Frequently Asked
Questions

About AquaPark

AquaPark is South Africa’s first Olympic-standard aquatic facility, created to support elite performance, youth development, and inclusive community access. At its core is a world-class 50m Myrtha pool with a movable bulkhead, allowing flexible use for training, events, and competitions.

AquaPark is located within the Xhawula Precinct in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. Its central position ensures accessibility for families, schools, clubs, and visiting athletes from across the province and beyond. It is easily located just off the N3 highway passing Pietermaritzburg.

AquaPark is designed for everyone – from elite athletes and school squads to families, recreational swimmers, and aspiring young talent. The facility balances high-performance training with structured, inclusive community access.

Membership, Bookings & Payments

In our current Launch Phase, we are offering a significantly reduced membership of R500 that grants access until 30 June 2026. To benefit from this offer, simply visit BOOK NOW and follow all the prompts.

Our Membership Fee Structure from 1 July onwards is currently being finalised and will be advertised in June. Our aim, as the facility grows, is to offer a full range of membership and access options designed for individuals, families, schools, and athletes.

AquaPark operates through a modern online booking and payment system. This system currently allows users to manage memberships and access passes. More functionality will be added to the system as the need dictates.

At this stage, swimmers do not book specific lanes at specific times. What is offered currently is either a once off day pass for R100, or the Promo Membership of R500 giving access until 30 June 2026.

Swimmers training as part of an organised club squad attend AquaPark at the agreed training times of their club. These times are pre-booked between the club and AquaPark and are blocked out on the calendar to ensure adequate space is allocated.

From 1 July, our lane session pricing will aim to cater to peak and off-peak demand. Once finalised, it will be published on the AquaPark website.

Schools, Squads & Clubs

Yes. AquaPark is designed to support structured, recurring training sessions for school squads and organised groups, including swimming and water polo. Dedicated time blocks will be scheduled to ensure fair access across user groups.

Schools and clubs are invited to contact the AquaPark team directly via email: enquiries@aquapark.co.za. We ensure a fair and effective scheduling process.

Yes. AquaPark aims to collaborate with local clubs and coaches in Pietermaritzburg to grow aquatic sport collectively and support athlete development.

Community Access & Support

AquaPark is committed to inclusivity and transformation. Partnerships, development pathways, and targeted programmes will be introduced to support para-athletes and swimmers from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Community organisations, NGOs, and individuals are encouraged to contact the AquaPark team via email to explore partnerships, programmes, or contribution opportunities.

Please contact us through our Enquiry form to learn more about supporting the project.

Opening & Access

AquaPark is now in its Launch Phase of opening ahead of our grand opening. It gives us the opportunity to fine tune our systems, ensuring your visit is an enjoyable one. We are running a Launch Phase membership and day pass access promotion – click here for full details: BOOK NOW.

As our programmes become more established, they will be advertised clearly via our website and social media channels.

All pre-booked events, training camps and training sessions are shown on our Calendar. When booking day access passes through the booking system once your profile is created and membership complete, you will see the times in the day where the facility is available.

Updates are also shared regularly on the AquaPark website and across our social media platforms where necessary. Visitors will also be able to sign up to a mailing list once registrations open. WhatsApp updates may be introduced as systems are finalised.

Learn-to-Swim, Coaching & Development

Our Learn-to-Swim facility is not yet complete but we are working on an effective interim solution that will deliver a high quality structured programme to all ages.

Programmes will be delivered by qualified and accredited swimming teachers and coaches, with lessons offered multiple times per week. All details, once in place, will be advertised via the website and social media channels.

Once AquaPark has lessons and the training programme in place, the aim is that you will be able to book online once a membership is active. Lesson formats, schedules, and pricing will be published prior to programme launch.

AquaPark intends to support skills development within aquatics over time. Opportunities for Learn-to-Swim training placements and instructor involvement may be introduced in partnership with accredited providers once programmes are operational.

Water Polo, Triathlon/Open Water Training & Events

Yes. Water polo clinics and development programmes are planned as part of AquaPark’s broader commitment to aquatic sport. Details will be announced once schedules and partnerships are finalised.

Yes. AquaPark is well suited to support triathlon and open-water swim preparation, including endurance training and structured lap swimming in an Olympic-standard 50m pool.

Yes. AquaPark is designed to host galas, competitions, clinics, and charity or fundraising events. Event organisers can contact the AquaPark team via email to discuss availability and requirements.

Safety, Operations & Accessibility

AquaPark is open Mon-Fri 06h00-18h00 and Sat 06h00-14h00. These times will change to 7 days a week at a later stage, with early-morning and evening access to accommodate schools, squads, and working adults. Operating hours will be updated on the Membership page.

Yes. The timetable will include designated sessions for different user groups to ensure a safe, structured, and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Lane usage at AquaPark will be organised to ensure a safe, comfortable experience for all swimmers. As the programme becomes more established, sessions will be structured by ability and activity type, with AquaPark staff on hand to guide swimmers and manage lane use where needed, and to help ensure the pool runs smoothly and fairly for everyone. Full facility and pool rules will be available on the AquaPark website and on-site.

Yes. Qualified lifeguards will be present during operating hours and at all aquatic events to ensure the safety of all swimmers and water polo players.

Yes. AquaPark has been designed with accessibility in mind, including ramp access to upper levels and accessible spectator viewing areas for those unable to use staircases.