High-tech fabric measuring 7500 square meters. That’s the floating dome concept above us at the National Aquatic Center.
Welcome to the National Aquatic Center in Kuala Lumpur. It’s a premier venue for aquatic sports. This center meets the rigorous standards of the International Swimming Federation FINA.
Covering 28000 square meters, this facility is a hub of swimming and diving excellence. The floating dome above us weighs 14 tons. The dome gives the National Aquatic Center a distinctive look. At night, the light blue Sheen Nilam illuminates the structure.
Let’s dive into the details. The center boasts an Olympic-sized swimming pool. It measures 50 meters by 25 meters. It has 10 lanes and a depth of 2 to 3 meters. Imagine the intensity of a race here.
Next, we have an international standard diving pool. This pool is 25 meters by 25 meters with a depth of 5 meters. It features a tower with platforms at 5 meters, 7.5 meters and 10 meters. Divers also use three springboards at 3 meters high and one at 1 meter high. Six practice springboards at 1 meter offer ample training space.
The National Aquatic Center also includes a swimming training pool. This pool is 50 meters by 20 meters with 8 lanes. It has a variable depth from 0.0 meters to 1.8 meters. A movable floor system from Holland adjusts the depth.
This center isn’t just for athletes. It can accommodate an audience of 4000 people. It also has an additional 2000 temporary seats. The public can use this pool for training. Swimming classes follow the center’s regulations.
Recent upgrades have transformed the National Aquatic Center. A new façade offers a shaded entrance. A fabric roof and glass curtain wall allow more daylight. The seating and pool area feature a replacement of the existing fabric roof. The center also has a new FINA compliant diving board. Upgrades extend to the VIP lobby space, changing rooms, and media facilities. Public toilets have also been improved. New sports lighting and PA systems enhance the experience. New tiling, underwater lighting, and mechanical filtration systems benefit all the pools.
For those interested in swimming lessons, D Swim Academy offers programs here. Lessons are available for children aged 5 and older. Classes run on weekdays and weekends.
The Malaysia Swimming Federation has its headquarters here. The federation organizes championships every year. The Malaysia Open Swimming Championships are usually held in May.
The National Aquatic Center isn’t just a sports venue. It can host mini concerts, fashion shows, and product launches. Bridges hanging from the roof support TV broadcasting and lighting. The diving pool has an underwater vision panel for video coverage. An electronic alphanumeric board displays results.
This center was re-developed for the 1998 Commonwealth Games. It was also upgraded for the 2017 SEA Games. Waterproofing and adhesive products were used in the redesign.
Take a moment to appreciate the architecture and planning. The National Aquatic Center combines functionality with a touch of wonder. Whether you’re a swimmer, a diver, or a spectator, this center offers something for everyone. Its legacy of hosting international events continues to inspire.