The ceiling acoustics in the pool area of Haapajärvi Swimming Hall were upgraded in summer 2026 as part of the facility’s renovation works. The previous acoustic panels had not withstood the humid conditions of the swimming hall, so a safe, moisture-resistant and long-lasting solution was needed. The new acoustic panels were supplied by Ewona.
Haapajärvi Swimming Hall offers a wide range of opportunities for swimming, aquatic exercise and recreation. The facility features a 25-metre swimming pool, a multipurpose pool, and separate pools for children and toddlers.
In summer 2026, the swimming hall underwent renovation works, which also included upgrading the ceiling acoustics in the pool area. The previous acoustic panels had deteriorated due to prolonged exposure to moisture, causing them to sag and tear at the seams. This posed a safety risk, as the panels were at risk of falling from the ceiling.
“The old panels could not withstand the humid conditions. They began to sag and tear at the seams, creating a risk of panels falling from the ceiling,” explains Reijo Malila, Property Manager for the City of Haapajärvi.
The existing support framework for the acoustic panels had remained in good condition, so only the panels themselves needed to be replaced.
Moisture Resistance and Safety as Key Criteria in Selecting Acoustic Materials
Swimming halls are acoustically challenging environments, where large, hard surfaces reflect sound. When several groups use the facility simultaneously, noise levels can become particularly high, with sounds from different directions overlapping and making the space noisy and difficult to hear clearly.
“The sound environment in a swimming hall can become extremely noisy when different groups and recreational swimmers are using the pools at the same time, especially if the acoustics are inadequate. It is important to maintain a comfortable sound environment where different sounds do not become mixed together,” Malila explains.
The aim of replacing the acoustic panels was to maintain the pool area’s effective acoustic environment while finding a material capable of withstanding the humid conditions of a swimming hall over the long term.
The most important selection criteria were moisture resistance, safety, durability and resistance to microbial growth. Finnish origin was also considered an advantage.
“We wanted a moisture-resistant, safe and long-lasting solution. We did not want to risk the new panels starting to sag or fall from the ceiling again. The fact that the product was made in Finland was naturally an added benefit,” Malila says.
Based on these requirements, Ewona’s Premium+ acoustic panels were selected and installed throughout the ceiling of the pool area.
Successful Results and Smooth Collaboration
The acoustic panels were installed by the City of Haapajärvi’s own carpenters. Ewona and the City of Haapajärvi had already worked together on previous projects, and the delivery was completed according to the agreed schedule.
“The collaboration went really well. The delivery arrived exactly when agreed. We had worked together before, so I already knew that Ewona was a reliable partner,” Malila says.
The swimming hall reopened to visitors in early August 2026. The new acoustic panels have been in use since the summer, and the initial experiences have been positive. No negative feedback has been received, and the appearance of the renovated ceiling has been praised.
“We haven’t heard any complaints, so that must mean everything is working well, right? The appearance has certainly received a lot of praise,” Malila notes.
When asked, Malila says he would also recommend Ewona’s acoustic solutions for other swimming halls and similar public facilities.
The renovation of Haapajärvi Swimming Hall is an example of a project where moisture resistance, safety and long-term durability are just as important as effective sound absorption when selecting acoustic materials.
Project: Haapajärvi Swimming Hall, Haapajärvi
Client: City of Haapajärvi
Acoustic Materials: Ewona Finland Oy
Products: 20 mm Premium+ acoustic panels, white and grey
Quantity Supplied: 765 m²
Installation Area: Ceilings in the pool areas
Installation: Carpenters employed by the City of Haapajärvi
Completion: Summer 2026