Ballarat has its own world-class 50-metre swimming pool and you can use it right now. 

After years of campaigning and then the wait during the quick build, the swimming clubs who will get so much out of it were ecstatic to dive in. 

Ballarat Gold vice president Anthony Hoffman said they were looking forward to the improved training opportunities it will offer. 

"If you do a comparison between the clubs that train in 25m (pools) and 50m pools, the fitness (from the 50m) is that much better," he said. 

"Ever since it was announced, our kids have been asking 'can we swim there yet? Is it open?'. 

"We're really excited as a swimming club."  

The new Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre pool was opened before a big crowd on Saturday, launched with a swimmers from the clubs diving in and competing in an inaugural scratch race. 

City of Ballarat mayor John Philips said he was pleased the project was finished under budget and on time. 

The versatility of the pool was on show on Saturday, with people paddle-boarding, playing water polo and trying out deep-water running. 

Despite the happiness over the facility, there was still some concern over the cost for clubs. 

"It's wonderful facility, but who can afford it?" said Ballarat coach Morgan Murphy.