The international swimming pool, sauna and spa industry is set to meet once again from 6 to 8 October 2026 at interbad in Stuttgart focusing on the future of swimming pool construction and operation, holistic health, sustainability, energy efficiency, as well as new perspectives for the industry. In addition to the exhibition, trade visitors can expect a comprehensive programme of practical talks, special themed areas and an accompanying congress.
interbad forum providing Expertise and industry dialogue platform
interbad 2026 will open with a keynote from multiple world champion, Olympic medal winner and entrepreneur Thomas Lurz held at the 71st DGfdB Congress during the interbad forum on Tuesday, 6 October 2026. Representatives of the major industry associations such as Prof. Dr. Christian Kuhn, Chairman of the German Association for the Recreational and Medicinal Bath Industry, Prof. Dr. Carsten Sonnenberg, President of the German Sauna Association and Marc Elxnat, Member of the Executive Board for Legal Affairs, Health, Education, Social Affairs, Culture and Sports at the German Association of Towns and Municipalities, will then discuss the current challenges and future perspectives for the industry.
Over the course of three trade fair days, the interbad forum will be turning the spotlight on specific themes aimed at experts from all areas of swimming pool and spa technology:
• Tuesday, 6 October: Planning & Architecture – Concepts, design and perspectives for sustainable pool and spa environments
• Wednesday, 7 October: Sauna, Spa & Longevity – Trends and concepts for holistic health, regeneration and new guest experiences
• Thursday, 8 October: Sustainability & Future Topics – Solutions and ideas for responsible operation and long-term success
Excursion to interim swimming pool project AQUABOX in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen
There will be an excursion to the modular interim construction project AQUABOX in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen on Tuesday, 6 October 2026 at 1 pm. An additional ticket is required. The AQUABOX project will be presented during the interbad forum by 4a Architekten, designers of this modular timber construction system. The tour will provide participants with valuable insights into the architecture, modular timber construction and technical solutions used for this interim swimming pool.
AQUABOX represents an interim solution to the redevelopment phase of the local indoor swimming pool in Zuffenhausen. Prefabricated timber modules form a complete indoor swimming pool, which includes a 25-metre pool, five lanes and lifting floor. As a reusable modular system, the building can be sustainably dismantled after its first use and reassembled elsewhere. This project demonstrates how prefabrication, detachable connections and a plan that incorporates the entire lifecycle can open up new perspectives for municipal swimming pools.
interbad cube: Practical inspiration for swimming pool and spa operations
As a presentation format, the interbad cube is aimed at technical and managerial personnel involved in the running and management of swimming pools and spas. Organised in cooperation with the Bäderfachschule e. V., the programme of accompanying events from the Schwimmbad.Plattform will see David Ackermann and Alexander Boos share their ideas and practical insights on stage.
The focus will be on key challenges in daily professional life and the ongoing development of swimming pool and spa facilities: trainees, management, deescalation, further development, as well as the future of pool and spa operations. The compact programme will provide visitors with the opportunity to explore developments, share their experiences and benefit from professional advice for their own businesses.
Finnish Sauna Lounge by Sauna from Finland
Sauna from Finland will be highlighting the close relationship with nature within Finnish sauna culture at this year’s interbad 2026. While exploring a forest theme, Finnish Sauna Lounge will provide visitors with authentic Finnish sauna experiences. Sauna from Finland combines several companies, each of which supply top-quality products and services for the Finnish sauna experience. The joint stand will present the perfect opportunity for networking and to discuss the latest products.
Modern longevity and wellness concepts
The WellCon special area is focusing on the themes of longevity, regeneration and holistic health. Wednesday afternoon at the interbad forum will see WellCon gather together a variety of perspectives on healthy ageing and demonstrate how health can be the basis for long-term success in the world of wellness, spas and swimming pools. Everything from practical solutions for biohacking, regulation of the nervous system, prevention, medical longevity to cold and training will be open for discussion.
Art of Cryo will be presenting a cryochamber and demonstrating ways in which to use modern whole-body cryotherapy. Cryotherapy is increasingly becoming a key feature of innovative longevity and wellness concepts and aims to support regeneration, metabolism and vitality.
Future of Swimming: Congress of the Josef Wund Foundation
Taking place at the same time as interbad is the “Future of Swimming” Congress, organised for invited guests by the Josef Wund Foundation on 7 and 8 October 2026. Established in 2015, the foundation advocates for social progress in the fields of education, health and creativity – with a specific focus on water. The programme will be sharing inspirational content, hosting a film screening, providing networking opportunities, as well as organising workshops on blue infrastructure, health and education. It will round off with a panel discussion and participants also have the opportunity to visit interbad.
interbad Innovation Award: Excellent ideas for the industry
The interbad Innovation Award turns the spotlight on groundbreaking solutions that have proven to be successful in the field and are strengthening the sustainable impact of the environment and energy efficiency. The innovative submissions for this award will be presented in the accompanying special area and range from digital guest experiences to new solutions for water treatment, filter technology and swimming pool construction. Visitors can vote for their favourites both online and at the event. The award ceremony will take place on Wednesday evening, 7 October 2026.
71st DGfdB Congress: Inspirational content for construction, technology, personnel and operations
The 71st DGfdB Congress of the German Association for Public Swimming Pools (Deutsche Gesellschaft für das Badewesen – DGfdB) will be taking place alongside the trade fair from 6 to 8 October 2026. It will be focusing on the latest developments in the construction and technology of swimming pools and baths, as well as answering questions relating to personnel or the strategic and operational decisions involved.
The programme will cover three main areas:
• International session: This session, held in English, will be turning the spotlight on a variety of aspects, such as sustainable leisure infrastructure, intelligent operating models and the contribution of swimming pools and public baths to the community.
• Pool and bath construction and technology: The replacement of the indoor swimming pool in Zuffenhausen, the grid-friendly operation of municipal swimming pools in the EnergyFLOW research project, the design of swimming pools with large-format ceramics and the concrete repair of swimming pools are all on the agenda here.
• Personnel and operations: These areas will be exploring artificial intelligence in pool operations, their opportunities, challenges and the legal framework. The training of skilled employees for swimming pools and spas will also come under the spotlight.
“Save the Swimming Pools” initiative
With the “Save the Swimming Pools” initiative, Bäderallianz Deutschland (German Pool Alliance) is advocating for the renovation and modernisation of swimming pools in Germany. The aim of the campaign is to annually mobilise at least one billion Euro in federal subsidies for this purpose.
Christian Mankel, Managing Director of the German Association for Public Swimming Pools (Deutsche Gesellschaft für das Badewesen, DGfdB) and coordinator in the Bäderallianz, emphasised: “We need to keep finding ways to make our voices heard on this subject, so that we can reach and raise awareness among as many people as possible.” The DGfdB will be presenting the successful campaign during interbad at their trade fair stand. Visitors will have the opportunity here to find out more about the initiative, speak to the people involved and discuss together the perspectives for the future of the swimming pool, sauna and spa industry.
