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After years of planning, AquaPark Pietermaritzburg is set to open to the public this month. This four-hectare, world-class aquatics centre will position the city as a serious player on the African sporting stage.
Originally known as the South African Aquatics Park (SAAP), the project underwent a strategic rebrand to AquaPark, highlighting its simpler, more inclusive identity. It’s operated by an independent non-profit company (NPC) and forms part of the broader Xhawula Precinct - the long-term vision for a clean, green, sport-and-education-driven urban hub in Pietermaritzburg.
From concept to competition-ready
Located at St Charles College, AquaPark has quickly moved from blueprint to reality. Central to the park is its 50m Olympic-standard Myrtha pool, which is the same Italian-engineered system used in 14 Olympic and World Championship venues worldwide.
Unlike traditional concrete pools, this modular stainless-steel Myrtha system allows for faster installation, durability and lower maintenance. The 52.5m pool includes a movable bulkhead, meaning it can convert from a single Olympic-length pool into two 25m pools, making it ideal for training blocks, water polo matches, and multi-event competitions.
More than just a pool
And this is just Phase 1 and 2. The vision is to create a high-performance base where para-athletes, school teams, elite competitors and families train side by side.
The larger development plan includes:
- Two learn-to-swim pools
- A dedicated water polo/warm-up pool
- Gym facilities
- Hospitality areas
- A wellness studio and collaborative spaces.
The mission? To make aquatics accessible to everyone, from grassroots swimmers to South African Olympic hopefuls.
What you need to know
- Opening: Phased public access begins March 2026
- Programmes: Learn-to-Swim, elite training, para-sport, school meets, competitions
- Location: St Charles College campus, Pietermaritzburg
- Updates: aquapark.co.za and official social media channels
If you want to train like a champion at the biggest, most advanced indoor aquatics facility in the region, AquaPark is what you’ve been waiting for!
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