In Deutschkreutz

Big question mark over the future of the outdoor pool

It will be open this year, but the future is uncertain.(Bild: Reinhard Judt)

The excursion destination with very special water in Deutschkreutz had a large loss last year. Now the question arises: does the municipality want to continue to afford it? 

Many municipalities can tell you a thing or two about it: Running a swimming pool as a municipality usually means a loss-making business. In Deutschkreutz, the loss was particularly high last year: the outdoor pool made a loss of 150,000 euros, confirms ÖVP mayor Andreas Kacsits.

Bad weather and investments
On the one hand, this is due to the fact that some investments were made, but also to the sometimes bad weather in the previous season. Especially at the beginning of May and in June, things did not go as well as hoped, says the head of the village. As a result, the prices for this year will be increased by around 20 percent.

Proposal: the state should take over the poolFor Kacsits, however, the question arises in the long term as to whether the municipality can or wants to afford the outdoor pool in the future. Many other municipalities are also struggling with the costs of their pools.

State should help
LBL municipal board member Manfred Kölly therefore came up with the idea that the state should take over the Deutschkreutz outdoor pool or at least support it financially. After all, this is also the case in other towns, such as the indoor pool in Pinkafeld. Kacsits would not oppose support from the state.

Outdoor pool is not an indoor pool
According to the office of Provincial Councillor Heinrich Dorner, indoor pools cannot be compared with outdoor pools. Indoor pools are much more cost-intensive, which is why they have had to close in some federal states. "We are committed to maintaining all three indoor pools, above all because we want our children to have the opportunity to learn to swim all year round. Hence the financial support from the state."

Fun in Grander water
The adventure pool will be open again this year at least. Incidentally, the pool offers a special highlight: instead of normal water, you can splash around in the best Grander water.