The 2025 edition of the Aquanale trade fair took place in Cologne from October 28 to 31. This event clearly confirmed its position as an essential international platform for pool, sauna, and wellness professionals. In fact, the sector took a major step forward. There was a recorded increase in attendance of 11% and the presence of nearly 290 exhibitors from 33 countries.
Positive Assessment Attendance and Quality of Contacts
he fair thus attracted around 28,000 professional visitors. They came from 125 nations, a figure significantly higher than in 2023. Although the overall volume of visitors is close to the 2019 edition, this turnout demonstrates the attractiveness of the event. In other words, Aquanale compares favorably with other major European events in the sector, such as Piscine Global or Piscina Barcelona.
However, on the ground, many exhibitors also highlighted a particularly high quality of contact. The flow of visitors was sometimes more targeted than the figures suggested. Consequently, exchanges focused on very concrete business projects.
The Comprehensive and Innovative Thematic Offering
Exhibitors were spread across 40,000 m² in Halls 7 and 8 of Koelnmesse. They presented a very complete overview of innovations concerning collective and private equipment. The offering was structured around six fundamental thematic worlds, notably Private Pools and Technology, Sauna and Wellness, Spa and Lifestyle, Outdoor Living and Design, Public Pools and Water Treatment, as well as Digital Solutions and Control Systems.
In particular, the fair highlighted major advances in energy efficiency, digitalization, and premium design. Professionals effectively discovered advanced water treatment solutions. Furthermore, they saw digital control systems integrating Artificial Intelligence to optimize performance. Finally, connected wellness space designs and the integration of renewable energies were strongly represented. The general atmosphere was therefore resolutely optimistic and focused on the qualification of business opportunities.
A Program Rich in Strategic Content
At the heart of the program, the 11th International Pool and Wellness Forum (ISWF) was the driving force behind the exchange of expertise. Free for visitors, it addressed strategic themes such as decarbonization, digital water management, skill recruitment, and sustainable modernization.
Furthermore, the 2025 edition honored Belgium as the official partner country. This materialized through a joint pavilion and dedicated events.
Several special exhibitions and highlights clearly enriched the content of the fair. These include Digital Waterparks (EWA exhibition), which demonstrated the revolution of intelligent technologies in leisure pools. The Swimming in Atmospheres exhibition showcased visionary pool architecture. The thematic spaces Private Oasis and Urban Oasis, in synergy with the FSB fair, illustrated the convergence of challenges. These challenges affect private and public aquatic environments facing climate change and urban planning. Finally, the return of the Finnish Sauna Lounge offered a cultural and multi-sensory immersion in Scandinavian wellness.
The fair director, Bettina Frias, emphasized the event’s role as an inspiration platform. Similarly, Matthias Pollmann (Koelnmesse) confirmed the sector’s shift towards energy efficiency and digitalization. With over 60% of visitors and 61% of exhibitors coming from abroad, Aquanale 2025 definitively asserted itself as a barometer of global trends for all professionals.
