It is located at the corner of Littlebourne Road and Upper Stuart Street close to Otago Boys' High School, on the slopes of Roslyn, overlooking the centre of the city of Dunedin.

The learners' pool was completed and opened in 1965, and a small restaurant was added to the facilities in the same year.

Between 1984 and 1990, two hydroslides were added to the complex, and additions to the learners pool to encourage young families were also made.

[2] A major expansion to the complex in 2000–01 was undertaken under the supervision of city council architect Robert Tongue.

[2] Moana Pool has been used for regional and national championships in swimming, diving, and water polo, and is a regular host of the New Zealand Masters' Games, which are held in Dunedin every two years.