Swimming Pool Acoustic Panels in Ashburton Recreation Centre

The Challenge

At Ashburton Pool and Recreation Centre, like many aquatic centres, the pool areas contain large volumes and highly reflective surfaces. Water itself reflects sound, while glazing, tiled finishes and structural surfaces allow noise to travel across the pool hall and remain audible for longer. As activity increases, voices begin to overlap, instructions become harder to distinguish and staff or instructors may need to project their voices more forcefully. This is a common issue in gym, pool and leisure spaces. The problem is not that swimmers or families are being unusually loud. The problem is that the architecture provides too few surfaces capable of absorbing sound.

Ashburton Recreation Centre therefore needed an acoustic treatment that could reduce echo across the pool environment while also complementing the bright, modern appearance of the facility.

The Solution

SoundFix Acoustics recommended its sculptural Acoustic Waves as the primary treatment for the pool areas. The product was particularly well suited to the centre because the large overhead volume provided an opportunity to introduce sound absorption where many of the strongest reflections were occurring.

Acoustic Waves are lightweight, suspended sound-absorbing panels designed for spaces with high ceilings. Their curved form provides greater exposed surface area than a flat panel, allowing them to interact with sound travelling from several directions. In an aquatic centre, where voices, splashing and activity generate reflections throughout the entire room, this multi-directional absorption is especially valuable. For Ashburton Recreation Centre, the Waves were finished in colour-matched green and white. These colours connected the treatment with the existing pool interior and gave the installation a deliberate architectural quality. Rather than appearing as separate technical equipment, the panels became part of the visual identity of the aquatic spaces. The alternating wave forms also reflected the movement of water below, helping the acoustic treatment feel naturally connected to its environment. SoundFix’s broader range of colour-matched acoustic solutions demonstrates how effective sound absorption can be integrated into a space without compromising its design.

The Installation

Installing acoustic products above active swimming pools requires much more than selecting a panel and fixing it to the ceiling. The design must account for ceiling height, pool dimensions, existing services, sightlines and the way sound travels through the large open space.

SoundFix carefully planned the layout of the green and white Acoustic Waves across the pool areas. The panels were suspended overhead in repeated formations, distributing sound absorption throughout the aquatic environment rather than concentrating it in one location. This helped treat the broad room volume and intercept reflections travelling between the water surface and ceiling. The wave-shaped panels were positioned to create a balanced visual composition when viewed from the pool deck and from within the water. Alternating green and white finishes introduced movement across the ceiling and reinforced the centre’s existing colour palette. Their curved profiles softened the building’s harder architectural lines while echoing the fluid movement associated with swimming and water. Professional acoustic panel installation is particularly important in complex commercial environments. The quantity, spacing and orientation of the products all influence how effectively they absorb reflected sound. A random arrangement may look attractive but fail to address the acoustic behaviour of the space.

The Outcome

The finished installation changed the experience of the Ashburton pool environment without taking away its natural activity and energy. The green and white Acoustic Waves now create a striking overhead feature while providing much-needed sound absorption throughout the large aquatic spaces.

By introducing absorbent surfaces above the pools, the treatment helps reduce the amount of sound repeatedly reflecting between the water, ceiling and surrounding hard surfaces. Splashes, conversations, swimming instructions and general activity can fade more quickly instead of accumulating into prolonged reverberation.For swimming instructors and staff, improved acoustic control can support clearer verbal communication across the pool area. For swimmers, families and spectators, reducing harsh reflections can create an environment that feels more balanced and less acoustically overwhelming. The centre remains lively, but the sound is better managed.

The project also shows that commercial acoustic products can make a strong design contribution. The Waves do not attempt to disappear into the ceiling. Their sculptural forms and colour-matched finish create a recognisable visual feature that strengthens the identity of the facility.

Speak to SoundFix Acoustics

When a swimming pool or leisure centre feels excessively loud, the natural activity within the space is not necessarily the underlying problem. The building may simply contain too many reflective surfaces and too little sound absorption.

SoundFix Acoustics works with aquatic centres, gyms, sporting facilities and commercial venues to identify the cause of echo and develop a treatment suited to the architecture. For large pool halls and high-ceiling spaces, suspended products such as Acoustic Waves can introduce effective overhead absorption while becoming part of the interior design.

The Ashburton Recreation Centre project is a strong example of this approach. Green and white Waves were installed across the pool areas to help manage reflected sound while complementing the existing colours and visual character of the facility. Their sculptural form created an engaging ceiling feature while providing acoustic coverage throughout the large aquatic environment.

SoundFix provides support through every stage of the project, including acoustic assessment, product selection, colour matching, layout planning, supply and professional installation. Each solution is tailored to the size, use and design requirements of the space.

Contact SoundFix Acoustics to arrange an acoustic assessment or request a quote for your swimming pool, aquatic centre, gym or recreation facility.