The Madrid City Council has described this outcome as a "historic record" for attendance at its recreational facilities. Deputy Mayor Inma Sanz presented these figures during the press conference following the Governing Board meeting. The summer season began on May 15th, coinciding with San Isidro's Day, with all 25 municipal summer pools opening simultaneously. Two heated indoor pools for recreational use, equipped with solariums, were also added in the districts of Carabanchel and Tetuán.
The facilities with the highest occupancy rates were the pools at Peñuelas in Arganzuela; Paseo de la Dirección in Tetuán; and El Quijote in Moncloa-Aravaca. The total offering of 5,089,000 spots throughout the season equates to an average of 44,259 daily spots, representing a 7.1% increase compared to the previous year.
The capacity management system implemented during the season was crucial in achieving these numbers. The three-turn access system (morning, afternoon, and full day) was maintained, along with dynamic capacity controls that allow for the reallocation of free spots when a user leaves the facility before their turn ends.
One of the main novelties of the 2026 season was the introduction of free express fitness classes. These sessions, included in the entrance fee and requiring no prior registration, were offered both in the morning and afternoon, tailored to the specific characteristics of each facility. The program included activities such as water aerobics, fitness, water activation, mobility, stretching, and dry-land and combined water/dry-land conditioning.
Centers like La Concepción, Luis Aragonés, Blanca Fernández Ochoa, José María Cagigal, La Elipa, and Cerro Almodóvar hosted these initiatives. The deputy mayor highlighted that the free class program was "very well received" by users, reflecting a growing demand for complementary services in municipal leisure spaces.
