Pune Civic Pools Face Closures, Overcharging Complaints Amid Summer Rush
Pune, 23rd March 2026: With rising temperatures and school vacations driving up demand for swimming facilities, several civic-run pools in Pune are facing closures and complaints of overcharging, causing inconvenience to residents.
Out of the 35 swimming pools operated by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), 11 are currently non-operational due to maintenance work and a pending legal dispute. As a result, only 24 pools are functional, leading to overcrowding at available facilities during the peak summer period.
Amid increased footfall, several users have alleged that pool operators are charging fees higher than those approved by the civic body. While the PMC has fixed the daily entry fee at ₹20 and monthly passes at up to ₹350 (₹250 for students), some facilities are reportedly charging between ₹50 and ₹100 per visit. Monthly passes, in certain cases, are said to be priced between ₹500 and ₹1,000.
Civic guidelines require operators to prominently display approved rate charts, but residents claim that this rule is not being consistently followed across all locations.
Pool operators, however, have defended the higher charges, citing rising operational costs. Expenses related to maintenance, water supply, electricity, chlorine, lifeguards, and cleaning staff have increased significantly over the years. According to them, the existing fee structure is no longer sustainable.
Notably, the PMC has not revised swimming pool tariffs since 2011, despite inflation and rising costs, prompting operators to demand a revision.
Among the 11 closed pools, one remains shut due to an ongoing court case, while the remaining 10 are undergoing repairs and maintenance. The reduced number of operational pools has further intensified pressure on functioning facilities.
Residents have urged authorities to strictly enforce the prescribed fee structure and expedite the reopening of closed pools to ensure wider access to affordable swimming facilities during the summer season.
