Finally, the fair returns - without masks, without corona rules, without tests or certificates. Even though the swimming pool and wellness industry was looking forward to experiencing normality again, this year in particular many things are very different from 'normal'. The energy crisis is coming to a head, inflation is rising, raw materials are becoming more expensive, supply chains are collapsing - and finally - those challenges that have been there for years, such as the shortage of skilled labour. These are not easy times - especially since Russia's attack on neighbouring Ukraine has sparked a general sense of insecurity among the population.

All the major players in in the pool and wellness sector meet at interbad from November 25 to 28 november

But it is precisely when things get 'uncomfortable' that the swimming pool and wellness industry offers space for the urgently needed time out from everyday life. Despite the many obstacles, market players look to the future in a positive way, as is evident at the fair. This is where all the major players in the pool and wellness sector come together. You can appreciate how creative, innovative and committed the pool people are: they have focused on the themes of energy efficiency, climate protection and sustainability. And they show in a most striking way how resource protection and responsibility can be combined with sport, relaxation and well-being.

You can appreciate how creative, innovative and committed the pool people are: they have focused on the themes of energy efficiency, climate protection and sustainability. And they show in a most striking way how resource protection and responsibility can be combined with sport, relaxation and well-being. The German Association for the Bathing Industry has carried out a scenario project on the future of the bathing industry which, under the heading 'Bäderwelt 2030', plays through possible different developments and looks at both positive and negative influences. The most likely scenario was that of a professionalised bathing world in a fitness-oriented performance society. Although this analysis was carried out before the pandemic and the general conditions, particularly with regard to the financial situation of municipalities and the development of energy prices, have become more difficult, the fact remains that people are striving to have a healthy and fit body. For them, sport is on the one hand a balance from everyday life and on the other hand it serves to improve performance in order to survive in a competitive society.    

When happiness overflows with joy, a pool is involved ©Hannes Niedrkofler / Hofer Group

The lockdown policy, involving the closure of sports facilities and swimming pools, has laid bare the negative consequences of a lack of exercise. This makes the need to catch up all the greater - even if it is unfavourable that it comes at a time when the supply of sports facilities is threatened by drastically increased energy costs. Nevertheless, the bathing industry continues to pursue its course consistently and to reinforce its level of professionalism - as described in one of the future visions of the «Bäderwelt 2030». Interbad shows what more professionalism entails - not only in the products, which are convincing in terms of technical comfort and efficiency, but also in the impulses one receives at the action areas and in the congress programme.  

Turbulent times - pool experts know how to deal with them ©SSF Schwimmbad

After all, according to the future analysis 'Bäderwelt 2030', pool professionalisation includes not only aspects of pool construction and equipment, but also the consideration of increased design and lifestyle demands as well as the expansion of offers that include non-water areas. Marketing, service and customer orientation - these are three buzzwords that describe the increased expectations of guests and now coincide with the challenges of digitalisation, the shortage of skilled workers, climate change and the current issues of energy and price development. Is that a reason to go under? Not for the swimming pool industry, which knows how to keep its head above water. In this sense, Eurospapoolnews wishes all exhibitors and visitors a successful event.