The $23.5 million upgrade of the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre (SAALC) is now underway, securing the long-term future of the premier community and high-performance aquatic facility.
The rejuvenation works are taking place throughout the remainder of the year and will deliver an upgraded leisure pool, learn to swim pool and 50-metre competition pool.
The essential pool and plant improvements will enhance safety, water quality and the overall user experience, while works are carefully staged to minimise disruption for members and visitors.
Reciprocal memberships for the SAALC and Adelaide Aquatic Centre are also in place, where members are encouraged to use this alternate facility if required.
This second stage builds on major upgrades completed between October 2024 and August 2025, including:
- Renewal of the indoor 55-metre diving pool and dive tower
- Reopening of the water slide tower and slides
- Refurbishment of the 25-metre program pool and spa
- Changeroom upgrades
- Refurbishment of steam and sauna facilities
The renewal program was temporarily paused at the end of August 2025 to help ease pressure on pool availability during the peak summer period.
Since opening, SAALC has welcomed more than 15.9 million visits over 15 years, generating an estimated $170 million in economic benefit and $174 million in social value to South Australia.
It's also serviced high-performance athletes, hosting three World Championships, and three consecutive Olympic and Paralympic trials, while supporting athletes to achieve more than 135 international medals.
Concept images of the new facilities are available here.
As put by Rhiannon Pearce
The SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre supports and welcomes everyone from learn-to-swim participants through to our highest-performing athletes.
These upgrades will ensure the centre remains a world-class venue, delivering safer, more modern facilities for the thousands of South Australians who use it each week.
Importantly, we are staging these works to minimise disruption, so the community can continue to access aquatic facilities while this vital investment is delivered.
As put by Sarah Andrews
These upgrades will make this local institution an even better place for families to come and enjoy a swim or other activity.
It also ensures the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre remains a preeminent competition venue for elite swimming which in turn attracts interstate and international visitors to our area.
I encourage members to take advantage of their reciprocal membership rights at new Adelaide Aquatic Centre while the works are undertaken.
As put by YMCA Aquatic General Manager Adam Luscombe
SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre means a lot to the people who use it every week.
After 15 years and 15.9 million visits, these works are an important investment in keeping the centre safe, welcoming and fit for the future.
We've already seen the difference stage one has made, and we're excited for the next phase to refresh the splash deck, tipping bucket, competition pool and other key areas.
Works schedule:
Phase 1: Leisure Pool & Splash Park (leisure area)
27 April to November 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.
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.
Phase 3: Learn to Swim Pool (leisure area)
28 October to mid December 2026
