Competition Pool rejuvenation works

Rejuvenation Works to the Competition Pool are commencing on Monday, 31 August. Please click the link for more information.

Rejuvenation works
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Competition Pool Rejuvenation Works have commenced. See Rhiannon Pearce MP & Adam Luscombe discuss the works.

Join General Manager Adam Luscombe and Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Rhiannon Pearce, as they discuss the next phase of the rejuvenation works, the Competition Pool. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to shape the future of the SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre.

Competition Pool Rejuvenation Works: Discussing the importance with Brenton Ragless, Kyle Chalmers, Jasmin Fullgrabe and Shaun Curtis

For athletes, coaches, members and our wider community, the Competition Pool is more than just water and lanes. Watch Brenton Ragless, Jasmin Fullgrabe, Kyle Chalmers and Shaun Curtis reflect on what makes this pool so special as we prepare for its next chapter.

Latest updates

3/09/2026
Leisure Pool and Splash Park re-opening, and Learners Pool works commencing Saturday 5 September!

Works to the Leisure area, including the brand new Splash Park, Big Bucket, and Mini Slides will be completed and the area ready for use from Saturday 5 September. Please view the operating times on the Leisure Swimming page before visiting to avoid disappointment.

Starting on Saturday 5 September, the Learners Pool and surrounding area will be closed off for essential rejuvenation works after accomodating over a decade of swimming lessons and water safety programs. Any Swimming Lessons families with affected lessons will be sent a direct email outlining their lesson moves.

31/08/2026
Competition Pool works have commenced!

Works on the Competition Pool rejuvenation project have commenced, marking an exciting milestone in the ongoing investment in SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre's facilities. These upgrades will help ensure the pool continues to provide a high quality experience for members, athletes and visitors for years to come.

Throughout the works period, we have worked to maintain as much lap swimming availability as possible across the centre. Lap swimming remains available in the Water Polo/Dive Pool, including early morning sessions from 4:30am Monday to Friday. We encourage members and guests to regularly check our dedicated Lap Lane Availability page for the latest lane allocations and swimming opportunities. lap swimming options are also available at Adelaide Aquatic Centre and Unley Outdoor Pool, which reopened for the season on Saturday, 12 September 2026.

We thank our members and guests for their patience, understanding and support as these important works progress. The improvements being delivered today will help support the future of aquatic sport, recreation and community participation at SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre for many years to come.

21/04/2026
Rejuvenations Works commencing on Monday, 27 April!

The next stage of rejuvenation works at the Centre will begin on 27 April 2026 and continue in overlapping phases until December 2026. We have scheduled these improvements during cooler, quieter months to minimise disruption.

Some areas of the Centre will close temporarily, but all main services will continue. For example, Swimming Lessons usually held in the Leisure Pool will be relocated.

Rejuvenation Works – Three Key Phases

  1. Phase 1: Leisure Pool & Splash Park (leisure area)
    27 April to September 2026
    During this period, the Leisure Pool, Big Bucket, and Splash Park will be closed. Programs held in these areas will move to other parts of the Centre.
  2. Phase 2: Competition Pool
    31 August to mid-December 2026
    Work on the Competition Pool will begin before Phase 1 concludes. Alternative lap swimming options will remain available.
  3. Phase 3: Learn to Swim Pool (leisure area)
    5 September to mid-December 2026
    The final phase will overlap with Phase 2 and upgrade the Learn to Swim Pool in the leisure area.


We will display clear signage throughout the Centre during all phases, and our team will assist with any temporary closures or changes.

 

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.


Why these works are taking place

Over the past 15 years, the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre has been supported by the South Australian Government, which allocated $23.5 million in the 2023/24 State Budget for major rejuvenation works that started in November 2024 and are expected to finish by 2026. All scheduled upgrades through 2025, including pools, water slides, change rooms, the Dive Tower, and Steam and Sauna facilities, have now been completed, enhancing the Centre's facilities and services to maintain its world-class standard. The next phase of rejuvenation will start in 2026, with the upgrade of the leisure pool and splash park beginning on 27 April. Later in the year, work will focus on the competition and learner pools. All remaining projects are scheduled for completion by December 2026. Community members are encouraged to stay informed through our website.

