Private swimming pools are on the rise, and public swimming pools need to be developed: the industry wants to democratize access to the benefits of water.

As early as the 4th quarter of 2025, sales concluded had already increased by +9% compared to the 4th quarter of 2024.[1] The data for the 1st quarter of 2026 confirms this magnificent improvement with +12% of pools sold and +6% of quotes established.

While the number of French people enjoying the benefits of swimming pools at home is reaching record levels, the 1.700 specialists in the sector gathered within the French Swimming Pool and Spa Federation (FPP) have decided to take action to open up access to aquatic activities to as many people as possible. The French Federation has therefore just created a Public Swimming Pool Commission to assess the current state of the market and find solutions to allow French people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy the benefits of water.

The situation is indeed striking: with approximately 4.100 public swimming pools, or one pool for every 16.900 inhabitants, France has a deficit of 400 facilities. Furthermore, this stock is aging: half are over 38 years old.[2] Most of the pools, built under the "1000 Swimming Pools Plan" of the early 1970s, must therefore urgently begin their transition to reduce their water and energy consumption. This is why professionals are ready to put their expertise to work on the renovation and upgrading of the existing infrastructure.

Furthermore, to quickly address the inadequate network across the country, the FPP has begun forging partnerships with representatives of public authorities, local communities, and associations. The aim is to meet a public health challenge by extending the benefits of aquatic physical activity to as many French people as possible and by promoting swimming lessons.

To combat territorial inequalities, the FPP (French Swimming Pool Federation) has begun exploring several avenues for action, aiming to coordinate expertise in the field of public swimming pools, provide resources, contribute its know-how in water and energy conservation, and support the professional development of stakeholders in the sector. This coming November, FPP representatives will be in Lyon for the Piscine Global and Aqualie trade shows to meet with decision-makers and discuss the best measures to implement.

This leading event has the distinction of bringing together thousands of visitors from the public and private sectors, who come to discover the latest initiatives, trends and innovations in the market, whether in terms of family or collective pools.

Physical and mental health: the resources of the swimming pool

Dr. Laure Geisler, a general practitioner and recipient of the 2023 Albert Creff Prize awarded by the French National Academy of Medicine for her work in popularizing science, reminds us that water is not just about leisure: it is a concrete lever for public health, mental well-being, and learning to swim from childhood. Swimming, water aerobics, water games… whatever the level, aquatic activity combines pleasure and effort, thanks to the natural resistance of the water, which engages the entire body. She emphasizes that the pressure stimulates circulation and provides relief for heavy legs; buoyancy, meanwhile, lightens the body: immersed up to the neck, it weighs only a fraction of its weight, limiting stress on the joints. "Water allows you to gradually resume full range of motion and gently strengthen yourself," explains Dr. Geisler. She also highlights the psychological benefits of aquatic activities, citing studies that show regular swimming is associated with reduced stress and anxiety symptoms, as well as improved sleep. In a context of greater awareness of mental health, swimming pools thus have a role to play in "recharging" by disconnecting from screens and focusing on breathing and movement. To fully benefit from all these advantages, knowing how to swim is essential, and the pool provides an ideal environment for learning: no waves, no current, clear, and sometimes heated water.

The home swimming pool is rooted in the new desires of the French

There are many reasons to choose a swimming pool at home! Beyond its benefits for mental and physical health, it has the added advantage of enhancing the comfort of living at home. It often fosters gatherings with family and friends. These spaces offer the opportunity to enjoy a taste of vacation without having to travel, and they fit perfectly into the "homing" trend, creating a sanctuary-like environment conducive to well-being. Swimming pools are thus an excellent way to enjoy free time while staying at home, away from the hustle and bustle, limiting outings and expenses, and avoiding both costly and carbon-intensive travel. Furthermore, low-energy swimming pools are now a reality, meeting citizens' new expectations regarding the energy transition. Professionals are committed to a responsible approach, and their expertise is guaranteed by the Propiscines® Label. They offer equipment and advice to help reduce water and energy consumption. Finally, swimming pools are considered as genuine long-term investments since it is recognized that they enhance the value of real estate and that their presence is often decisive in accelerating transactions.

[1] Source: FPP / Xerfi Specific

[2] Source: French Swimming Federation

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.