Rejuvenation Works update

The Competition Pool to remain open! Find our more information.

Rejuvenation works
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Latest updates 

27/08/2025
Competition Pool to remain open

The State Government, through the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing, has been undertaking an important $23.5m renewal of the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre (SAALC). These works include renewal of pool liners, change room upgrades, reinstatement of the water slides, and changing from gas to electric water heaters. These works have been progressing well with improvements now complete on the dive pool, dive tower, 25m lap pool, change rooms, sauna, and steam room.

With the recent closure of the Noarlunga Aquatic Centre we know SAALC will be busy, and following feedback from users, an opportunity has been taken to defer works on the competition and learn to swim pools until later in 2026. This decision will maximise available pool space and coincide with the reopening of the water slides shortly.

This decision has been made in consultation with YMCA Aquatic (the operator of SAALC), Swimming SA, and the lead contractor. Works on the leisure pool will recommence as scheduled in the 2nd quarter of 2026.

The deferral of works will ensure greater community access to pools, particularly with the closure of the Noarlunga Aquatic Centre. We will now work with user groups and clubs regarding how to best utilise this space.

7/08/2025
Program Pool is back

The Program Pool at SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre has officially reopened.

This reopening marks not just a refurbishment, but a significant milestone in aquatic innovation. The pool now features Australia’s first large-scale implementation of Myrtha Skin technology, a semi-flexible, ultra-thin surface that enhances performance, visibility, and waterproofing. You may have already experienced this groundbreaking upgrade in our Water Polo and Dive Pools. Now, the Lap Pool joins them as a space dedicated to consistency, comfort, and quality.

Here’s what’s back:

  • Swimming Lessons: A safe, modern, and high-performance environment for confident learning.
  • Aqua Aerobics: Enjoy smoother and more responsive water movement.
  • Rehabilitation & Therapy: A refreshed and accessible space that supports healing and wellness.
  • Lap Swimming: Experience a better lane with improved flow, focus, and performance.
  • Jet Pool to relax in and ramp for easy access.

This upgrade underscores SA Aquatic commitment to innovation, community health, and accessibility, ensuring the venue remains at the forefront of aquatic excellence.

We can’t wait to welcome you back to swim, move, recover, and thrive.

 


 

Why these works are taking place

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
    • Dive/Water Polo Pool and Dive Tower 
    • Steam Room & Sauna 
    • Change Rooms, aquatic hallway
    • Program pool and Jet Pool
  • Commenced
    • Water Slide Tower and Flume
  • Future
    • Leisure Pool, Toddler Pool with Splash Park (commencing early-mid 2026 for mid 2026 delivery)
    • Competition pool (commencing in 2026 for a 2026 delivery)
    • Learner’s pool (commencing in 2026 for a 2026 delivery)
    • Degasification of pool boilers, conversion to electric heat pumps and new electric hot water system (commencing mid-2026)

 

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.

    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? 

    • Swimming lessons are now back in the 25m Program Pool
    • 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.
  • Deep Water Lap Swimming

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

    • Water Polo/Dive Pool is available for 25m lap swimming.
    • 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 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.

     

  • 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 has officially re-opened. Please visit the availability guide on the website before visiting.
    • 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 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.

     

  • Aqua Fitness Classes

    Will the water-based Aqua Classes still run?

    • The 25m Program Pool and adjoining Jet Pool in the leisure area has officially re-opened.
    • Aqua shallow classes will resume in the Program Pool on Monday, 11 August. Please book through the group fitness timetable.

     

  • 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 and adjoining Jet Pool in the leisure area has officially re-opened.

     

  • SAALC Squads (Marion Swimming Club)

    Will squad training be affected?

    • The Dive/Water Polo Pool is now open.

     

  • Steam Room & Sauna

    What if I regularly use the Steam Room or Sauna?

    • Sauna & Steam Room works are now complete. Members, casuals & multi visit holders can now use the Sauna & Steam Room.
    • The Infrared Sauna's lease has ended, thank you Nook Sauna and community for embracing this unique experience. 
  • Water Polo

    What if I regularly play or train for water polo?

    • The dive/water polo pool works are now complete and program is back to normal.

     

  • Diving

    Where can I train for diving while works are ongoing?

    • The dive/water polo pool works are now complete and program is back to normal.

     

  • Exercise Physiology

    What will happen to my Exercise Physiology appointment? 

    • The 25m Program Pool and adjoining Jet Pool in the leisure area has officially re-opened.
    • New class formats and appointment types are live on the Exercise Physiology website. All new Hydrotherapy classes take place in the learners pool.
    • Please speak to our Exercise Physiology Team about appointment options.
    • 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 is the next to be completed. Updates will be provide via our website and social media.

     

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