30 years of Myrtha Pools in Australia

In 1996, Myrtha Pools installed its first pool in Australia. Thirty years later, that first project has grown into a nationwide presence, contributing to the country’s aquatic landscape, from community learn-to-swim facilities to world-class competition venues.

“Community pools are a much loved and integral part of our way of life. They are places where kids learn to swim, families stay active and neighbours catch up. Royal Life Saving is grateful that Myrtha has been right there for 30 years, helping keep these facilities modern, safe and open for communities, right across the country.”

Justin Scarr, CEO of Royal Life Saving Australia.

This milestone represents more than longevity. It marks three decades of collaboration with Australia’s aquatic sector, built on performance, innovation, and a consistent focus on long-term value.

“When we built that first pool in Perth in 1996, we were introducing Australia to a technology that was then almost unknown on this continent. Thirty years later, Myrtha pools sit at the heart of some of the most celebrated aquatic facilities in the Southern Hemisphere. We are enormously proud of what has been built, not just in stainless steel and water, but in trust, performance, and partnership with the Australian aquatic community.”

Roberto Colletto, CEO of Myrtha Pools.

The solution was anything but conventional. Myrtha introduced its stainless-steel modular system, virtually unknown in Australia at the time, delivering a 33-meter in-ground pool complete with a full-perimeter overflow gutter. What followed became a defining moment. While adjacent concrete tiled pools required significant remediation within less than a decade, the Myrtha pool continued to perform with minimal maintenance. The difference was not theoretical. It was operational, visible, and measurable. That performance helped build trust. In 2007, the venue once again turned to Myrtha to renovate two existing 50-meter outdoor pools using RenovAction technology ahead of the FINA World Masters Championships. It was an early demonstration of a principle that continues to guide Myrtha’s work in Australia: durability and lifecycle value over short-term construction costs.

A decade after its Australian debut, Myrtha was selected to contribute to one of the country’s leading aquatic venues: the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, better known as MSAC. For the 2006 Commonwealth Games, Myrtha delivered a 50-meter outdoor competition pool designed to meet international competition standards. Featuring a movable bulkhead and movable floor, the pool provides the flexibility needed for multiple aquatic disciplines while maintaining the precision required for elite competition.Today, the facility remains a benchmark, continuing to host major events alongside everyday community use. It demonstrates how investment tied to major sporting events can become lasting public infrastructure when approached with a long-term perspective.

2011, Myrtha delivered a full multi-pool installation at the South Australia Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Adelaide, now widely regarded as one of the fastest swimming venues in the world. The center was designed as a high-performance hub, with Myrtha contributing to several pools, including the Olympic competition pool and a deep-water facility for diving and water polo. Movable bulkheads allow for multiple configurations, while underwater windows support coaching, analysis, and broadcast requirements. SAALC represented a new stage in Myrtha’s presence in Australia: not simply introducing technology, but helping shape facilities where elite sport, training, and community use can coexist. While major venues have contributed to Myrtha’s visibility, its impact in Australia extends far beyond flagship projects.

Today, more than 200 Myrtha pools are in operation across the country. Many of them are community facilities supporting learn-to-swim programs, recreation, and rehabilitation: essential infrastructure in a nation where water safety is considered a fundamental life skill. Partnerships with organizations such as Royal Life Saving Australia, together with contributions to regional and remote community projects, reflect a broader commitment to improving access to aquatic facilities, supporting safety outcomes, and helping communities stay active. This approach aligns closely with the Australian understanding of pools: not simply as sports infrastructure, but as important civic and community assets.

“Reaching 30 years in Australia is not just a milestone, it is a responsibility. It reflects the trust we have earned across the industry and the communities we serve. Our role today is to continue supporting Australia with solutions that are sustainable, high-performing, and designed for the long term. We are not just delivering pools; we are contributing to the social and civic fabric of this country.”

Chiara Cenati, Country Manager, Myrtha Pools Australia

Recent projects continue to demonstrate how aquatic facilities are evolving. The Parramatta Aquatic Centre, awarded at the 2024 World Architecture Festival and recognized with the 2025 IOC-IAKS Architecture Prize, reflects a broader shift in the way pools are designed, bringing together technical performance, sustainability, architectural quality, and community value.

These recognitions reinforce a long-standing belief: the most successful aquatic facilities are not only designed for performance, but also to serve people, communities, and public life over time. Thirty years on, Myrtha’s presence in Australia is defined not by a single project, but by a sustained contribution to aquatic infrastructure across the country. From a pioneering installation in Perth to a network of facilities supporting elite athletes and local communities alike, the journey reflects a clear philosophy: delivering aquatic solutions grounded in innovation, reliability, and long-term partnership.