The 24 Myrtha pools in Paris
With Paris 2024 approaching, the number 24 has gained special significance in the history of Myrtha Pools. For this edition of the Games, Myrtha has constructed a grand total of 24 pools.
Beyond the record number, the variety of pools is striking. While the technology remains similar in all applications, the first distinction to make is regarding the duration of the installation: permanent or temporary.
The second difference concerns the dimensions and functionalities of the pools, enhanced by accessories. Another distinction pertains to the intended use of these structures.
The pools built for the Olympic Aquatic Center (OAC), the Paris La DĂ©fense Arena, and the installation in Versailles will host the official Olympic and Paralympic competitions. The pools built for other centres are designated for the training of athletes and, after the Games, will be available to the entire community.
The Olympic Aquatic Centre. It is the largest pool in Europe, and also the most flexible.
At the OAC, a permanent pool has been delivered, notable for its size and flexibility (70x25m) – the largest in Europe – and will host diving, artistic swimming and preliminary water polo competitions during the Games. Besides its extraordinary size, the presence of two movable bulkheads allows for ten different configurations.
The pool’s floor, which includes a movable section, further increases its functionality. These features enable the main pool to host any type of aquatic activity, even simultaneously. Additionally, three other pools were included: a learning pool and a recreational pool, both permanent, and an outdoor temporary installation that will be used by swimmers for warming up before competitions.
The Paris La DĂ©fense Arena and Chateau Versailles: from high performance arena to the charm of one the most famous royal residences of the world.
The other main venue for the competitions is the Paris La DĂ©fense Arena. In this largest indoor arena in Europe, Myrtha has installed two 50m pools: one for swimming competitions and the water polo finals, and the other for athlete warm-ups.
However, the most prestigious location for Myrtha’s competition pool in Paris is undoubtedly the one installed in the gardens of the Château de Versailles. This is a temporary 25x16m pool intended to host the modern pentathlon competition.
Building a Lasting Legacy Beyond the Games Myrtha Pools transforms its temporary Olympic facilities into permanent community pools across Seine-Saint-Denis and the Paris region, turning innovation into opportunity.
At the end of the Games, the dismantling process of the pools will begin in preparation for their reinstallation in permanent public centres. This operation is part of a broader concept of Legacy.
This is a value element for Myrtha Pools, as evidenced by the words of the company’s CEO, Roberto Colletto: “For us, the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games are also a post-competition development operation since our temporary facilities are designed and built with a view to their future reconfiguration."
"This notion of Legacy, which is our trademark, is I think what will make this edition of the Games go down in history. For the first time, we will be transforming a competition pool for the Games into two pools for learn to swim for Seine Saint-Denis. It’s a level of innovation, utility and modularity that we’ve never achieved before”.
The concept of Legacy also applies to the pools built for training centers. Myrtha Pools has built pools for six public aquatic centres on the outskirts of Paris, in Montreuil, Aubervilliers, Colombes, Aulnay-sous-Bois, Marville, and Taverny.
In Montreuil, Myrtha renovated the old Olympic pool, equipping it with a split swim wall and Myrtha Track Start starting blocks.
In the Aubervilliers Aquatic Centre, two pools were built: the first is an Olympic pool equipped with a movable floor and wall by Myrtha; the second is a smaller pool (25x15m). In Colombes, the previous pool was renovated.
In the Aulnay-sous-Bois aquatic centre, Myrtha built seven pools, including an Olympic pool equipped with a movable floor and wall.
For the Marville Aquatic Centre, five pools were built. In addition to recreational and learning pools, a multifunctional pool equipped with a movable floor and wall was constructed. Lastly, the Taverny Aquatic Centre hosts an Olympic pool with a swim wall by Myrtha.
At the end of the competitions, all the permanent pools will be made available to these local communities, which have so far lacked aquatic course offerings. This is an important benefit for the citizens of these areas and also for future champions.
