Centre notices

Works are occurring at the Centre, affecting the dive/water polo pool and change rooms. Check for impacts on your visit. | The Centre hosts the Swimming SA State Age Championships from 6-10 March—see "News and Events > March events" for details. | Adelaide Cup Public Holiday (10 March 2025) will bring changes to operating hours for the Gym, Aquatic Area, Group Fitness, Swimming Lessons and more.

Rejuvenation Works
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27/02/2025 Program pool, jet pool, steam room and sauna:

The program pool works, including the jet pool, are to commence from Wednesday 12 March 2025. Impacts and support offerings below.

These works will include:

  • Filtration improvements,
  • liner repairs,
  • jet replacements,
  • enhancements to pool accessibility and safety,
  • sauna and steam room tile and wood replacements.

Introduction

For the last 14 years, the SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre—supported by the State Government of South Australia and YMCA Aquatic and Event Services Ltd.—has been at the heart of our state’s health, wellness, recreation, and sporting community. To keep it at a world-class standard, the South Australian Government allocated $23.5 million in the 2023/24 State Budget for significant rejuvenation works that began in November 2024 and will continue through to 2026. These upgrades include renewed pools, water slides, change rooms, the Dive Tower, and enhanced Steam and Sauna facilities—ensuring that, upon completion, the SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre remains Australia’s premier competition pool, where South Australians can continue to train and recreate alongside our Olympians and Paralympians.

Program of Rejuvenation Works (in Date Order)

  • Completed
    • Dive Tower board replacement
    • LED scoreboard
    • Reception gates
    • Poolside lockers with EFTPOS technology
    • CCTV and security upgrades
    • Wibit
  • Commenced
    • Dive/Water Polo Pool and Dive Tower (commenced for March 2025 delivery)
    • Water Slide Tower and Flume (commenced for July 2025 delivery)
    • Change Rooms, aquatic hallway (commenced for staged delivery)
  • Future
    • Program Pool and Jet Pool (commencing March 2025 for July 2025 delivery)
    • Steam Room and Sauna (commencing March 2025 for July 2025 delivery)
    • Degasification of pool boilers, conversion to electric heat pumps and new electric hot water system (commencing mid-2025)
    • Learner’s pool (commencement & delivery TBC)
    • Competition pool (commencing late 2025; delivery TBC)
    • Leisure Pool, Toddler Pool with Splash Park (commencing early 2026; delivery TBC)

Frequently asked questions

Below is a summary of the most frequently asked questions, grouped by topic so you can easily find the information that matters most to you.

  • Rejuvenation Works Project Scope

    What are the rejuvenation works and why are they necessary?

    • The Centre has welcomed over 14 million visits in 14 years, and vital infrastructure including: pool liners, jet pool, steam room, sauna, change rooms and water slides, requires renewal.
    • Expiring Myrtha pool warranties make this the ideal time to upgrade and future-proof the facilities.
    • We are also delighted to announce that we are increasing our renewable energy sources to power the venue through the heat pump degasification project.

    How will these works affect Centre access?

    • Not all pools or facilities will be worked on at the same time; instead, we have carefully planned the timing and made member considerations to minimise disruptions by adopting a staged approach, moving services to some of the other pools in the Centre where possible.
    • Members & Multi Visit Pass Holders can access alternative sites for lap swimming at no charge, if they find that internal availability of lap lanes do not meet their requirements (e.g, Marion Outdoor Pool until season ends Friday 27 April, and Unley Swimming Pool) for specific activities. Simply show your Member Card at the above-mentioned pools for access and be sure to view their respective online schedules.
    • The Gym, Group Fitness Rooms, Cycle Studio and Strength Conditioning Studio remain open and unaffected throughout the works.
      How will these works affect Centre access? 

    Where can I find updates about ongoing work?

    • We provide regular updates via email, social media, and our website.
    • You can also contact our team at reception or online for more information.

    Will I be compensated for disruptions?

    • We strive to minimise disruptions by providing alternatives and extra support.
    • Significant member impacts will be reviewed individually—please speak to us if you have concerns.
    • Health and Wellness Members: (08) 8198 - 0132 or member.finance@ymca.org.au
    • Swimming Lessons Members: (08) 8918 - 0198 or swim.finance@ymca.org.au

    Can I put my membership on hold?

    • Yes. If the works affect your usual activities, you can suspend your membership. Contact us to discuss your options.

     

  • Swimming Lessons

    Will my child's swimming lessons be impacted?

    • Some lessons will move to different pools in the Centre during works or major swimming events
    • We will notify you directly via email and/or SMS if your lesson schedule or location is changed.
    • Additional staff and swim teachers will be on pool deck to support students and families during schedule or lesson changes. Simply speak to one of our staff if you need direction upon arrival for your lesson.
    • Additional lessons will run during the April 2025 school holidays to provide more opportunities to utilise make-up classes.

     

  • Deep Water Lap Swimming

    What happens if I regularly use the pools for lap swimming?

    • The 50m Competition Pool remains open during the works for lap swimming.
    • Works to the Water Polo/Dive Pool is nearing completion and will be available for lap swimming soon.
    • As a Member or Multi Visit Pass holder, if our internal lap lane availability does not meet your needs, you can lap swim at alternative locations—such as Marion Outdoor Pool until Friday 27 April & Unley Outdoor Pool —at no extra cost. Simply present your SA Aquatic Member Card upon arrival and remember to check each facility’s online schedule in advance to ensure lane availability.
    • We are also trialing early-morning deep-water lap swimming sessions in the 50m Competition Pool where possible. If this initiative proves to be in high demand, we will implement it for the duration of the works.