Program of Rejuvenation Works (in Date Order)

  • Commenced
    • Leisure Pool, Toddler Pool with Splash Park (commenced April 27 for mid-late 2026 delivery)
    • Competition pool (commence 31 August for a late 2026 delivery)
  • Commencing soon
    • Learner’s pool (commencing mid-late 2026 for a late 2026 delivery)
    • Degasification of pool boilers, conversion to electric heat pumps and new electric hot water system (commencing mid-2026)
  • Completed
    • Dive Tower board replacement
    • LED scoreboard
    • Reception gates
    • Poolside lockers with EFTPOS technology
    • CCTV and security upgrades
    • Wibit
    • Dive/Water Polo Pool and Dive Tower 
    • Steam Room & Sauna 
    • Change Rooms, aquatic hallway
    • Program pool and Jet Pool
    • Waterslides Tower and Flume

Frequently asked questions

Below is a summary of the most frequently asked questions, grouped by topic for phase 1, 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 rejuvenation project renews key aquatic infrastructure to ensure SAALC meets the needs of our growing community.
    Key upgrade areas include:

    • Pool infrastructure and associated aquatic systems.
    • Competition Pool renewal works.
    • Learner Pool renewal works.
    • Leisure Pool and Splash Park upgrades.
    • Sustainability improvements and renewable energy initiatives.
    • Accessibility and facility improvements.

    Why are these works happening now?

    While some parts of the project were originally planned to happen sooner, construction was deferred from 2025 to maintain community access to swimming facilities during a period of high demand and limited aquatic infrastructure across South Australia.
    With those external pressures reduced and critical infrastructure needing renewal, the works must proceed to ensure the Centre remains modern and sustainable for future generations.
    The project staging has been carefully planned to reduce disruption wherever possible while still delivering these essential upgrades.

    How will these works affect Centre Access?

    Not all facilities are being upgraded at once.
    The project has been staged to maintain as many programs and services as possible during construction.
    Key milestones include:

    • Competition Pool closed from 31 August 2026.
    • Leisure Pool and Splash Park reopen 5 September 2026.
    • Learner Pool works commence 5 September 2026.
    • Works are scheduled to be completed by December 2026.

    Activities have been relocated to other spaces within the Centre where possible to minimise disruption.
    The following facilities remain fully operational throughout the works:

    • Gym
    • Group Fitness Studios
    • Cycle Studio
    • Strength & Conditioning Studio
    • Sauna
    • Steam Room
    • Diving Programs
    • Water Polo Programs
    • Exercise Physiology Services
    • Squad Swimming Programs
    • Swimming Lessons

    Additional signage and staff support will assist visitors during temporary changes to access routes and program locations.

    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 understand that changes to a community facility can be challenging.
    Our priority is to minimise disruption by:

    • Relocating programs where possible.
    • Maintaining access to alternative facilities.
    • Providing additional staff support.
    • Offering membership holds where appropriate.

    If the works significantly impact your circumstances, we encourage you to speak with our team to discuss available options.

    Health & Wellness Members & Multi-Visit Pass Holders
    PH: (08) 8198 0132
    E: member.finance@ymca.org.au

