Belgium, a nation with a rich thermal heritage and the birthplace of the word “spa,” brilliantly concluded its role as partner country of aquanale 2025 in Cologne. This event, which took place from October 28 to 31, was an exceptional platform to demonstrate the knowhow and sustainable commitment of the Belgian pool and wellness sector. The enthusiasm of the 15,000 professional visitors for Belgian innovations confirmed the Kingdom’s status as a major player on the European aquatic scene.
A Strategic Partnership and a Secular Heritage
Following Switzerland in 2023, it was Belgium’s turn to capitalize on this honor, an approach crowned with success. The Belgian Federation of Pool and Wellness Professionals FBPWW, which groups together more than 200 dynamic companies, orchestrated this presence with a clear ambition to highlight “thermal expertise and advances in wellness.” The country was able to recall its heritage, citing its Thermes de Spa, Europe’s oldest thermal center, as a constant source of inspiration for modern wellness. A spokesperson stressed that the geographical and cultural proximity to Germany created fertile ground for “solid and immediate partnerships,” facilitating commercial and technical exchanges among the 300 exhibitors present.
The Belgian ecosystem, supported by major players like Pollet Group and T&A (Interview of Joeri Dils), particularly well illustrated this dynamic. (Interview of Jeroen Van Wauve from Pollet Group)
Sustainable Innovation, the Flagship of “Made in Belgium”
The Belgian aquatic sector, which represents an impressive value of 500 million euros per year, demonstrated its ability to innovate while respecting the environment. Belgian brands exhibited products combining aesthetics, technology, and energy efficiency.
Willy Naessens Swimming Pools, the Belgian giant, created the event by presenting the model that won the EUSA Award, the highest European distinction. Their solutions for indoor pools integrated advanced eco-responsible technology, proving that “made in Belgium” exports successfully and represents 20% of their annual turnover. In the wellness sector, Alpha Wellness Sensations impressed with its custom sauna and steam room cabins from the Harmony range, incorporating ozone filtration systems and therapeutic LEDs.
These technologies enabled energy savings of up to 30% compared to classic equipment. Similarly, Azuro reaffirmed its expertise in cast concrete pools with its “infinity” crystalline overflow designs, and Lianox capitalized on the rise of jacuzzi spas certified for impeccable hygiene. The focus was also placed on the importance of water treatment, with innovative systems from brands like Bluedrops. All exhibitors highlighted concrete innovations such as natural anti-algae coatings and ultra-efficient heat pumps, reflecting Belgium’s strict alignment with European sustainability standards.
A Royal and Convivial Networking Program
The FBPWW had crafted a tailored support program. The Pool and Wellness Forum was a great success, particularly the session dedicated to the Belgian market where fascinating statistics were revealed.
The information that 25% of Flemish households own a private pool was particularly noteworthy. To facilitate networking, a strategically located shared stand in Hall 7, in collaboration with the German association bsw, became the essential meeting point. The climax of the event was, without a doubt, the now legendary Belgian Evening. Reputed to be the fair’s warmest event, it allowed participants to celebrate successes and forge connections around famous Belgian hospitality, quality craft beers, and aged cheeses.
Professionals were thus able to leave “with a smile and a head full of ideas” for their future collaborations. In conclusion, aquanale 2025 firmly established Belgium as a reference for sustainable innovation, quality, and expertise in the European aquatic sector.
