The Future of Swimming Pools is made by modular stainless steel
Public swimming pools are an essential part of community life, but nearly 40% of Australia’s public pools will reach end-of-life by 2030.
Royal Life Saving NSW, ACT and Tasmania have unveiled The Future of Pools a groundbreaking modular design framework developed with Cox Architecture to help Australian communities renew ageing aquatic facilities quickly, sustainably and cost-effectively. Launched at NSW Parliament, the initiative responds to the looming challenge that nearly 40% of Australia’s public pools will reach end-of-life by 2030. An outcome that could cost an estimated $910 million annually in health, safety and social impacts according to the study published.
Chaired by the Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Aquatic Recreation, Mr Roy Butler MP, the message was very clear: the government needs to act in the most efficient, sustainable and timely way.
In front of 60 delegates, including Members of Parliament, local government managers, architects and engineers, Royal Life Saving NSW stated that: “Public swimming pools are an essential part of community life in New South Wales, but many facilities are ageing, increasingly costly to maintain and struggling to keep up with the needs of growing communities.
Outer metropolitan and regional areas are particularly affected, with long waitlists for swimming lessons, pools operating at or beyond capacity, and some families needing to travel significant distances to access basic aquatic services.
The challenge is clear: to create a modular pool system that is adaptable, cost effective and environmentally sustainable. A design that meets community needs now and can expand, evolve and respond to change over time.
Inspired by the NSW Government’s innovative Housing Pattern Book approach, Royal Life Saving NSW and Cox Architecture have come together to develop The Future of Pools. The aim is to provide councils and communities with a practical pathway to renew or deliver aquatic facilities without the cost escalation, delays and uncertainty that currently limit progress."
The study outlines a clear pathway centred on four pillars:
1. Design Innovation – modular, scalable, accessible facilities adaptable to all community sizes
2. Policy & Investment – evidence-based guidance for councils and government
3. Community-Centric Function – inclusive, safe spaces for learning, recreation and connection
4. Operational Sustainability – efficient systems, resilient materials and lower life-cycle costs
Regarding the creation of a modular architectural model for new aquatic facilities, Cox Architecture is already developing the first concepts. When it comes to a modular system for swimming pools, the technology already exists! These are Myrtha and Renovaction: two modular systems with decades of successful case histories in Australia and around the world.
The study underlined that ‘prefabricated structural panels’ provide a highly durable pool for both new and refurbishing applications, a technology that it’s perfect to varying pool widths and lengths.
The proposed modular system includes prefabricated wall panels, robust waterproof membranes and adaptable foundation, allowing pools to be built or renewed faster while maintaining architectural quality and long-term durability.
Myrtha Pools’ stainless steel modular technologies align directly with the study’s goals, enabling councils to refurbish ageing concrete pools without a complete demolition, reduce maintenance interventions and deliver high-performance facilities designed for both learn-to-swim and competitive environments.
Our Country Manager for Australia, Chiara Cenati, attended the event and noted how effective and straight to the point the presentation was. Modular, scalable aquatic facilities offer a practical solution for ageing public pools.
The momentum is real, and the sector is ready. Michael Ilinsky and Greg Roberts from RLSSA NSW, ACT & TAS, together with COX Architecture, are doing an outstanding job driving this important conversation.
The Future of Pools sets the stage for national reform, bringing modern, sustainable aquatic access within reach for every Australian community.