     

  • Shallow Water Lap Swimming

    What happens if I regularly use the shallow pool for lap swimming?

    • The 25m Program Pool and adjoining Jet Pool in the leisure area will close for works from Wednesday 12 March with an expected completion in July 2025.
    • As a Member or Multi Visit Pass holder, if our internal lap lane availability does not meet your needs, you can lap swim at alternative locations—such as Marion Outdoor Pool & Unley Outdoor Pool —at no extra cost. Simply present your SA Aquatic Member Card upon arrival and remember to check each facility’s online schedule in advance to ensure lane availability.
    • We are working to secure alternative heated shallow-water lap swimming.

     

  • Aqua Fitness Classes

    Will the water-based Aqua Classes still run?

    • The 25m Program Pool, adjoining Jet Pool, and Sauna in the leisure area will close for works from Wednesday 12 March, with an expected completion in July 2025.
    • Aqua shallow classes will temporarily move to deep water in one of our other pools during the works.
    • Works to the Water Polo and Dive pools are nearing completion and will be available soon for Aqua Deep Classes.
    • Exciting new deep Aqua classes have been created and staff have been upskilled to deliver enjoyable class formats.
    • If you’re a regular aqua class attendee looking for an alternative way to maintain your fitness, we invite you to try one of our 180+ weekly group fitness classes in the gym. Our staff can guide you in selecting the right class to match your goals and preferences, so feel free to speak with them about your options.
    • We will notify you in advance if your class location changes, and we may introduce new classes to enhance your experience.
    • Speak to our team about location changes, scheduling or membership holds if needed.

     

  • Gym Memberships & Group Fitness Classes

    Will the gym or land-based group fitness classes be impacted?

    • The Gym, Group Fitness Rooms, Cycle Studio and Strength Conditioning Studio remain open and unaffected throughout the works.
    • Occasional noise or minor disruptions may occur when construction moves near these areas.
    • We will do our best to minimise any inconvenience and keep you informed of changes in traffic flow or access.
    • Membership holds are available if you find the noise or schedule changes disrupt your routine.

     

  • Major Swimming Events

    How will these works affect competitions?

    • Despite staged works, the Centre is committed to hosting major swimming events whenever possible.
    • The rejuvenation ensures we remain Australia’s best competition pool, providing a world-class venue for local, national, and international events.
    • Stay tuned for announcements and schedules on our website and social media. 

     

  • Rehabilitation

    What about rehabilitation lanes and shallow water therapy?

    • The 25m Program Pool, adjoining Jet Pool and Sauna in the leisure area will close for works from Wednesday 12 March, with an expected completion in July 2025.
    • We are working to secure alternative heated shallow-water areas for rehabilitation and exercise physiology clients.
    • Speak to our team about location changes, scheduling, or membership holds if needed.

     

  • SAALC Squads (Marion Swimming Club)

    Will squad training be affected?

    • The Dive/Water Polo pool is currently closed for works, expected to finish by March 2025.
    • Some squads have relocated sessions to Westminster, Urrbrae, Mitcham Girls High School, Marion Outdoor Pool, and other sites.
    • If your squad is affected, you will be contacted directly with schedule changes and locations.
    • Additional lessons will run during the April 2025 school holidays to provide more opportunities to utilise make-up classes.

     

  • Steam Room & Sauna

    What if I regularly use the Steam Room or Sauna?

    • The 25m Program Pool, adjoining Jet Pool and Sauna in the leisure area will close for works from Wednesday 12 March, with an expected completion in July 2025.
    • The Steam room will be closing in April for rejuvenation works.
    • We have secured a temporary sauna option: four three-person infrared saunas. These will be offered exclusively to Health & Wellness members on a booking basis, which can be booked via the online client portal or at the front desk. We are working to keep at least one of the sauna and/or steam room open while the other is under refurbishment.

     

  • Water Polo

    What if I regularly play or train for water polo?

    • The dive/water polo pool is undergoing rejuvenation works and will be closed until approximately March 2025.
    • We have coordinated alternative training locations for water polo teams, including other community pools.
    • Traffic flow changes near the competition pool hall may occur; watch for signage and updates from your club regarding practice times and locations.

     

  • Diving

    Where can I train for diving while works are ongoing?

    • Dive training at this Centre is temporarily on hold due to the dive tower and pool rejuvenation.
    • Please speak with Diving SA and the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) for updated schedules and alternative training locations.
    • Once the dive/water polo pool reopens, you can expect improved accessibility, safety upgrades, and refreshed facilities for all levels of diving.

     

  • Exercise Physiology

    What will happen to my Exercise Physiology appointment? 

    • The 25m Program Pool, adjoining Jet Pool, Steam Room, and Sauna in the leisure area will close for works from Wednesday 12 March, with an expected completion in July 2025.
    • We are working to secure alternative heated shallow-water areas for Exercise Physiology Hydrotherapy Clients.
    • New class formats and appointment types are also currently in the works and will be released when finalised.
    • Please speak to our Exercise Physiology Team about appointment options and new class formats coming soon.
    • All land based (Group Gym Classes and 1:1 gym appointments) will be unaffected.
    • Occasional noise or minor disruptions may occur when construction moves near these areas.
    • If you have any concerns, please contact the team on 81980137 to discuss alternative arrangements

     

  • Waterslides

    When will I be able to use the outdoor water slides?

    • The Outdoor Water Slide rejuvenation works has commenced and is expected to be complete by July 2025

     

Completed works