From 28–31 October 2025, the aquanale – the International Trade Fair for Sauna.Pool.Ambience. – will once again open its doors in Cologne. In an interview with talk+wellness, Matthias Pollmann, Vice President Trade Fair Management at Koelnmesse, draws a positive conclusion about the last aquanale and offers exciting insights into preparations for the upcoming edition.
Mr Pollmann, aquanale 2025 is coming up – which topics and trends will shape this year’s trade fair?
Aquanale 2025 will be strongly defined by sustainability, smart technologies, and holistic wellness concepts. We see the private and public pool and spa sectors increasingly merging: comfort, customization, and digital control systems are at the forefront. In addition, the question of how to implement sustainable construction and operating methods in public swimming pools is moving even more into focus.
Sustainability and energy efficiency have been key buzzwords for years – how is aquanale showcasing these topics in concrete terms?
Aquanale is the stage for best practices and innovations around energy-saving systems, resource-conserving materials, and smart water treatment systems. Together with our exhibitors, we show how energy consumption can be measurably reduced and renewable sources can be utilized – for example through heat recovery, solar thermal energy, or intelligent system integration. At the International Swimming Pool and Wellness Forum, experts provide specific recommendations for planners, operators, and pool builders.
Aquanale also sees itself as a platform for innovation. What new products or concepts can visitors in Cologne expect?
Visitors can look forward to numerous product innovations – from innovative pool covers to modular spa solutions and digital assistance systems that make maintenance and operation much easier. Particularly exciting are new approaches in the field of “natural pools” as well as networked solutions that enhance both comfort and energy efficiency.
Which collaborations are particularly noteworthy in 2025?
In 2025, we are once again relying on close cooperation with our long-standing partner associations. Especially worth mentioning is the collaboration with aquanale’s conceptual sponsor, the German Swimming Pool & Wellness Association (bsw), which makes a significant contribution to the quality and international character of the conference program. We also work closely with the European Waterpark Association (EWA), the Federal Association of German Swimming Masters (BDS), and the German Society for Natural Bathing Waters (DGfnB). Another important partner for many years has been IAKS, which contributes ideas on swimming pool architecture, management, and operational concepts for public pools within the Swimming Pool and Wellness Forum.
Aquanale takes place in parallel with FSB – how is the motto #bettertogether reflected in this context?
The interaction with FSB is a real added value: while aquanale covers the entire spectrum of pool, sauna, and wellness, FSB brings in the topics of open spaces, sports, and recreational facilities. This creates intersections reflected, for example, in the concept “City Oasis vs. Private Oasis” and showcases the synergies between the two fairs. The connecting element is water – it links the different topics and appeals to diverse target groups. That’s exactly what our motto #bettertogether stands for.
