As the world's leading professional platform for the public swimming pool sector, interbad will address the major challenges currently facing the industry.
Highlights of interbad 2026: conferences, visits, discussions and inspiration
Across 26,800 m² at Messe Stuttgart, the trade show will bring together the content and solutions needed to support the sector's development, notably showcasing the latest technologies in swimming pool and aquatic facility construction, equipment, water management, innovative design concepts and modern wellness solutions adapted to the needs of public authorities.
As Christian Mankel, Managing Director of the German Association for the Public Bath Sector (DGfdB), explains: "The swimming pool, sauna and spa sector is currently undergoing profound change. Energy efficiency, decarbonisation, new administrative structures and digital services are all issues that will shape requirements in the years ahead. interbad 2026 is an ideal platform for highlighting solutions, sharing experience and driving innovative change together."
The interbad forum: a platform for expertise and dialogue across the sector
interbad 2026 will open with a keynote speech by Thomas Lurz -- multiple world champion, Olympic medallist and entrepreneur -- as part of the 71st DGfdB Congress and the interbad forum on Tuesday 6 October 2026.
Representatives of leading professional associations -- including Professor Christian Kuhn, President of the DGfdB; Professor Carsten Sonnenberg, President of the German Sauna Association; and Marc Elxnat, Executive Board Member responsible for legal affairs, health, education, social affairs, culture and sport at the German Association of Towns and Municipalities -- will then discuss current challenges and future prospects for the sector.
Throughout the three-day event, the interbad forum will focus on specific themes for experts from all areas of swimming pool and spa technology:
- Tuesday 6 October: Planning and architecture - concepts, design and perspectives for sustainable pool and spa environments.
- Wednesday 7 October: Sauna, spa and longevity - trends and concepts for holistic health, regeneration and new user experiences.
- Thursday 8 October: Sustainability and future challenges - solutions and ideas for responsible operation and long-term success.
Visit to the temporary AQUABOX pool project in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen
A visit to the temporary modular AQUABOX project in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen is scheduled for Tuesday 6 October 2026 at 1:00 pm. An additional ticket is required to take part.
The AQUABOX project will be presented at the interbad forum by architectural practice 4a Architekten, which designed this modular timber construction system. The visit will give participants valuable insight into the architecture, modular timber construction and technical solutions implemented for this temporary swimming facility.
AQUABOX provides an interim solution during the redevelopment of the local indoor swimming pool in Zuffenhausen. Prefabricated timber modules form a complete indoor swimming facility, including a 25-metre pool with five lanes and a movable floor.
As a reusable modular system, the building can be sustainably dismantled after its initial use and reassembled elsewhere. The project demonstrates how prefabrication, demountable connections and life-cycle-based planning can open up new possibilities for municipal swimming pools.
interbad cube: practical inspiration for swimming pool and spa operations
The "interbad cube" is a presentation format aimed at technical and management staff involved in operating and managing swimming pools and spas. Organised in cooperation with Bäderfachschule e. V., the "Schwimmbad.Plattform" programme will see David Ackermann and Alexander Boos share their ideas and practical experience on stage.
The focus will be on key challenges in everyday professional life and the continuous development of swimming pool and spa facilities: staff training, supervision, conflict de-escalation, professional development and the future of facility operations. This focused programme will give visitors the opportunity to discover the latest developments, share experiences and gain professional advice for their own activities.
« Finnish Sauna Lounge » by Sauna from Finland
Sauna will have a strong presence at the event through Sauna From Finland, which represents around 200 companies from the authentic Finnish sauna sector. The association will highlight the close connection with nature that characterises Finnish sauna culture. Built around a forest theme, the "Finnish Sauna Lounge" will offer visitors an authentic Finnish sauna experience.
Modern longevity and wellness concepts
The "WellCon" themed area will focus on longevity, regeneration and holistic health. On Wednesday afternoon, as part of the interbad forum, WellCon will bring together different perspectives on healthy ageing and demonstrate how health can form the basis for sustainable success in the wellness, spa and swimming pool sector.
Topics will range from practical biohacking solutions, nervous system regulation, prevention and longevity medicine to cold exposure and training.
Art of Cryo will present a cryotherapy chamber and demonstrate the use of modern whole-body cryotherapy.
The future of swimming: Josef Wund Foundation Congress
The "Future of Swimming" congress, organised by the Josef Wund Foundation for selected guests, will take place alongside interbad on 7 and 8 October 2026.
Established in 2015, the foundation promotes social progress in the fields of education, health and creativity, with a particular focus on the world of water.
interbad Innovation Award 2026: vote online!
The interbad Innovation Award highlights groundbreaking solutions that have proven themselves in practice and contribute to lasting improvements in environmental performance and energy efficiency.
The innovative projects in contention will be presented in a dedicated area, covering a wide range of fields, from digital visitor experiences to new solutions for water treatment, filtration and swimming pool construction.
Visitors will be able to vote for their favourite projects both online and on site. The awards ceremony will take place on the evening of Wednesday 7 October 2026.
71st DGfdB Congress: inspiring content on construction, technology, staffing and operations
The 71st DGfdB Congress (German Association for the Public Bath Sector - Deutsche Gesellschaft für das Badewesen) will take place alongside the trade show from 6 to 8 October 2026.
It will focus on the latest developments in swimming pool and aquatic facility construction and technology, while also addressing staffing issues and strategic and operational decision-making.
The programme will be structured around three main areas:
- International Session: Held in English, this session will explore topics including sustainable leisure infrastructure, intelligent operating models and the contribution of public swimming pools and facilities to local communities.
- Swimming pool and aquatic facility construction and technology: topics will include the replacement indoor pool in Zuffenhausen, grid-compatible operation of municipal swimming pools as part of the EnergyFLOW research project, swimming pool design using large-format ceramics, and the repair of concrete structures.
- Staffing and operations: these sessions will examine the use of artificial intelligence in swimming pool management, including the opportunities, challenges and associated legal framework. The training of qualified staff for swimming pools and wellness facilities will also be highlighted.
"Save the Swimming Pools" initiative
Through the "Save the Swimming Pools" initiative, Bäderallianz Deutschland (German Pool Alliance) is campaigning for the renovation and modernisation of swimming pools in Germany. The aim of the campaign is to secure at least EUR1 billion in federal funding each year for this purpose.
Christian Mankel, Managing Director of the German Association for the Public Bath Sector (Deutsche Gesellschaft für das Badewesen - DGfdB) and coordinator within Bäderallianz, emphasised: "We must continue to find ways of making our voice heard on this issue, in order to reach and raise awareness among as many people as possible."
The DGfdB will present this campaign on its stand at interbad. Visitors will therefore have the opportunity to find out more about the initiative, exchange views with those involved and discuss future prospects for the swimming pool, sauna and wellness sector.
