
Uwe Volbrecht's conclusion is also positive in connection with another aspect: "We were able to gain a lot of experience again. This will definitely help us plan for next season." The Giessen pools will start this autumn. And the virus plays a key role in this. Of course, this also applies to the indoor pools. Here, the current rules will remain in place until further notice. Of course, those responsible are constantly adapting all measures to the current situation. Aqua and swimming courses have been available to book for some time now - naturally also under coronavirus conditions.
Up-to-date information on opening times, current restrictions on visitor numbers, courses and more can be found at www.giessener-baeder.de or at www.facebook.com/giessenerbaeder