NOVA Acoustics designs and delivers acoustic panel solutions for swimming pools and aquatic facilities. Our consultant-led approach helps reduce reverberation, improve safety communication, and create calmer, more controlled pool environments.
The constant noise of splashing water, voices, and whistles can quickly build up, making it difficult for swimmers, instructors, and spectators to communicate effectively. This excessive reverberation also amplifies noise levels, creating a chaotic and stressful atmosphere. Acoustic wall panels help mitigate these issues by absorbing sound waves that would otherwise bounce off the walls, reducing echoes and lowering overall noise levels. Placed strategically around the pool area, these panels improve speech clarity, making it easier for instructors to give directions and for lifeguards to issue safety commands.
In addition to wall panels, acoustic baffles and rafts are particularly beneficial for swimming pools with high ceilings, which tend to amplify sound. Suspended baffles, hanging vertically from the ceiling, and rafts, mounted horizontally, absorb sound from above, preventing it from reverberating throughout the space. These treatments are especially effective in managing the complex acoustics of pool areas, where sound reflects not only from the walls and ceiling but also from the water’s surface. By combining wall panels with baffles and rafts, swimming pools can significantly improve acoustic comfort, creating a safer and more enjoyable environment for both participants and staff. Additionally, modern acoustic solutions are designed with materials that can withstand the humid and chlorinated atmosphere of a pool, ensuring durability while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the space. This combination of functionality and resilience makes acoustic panels a vital investment for optimizing the acoustic and environmental quality of swimming pool facilities.
Products
Sustainable 40mm Polyester Fibre Acoustic Panel with Class A Sound Absorption made with >60% Recycled Material. Suitable for walls, ceilings, rafts or baffles.
40mm Fabric Wrapped Acoustic Panel with Class A Sound Absorption. Available in a huge range of colours and sizes. Bespoke to order. Suitable for walls, ceilings, rafts and baffles.
40mm Fabric Wrapped Acoustic Panel with Class A Sound Absorption. Self-adhesive for easy DIY Installation. Suitable for surface mounting to walls or ceilings.
40mm Impact-Resistant Acoustic Wall Panels with Class A Sound Absorption. Available in a huge range of colours and sizes. Suitable for surface mounting to walls.
12mm or 24mm Polyester Acoustic Panel with Class A Sound Absorption. Available in a huge range of colours and sizes. Bespoke to order. Suitable for walls, ceilings, rafts and baffles.
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Benefits of acoustic panelling solutions in Swimming Pools
Reduced Echo and Reverberation
Acoustic panels absorb sound reflections caused by hard surfaces like water and tiles, ensuring a quieter, more pleasant atmosphere.
Improved Communication
Clearer acoustics make it easier for lifeguards, instructors, and swimmers to hear instructions, announcements, and safety signals.
Enhanced Safety
By reducing noise distractions, acoustic panels ensure critical sounds, such as emergency whistles or alarms, stand out and are immediately noticeable.
Comfortable Environment
Balanced sound levels create a more enjoyable space for swimmers, spectators, and staff, reducing the overwhelming noise often found in busy pool areas.
Multipurpose Use
Better acoustics make the pool area suitable for a wider range of activities, such as aquatic fitness classes or group lessons, without excessive noise interference.
Modern Aesthetic Appeal
Acoustic panels can be designed to withstand the humid environment of a pool while adding a polished, professional look to the space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are acoustic panels important in swimming pool areas?
Swimming pools are highly reverberant spaces filled with hard, reflective surfaces such as tiles, glass, and water. These surfaces bounce sound around the room, making voices echo and creating excessive noise. Acoustic panels absorb sound and help create a calmer, more controlled environment.
What acoustic problems are common in swimming pools?
Pools often suffer from loud, lingering reverberation, difficulty hearing lifeguard instructions, and sound distortion caused by reflective walls and water surfaces. The combination of splashing, shouting, and machinery noise makes communication challenging without acoustic treatment.
Do acoustic panels improve safety around swimming pools?
Yes. Clear communication between lifeguards, swimmers, and staff is essential for safety. Proper acoustic treatment ensures instructions, alarms, and emergency signals are heard accurately and without delay.
Can acoustic panels cope with humidity and chlorine-rich environments?
Yes. Specialist acoustic panels are designed specifically for wet and corrosive environments. They are moisture-resistant, hygienic, and durable, making them suitable for indoor pools, leisure centres, and aquatic facilities.
Will acoustic panels affect the look of the pool area?
Not negatively. Panels can be colour-matched to the surroundings or used as design features to enhance the aesthetic. Modern solutions blend seamlessly with pool architecture without compromising the visual appeal of the space.
Are ceiling treatments necessary in swimming pools?
Often, yes. High ceilings and large volumes magnify noise. Ceiling baffles and rafts are particularly effective in absorbing sound before it reflects back into the space, significantly reducing reverberation.
Do acoustic panels help reduce noise in adjacent areas, like cafés or changing rooms?
They can. By reducing internal reflections and overall sound levels within the pool area, acoustic treatments lower the likelihood of noise spilling into neighbouring spaces. Additional insulation may be required for serious sound-transfer issues.
Will installing acoustic panels disrupt pool operations?
Minimal disruption. Panels can be installed during off-peak hours, scheduled maintenance breaks, or planned closure periods. Professional installers are familiar with working safely in aquatic environments.
Are acoustic treatments a worthwhile investment for swimming pools?
Absolutely. Improved acoustics enhance safety, communication, visitor comfort, and the overall ambience of the facility—positively impacting customer satisfaction and repeat usage.
