Swimming pools in Denmark are facing mounting costs due to dirty bathers who fail to shower properly before entering the water. A facility in Skanderborg is now taking action to address the problem, which can cost pools thousands of kroner annually in extra cleaning and chemical expenses.
Unwashed Bathers Create Major Costs
Henrik Sparre, hall inspector at the Vandvirke swimming facility in Skanderborg, explains that one person who doesn’t wash properly before swimming pollutes the water as much as 25 clean people. This simple hygiene failure has become a massive challenge for swimming pools across Denmark.
Research shows that more than 80 percent of polluting substances on the skin are removed within the first 60 seconds of showering. On average, each person releases 211 mg of organic carbon, 46 mg of nitrogen, 155,103 particles including hair and skin cells, and approximately 1.6 billion bacteria into pool water when they don’t rinse off first.
Swimming Pool Opens With New Focus on Hygiene
After undergoing renovation, the Skanderborg swimming hall reopened on February 1 with extra emphasis on guests’ washing habits. The facility has installed a large glass window allowing visitors to see directly into the water treatment facility, accompanied by an information board explaining the importance of proper hygiene.
According to Sparre, the cost of operating pools becomes unsustainable when people don’t clean themselves properly. The new transparency is meant to educate guests who may not understand the impact of their behavior.
Expert Backs the Approach
Lene Bach, who teaches cleaning courses for Danske Svømmebade (Danish Swimming Pools), an industry organization, supports the initiative. She notes that all facilities face these challenges and recommends running hygiene campaigns every six months due to widespread misunderstandings about proper washing.
Interestingly, many pool operators find themselves dealing with confusion among guests about what’s expected before entering the water.
Previous Hygiene Push Saved 80,000 Kroner
Sparre has direct experience with how better washing culture translates to significant savings. When he started at his previous position and implemented extra focus on hygiene and cleaning, the facility achieved a 40 percent reduction in chlorine use. That translated to savings of approximately 80,000 kroner.
For example, lower chemical costs mean pools can keep prices down while providing a better experience for guests, who benefit from reduced chlorine odors. The facility also gains happier customers, which Sparre says is the ultimate goal.
Danske Svømmebade recognizes the problem among its members. Næstformand (Vice Chairman) Liselotte Jakobsen confirms it’s a significant challenge, even though most people do wash themselves properly.
Research Shows Bathers Are Biggest Pollution Source
A 2020 study commissioned by Danske Svømmebade and conducted by Teknologisk Institut (Danish Technological Institute) examined pool contamination sources. The results were clear: contamination from bathers accounts for 97 to 99 percent of pollution from organic material, ammonium, particles, and microorganisms.
The study also demonstrated that initial washing reduces the extent of pollution from users drastically. Research showed that ensuring guests complete just 60 seconds of washing can prevent a large amount of contamination from entering pool water.
Growing Problem With Modesty
Unfortunately, Sparre observes that the trend is moving in the wrong direction. People have generally become worse at washing properly before swimming. He attributes this partly to increased modesty, with many people reluctant to shower naked in communal areas.
Similarly, this reluctance means operating costs have risen substantially for pool facilities. Liselotte Jakobsen from Danske Svømmebade acknowledges that modesty is a significant factor in 2026. Some facilities have tried installing private shower cabins and curtains to accommodate guests, but this can create conflicts that staff find difficult to handle.
New Handheld Showers Installed
As part of the renovation, Vandvirke installed handheld showers for all guests. The facility hopes this will make it easier for people to reach important areas with water and soap, even if they choose to keep swimwear on.
Despite the challenges, Sparre remains hopeful that guests will embrace the new initiatives. He emphasizes there’s substantial money to save and a lot of mess and inconvenience the industry can eliminate. By educating visitors and making hygiene easier, pools can control costs while creating a more pleasant environment.
For those seeking relaxation after a swim, visitors might also explore options for wellness at various spas in Copenhagen.
The growing modesty concern reflects broader cultural shifts affecting public facilities throughout Denmark, forcing pool operators to balance hygiene requirements with changing social norms around communal bathing spaces.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Discover Best Spas Copenhagen
The Danish Dream: Best Spas in Denmark for Foreigners
TV2: Beskidte badegæster koster tusindvis af kroner
