How to build better playlists for your aqua classes and stay within the rules

Let’s be honest. Music can make or break an aqua class.

It lifts the energy, sets the pace, supports movement quality, and creates a mood. But choosing music for a water class isn’t just about putting on your favourite playlist. There are two major considerations every instructor should keep in mind:

1. Can your participants move to it?
2. Are you legally allowed to use it?

If you’re already feeling a little nervous, don’t stress. Many instructors don’t realise that Spotify (and other streaming platforms) are not legally approved for commercial or public use. Let’s clear up the confusion and help you make better, bolder choices when it comes to music that moves you — and your class.

Wait, Spotify Isn’t Allowed?

Nope. Not in your Aqua class. According to Spotify’s terms and conditions:

“Spotify is for personal, non-commercial use only. This means you cannot broadcast or play Spotify publicly in environments such as gyms, studios, pools, or community centres.”

That means if you’re teaching and getting paid (even just covering your petrol), using Spotify in class is technically a breach of copyright law. https://support.spotify.com/au/article/spotify-public-commercial-use/

We’re not here to wag fingers. If you’ve been doing this for years, you’re not alone. However, it’s time to get professional and safeguard yourself and your workplace from potential legal issues.

So What Can I Use?

In Australia, the key organisation that oversees music licensing is OneMusic. They work with fitness facilities and instructors to ensure the proper licenses are in place.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• If you’re working at a facility (like a pool or leisure centre), ask your manager if they have an up-to-date OneMusic license that covers group fitness classes.
• If you’re teaching independently or at a location that doesn’t have coverage, you may need your own license or use copyright-free music.

A OneMusic licence (when held by the facility or instructor) generally covers the use of:

• Music you’ve purchased (e.g. iTunes downloads)
• CDs and digital files
• Some pre-mixed fitness music programs

It does not cover the use of streaming platforms like Spotify or Apple Music.

Learn more about OneMusic licensing in Australia

A few safer, instructor-friendly music options include:

• Power Music: This is my personal favourite and the one I use consistently. I’ve had a subscription with Power Music for years and absolutely love their range. They offer pre-mixed, tempo-consistent tracks specifically designed for fitness instructors, and they take care of all the copyright clearance for you. What I especially appreciate is the incredible variety of music available — from different decades to various class styles and genres. Whether I’m teaching a high-energy cardio class or a more relaxed stretch session, I can always find something that fits. I’ve trusted and used Power Music for decades, and they’ve never let me down.
• Muscle Mixes Music: Similar concept, with a wide range of styles.
• Yes! Fitness Music: Another good resource with clear licensing.

And yes, you may need to budget for it. But it’s part of being a professional. (Plus, it beats the stress of being reported or caught out mid-class.)

The Foot Tap Test

Legal stuff aside, let’s talk about how to know if your music actually works in a pool setting.

Here’s my favourite starting point: the foot tap test. Play a track while sitting down and ask yourself:

• Does it make you want to tap your foot?
• Do you instinctively start moving your body?
• Can you imagine doing jacks, kicks, or jogging patterns to this beat?

If it passes the foot tap test, we’re off to a good start. But we’re not done yet.

The Acoustics Test

This one’s specific to aqua instructors and often overlooked. The acoustics in a pool can do strange things to your music. That crisp melody you loved on your headphones? It might get swallowed up by the echo chamber that is your local aquatic centre.

So here’s what you do:

1. Take your music into the pool area. Not just your office.
2. Play the track through the actual speaker system you’ll use.
3. Stand in different corners of the pool. Can you hear the beat? The rhythm? Or is it all muffled and lost?

This step is important when using festive, themed, or international tracks or anything with subtle instrumentation. If the class can’t follow the beat, the choreography won’t land, no matter how fabulous your plan is.

A Word on Variety

Using a wide range of music can be a brilliant way to connect with your class. I’ve used:

• Reggae
• Classical
• Latin-inspired rhythms
• K-pop and multilingual pop
• 80s rock
• Old-school disco

You never know which song will light someone up. And when you create a playlist that makes you feel energised and expressive, that carries straight through your cueing and body language.

Just remember to do the acoustics test and ensure the copyright checks out.

A Final Splash of Honesty

If you’ve been relying on streaming playlists until now, there’s no shame. We all start somewhere. But if you’re here to grow as a professional, it’s time to understand what supports your class legally, logistically, and energetically.

The right music doesn’t just fill the silence. It:

• Shapes the workout’s intensity
• Sets your timing and cueing style
• Makes your class memorable

And when you choose tracks with purpose (and permission), your participants will feel it.

Want More Tips Like This?

If you’re enjoying this practical approach, you’ll love the Aqua Mentoring Membership. It’s where I share everything from cueing techniques to class planning, choreography ideas, and yes, more music strategies that work.

You’ll join a crew of passionate instructors who are upskilling, experimenting, and making their classes better every week. No judgment. Just support.

Click here to join Aqua Mentoring for 30 days free

Your Music Challenge This Week

Pick one track you’ve used before and give it the acoustics test. Can your class actually hear it? If not, swap it for something that passes both the foot tap and acoustics tests.

Better sound. Better class. Better you.