    Swimming Lessons Members
    PH: (08) 8198 0154
    E: 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
    • Learner Pool works will commence 5 September 2026.
    • Swimming lessons normally held in the Learner Pool will be relocated to alternative pools in the Centre where possible.
    • Families affected by timetable or location changes will receive direct email communication. Additional swim teachers and support staff will be available on the pool deck to assist students and families during transitions.
    • You may occasionally notice construction activity nearby while visiting the Centre.
  • Deep Water Lap Swimming
    • The 50m Competition Pool closed on 31 August 2026 for essential renewal works.
    • The Competition Pool is expected to reopen in December 2026.
    • Alternative deep-water swimming opportunities will continue to be available within the Centre, where possible, in the Water Polo / Dive pool.
    • If internal lane availability does not meet your needs, Members and Multi Visit Pass Holders can access participating alternative venues including:
      - Adelaide Aquatic Centre
      - Unley Outdoor Pool (from 12 September 2026)
    • Present your SA Aquatic Membership Card upon arrival and check venue schedules before visiting.
  • Shallow Water Lap Swimming
    • The Program Pool will continue operating.
    • Lap swimming and rehabilitation availability may vary because activities have been temporarily relocated from the 50m Competition Pool and Learners Pool.
    • Please refer to the website for current lane availability guides and schedules.
  • Aqua Fitness Classes
    • Aqua Group Fitness classes will continue as scheduled.
    • Some sessions may experience increased pool usage due to relocated activities.
    • You may occasionally notice nearby construction activity while classes are in progress.
  • Gym Memberships & Group Fitness Classes

    Business continues as usual.

    The following facilities remain unaffected:
    • Gym
    • Group Fitness Studios
    • Cycle Studio
    • Strength & Conditioning Studio

    We will monitor access routes and keep members informed of any temporary changes around the Centre.
    Membership holds remain available if the works significantly impact your experience.

  • Major Swimming Events

    Despite the staged works program, SAALC remains committed to hosting major swimming, diving, and Water Polo events wherever possible.
    We will continue to publish event updates on our website and social media channels.

  • Rehabilitation
    • Rehabilitation services will continue during the works period.
    • The Program Pool will remain available, but some schedule adjustments may occur.
    • Additional signage and staff support will be available to assist with wayfinding.
    • Please refer to current online schedules when planning your visit.
  • SAALC Squads (Marion Swimming Club)
    • Squad programs will continue in the Water Polo/Dive Pool and at the Adelaide Aquatic Centre.
    • We will communicate any future adjustments directly to participants.
  • Steam Room & Sauna
    • Sauna facilities remain open.
    • Steam Room facilities remain open.
  • Water Polo
    • Water Polo SA training will be relocated to Adelaide Aquatic Centre for the duration of the Competition Pool Works.
    • Henley Sharks training will remain in the Water Polo/Dive Pool on Monday nights
  • Diving

    • Diving remains un-affected.
  • Exercise Physiology

    Operations continue as usual.

    • The Exercise Physiology timetable remains unchanged.
    • Land-based classes and one-on-one gym appointments continue as usual.
    • Additional signage will help with navigation around the Centre.
    • The Program Pool may see increased activity due to temporary program relocations.

    If you have any concerns, please contact the Exercise Physiology team on (08) 8198 0137.

     

  • Waterslides

    Good news!
    The Waterslides have reopened and are operating normally.
    For operating hours, pricing, and entry conditions, please visit the Waterslides Page.

Leisure Pool rejuvenation works commencing with Adam & Brenton

Join General Manager Adam Luscombe and SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre ambassador Brenton Ragless as they discuss the next phase of the rejuvenation works, the Leisure Pool. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to shape the future of the SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre.

Waterslide Q&A with Emily Bourke MLC & Adam Luscombe

Minister Emily Bourke MLC & Adam Luscombe, General Manager of SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre talk about the re-opening of the waterslides at the centre.

Rejuvenation update with Adam & Brenton

Join General Manager Adam Luscombe and SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre ambassador Brenton Ragless as they discuss the newly completed Water Polo and Dive Pool, celebrating the conclusion of the first phase of our rejuvenation works. We are excited to share that the second phase has already begun, promising even more enhancements to elevate member experience. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to shape the future of the SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre.

Stage 1 nearly complete

Stage 1 is nearly complete! Join SA Aquatic General Manager Adam as he takes a closer look at the final stages of the Water Polo and Dive Pool transformation.

Completed works