essential pool works 2025

What pools are affected?

The multipurpose pool is the square-shaped pool at the city-end of the Leisure Pools zone. The pool is used by many groups, most heavily by Swim School classes. This pool is also known as: 

• Ground floor hydro pool
• Small square pool
• The warm pool 

Why are the pools closing?

The pool’s height adjustable floors and latex liner are original (installed 2005), so were at the end of their working life and need replacement. The floor panels were starting to “cup”, the buoyancy tanks fatigued and a waterproof liner had some minor leaks which can only be replaced with the floor removed. The pool’s structural shells and fittings are also undergoing maintenance.

When will the pools close and then reopen? 

Both pools are closed from 1 April 2025. The multipurpose pool reopened on 8 May 2025. The outdoor pool is expected to reopen in August 2025.  

What pools will be available instead?

All our remaining pools, including the indoor competition pool, dive pool and hydrotherapy pool, will remain open. These pools will accommodate some user groups displaced by the outdoor and multipurpose pools closure. Schedules have been adjusted to accommodate as many of our 30+ pool user groups as possible. Please check lap lane availability here.

Will other MSAC facilities be impacted?

This work is specific to the outdoor and multipurpose pool. All other MSAC facilities, including stadiums, gym and group fitness, are unaffected. No work is currently planned for the Swim Lab and kiosk (both currently not in use) located in the outdoor pool zone. 

Access from the multideck carpark or from aquatics entry is by the air-bridges, stairs or lift and following the wayfinding signs and “blue line” to main reception and the leisure pools zone.

What are the environmental impacts of draining the pools and construction?

Emptying and refilling the pools is a large undertaking and is coordinated with water authorities who assist with both tasks. 

SSCT approached Parks Victoria about the opportunity to discharge pool water to the lake as the additional water would benefit the lake environment. Parks Victoria was supportive as the discharged water quality is equivalent to Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. 

The steel floor structure from the multipurpose pool has been recycled. The polypropylene floor panels will also be recycled. Remaining steel floor structure and other materials removed from the pools will be sorted for recycling where possible. 

How are the pools emptied?

The pools hold about 4,000,000 litres of water and any significant planned discharge is coordinated with authorities who assist and advise.

Pool water is inherently safe to humans. It is treated to ensure it is clean and free of contaminants. Before discharge commences water heating will be switched off and all treatments will cease which will naturally reduce chemical levels. After a week the water will be independently tested to ensure it meets the 18+ analysis targets. Discharge will only commence once the targets are met and the water quality aligns with Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

Pumps are then used to discharge the water into existing storm water systems which drain to Albert Park Lake. Water testing and analysis will continue through the discharge. Discharge rates are gradual (10,000 – 30,000 litres per hour) to ensure the pool structure and tiles can adjust to changed water pressures and temperatures.

It will take 7 days to discharge the water.

Will Members still be able to access pools?

All our remaining pools, including the indoor competition pool, dive pool and hydrotherapy pool, remain open. We have adjusted schedules to accommodate as many of our 30+ pool user groups as possible, including those displaced by the pool closures. There is reduced lap lane availability during this period.

Please check lap lane availability before your swim here.

What is happening to other bookings?

External group booking access will be limited while we use the available pool space to accommodate as many user groups as possible. Pool hirers should contact their Account Manager with any questions. 

What is the impact to aqua group fitness?

Our leisure pool will remain open, so we expect minimal interruptions to our aqua group fitness timetable. Please check the client portal to stay up to date with class scheduling. Please also check lap lane availability before coming in for a swim.

Deep Water Running classes will be scheduled where possible, potentially seeing changes to current timetabling to align with diving pool availability. 

How does this affect my membership?

Impacts caused by this work are unavoidable and are being mitigated to the greatest possible extent, but we acknowledge it will inconvenience members and regular casual users. 

There are several options available to affected members including complimentary upgrades from aquatics to performance memberships so members can access non-aquatic services. 

Membership upgrades 

Existing aquatics members have the option to upgrade to a performance membership as a trial for a fixed term, at no extra cost. This grants access to our gym and group fitness classes, in addition to accessing all our aquatic spaces that remain open, when available. 

If you are interested in upgrading and continuing your membership, please click here to submit your details. 

Please note this option is only available to members who held an aquatics membership as of 31 March 2025.

Membership suspensions 

All members have the option to suspend their membership for the duration of the works. If you wish to suspend your membership, please click here to submit your details. 

Can I extend my multi-visit pass expiration?

If you are a multi-visit pass holder and the spaces we have available throughout the outdoor pool closures don’t accommodate your needs, we will happily extend the expiration date on your pass. Extensions can be requested by emailing members@ssct.com.au. 

Will Swim School classes continue?

With the multipurpose pool reopen from 8 May, classes have returned to their usual spaces. Please see the client portal for up-to-date information.

Will staffing be impacted?

Swim School classes still go ahead during the works. The reduction of pool space means there are extra staff available for SSCT to support child safety during the relocated classes. 

Lifeguard rosters are adjusted but overall staff numbers will not be reduced. Some lifeguard staff will assist with other duties, including assisting the swim school team and Watch Around Water. 

How can I stay updated on progress?

We are communicating regularly through our existing direct communication channels to specific user groups and members, primarily via email. 

We have established a dedicated project page on our website that will be updated regularly, as well as via our social media channels. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram for any updates.

If you have further enquiries, please contact our Customer Experience staff at reception desks.

What happens once the pool reopens?

As a maintenance project, our focus is on ensuring the ongoing viability of our existing offerings. Our programs will return to the settings that were in place before the pool closure and we will continue to look for opportunities to improve our current offerings and access to facilities.