Sydney is the home of more ocean pools than any other city in the world. In the wake of one iconic swim spot getting a much-debated upgrade, Gary Nunn explores how the city’s pool culture came to be.
The city’s iconic beach and ocean pools offer swimming in a natural setting, and allow for a full range of recreational activities. Some are architecturally noteworthy. Others are places of enduring community spirit and a sense of belonging. These are spaces that are not only cherished by locals but also revered by many tourists. Their value is reflected in the high number of visitors who make their way to Sydney’s pools every year.
As far as a city’s public pools go, Sydney has one of the most diverse collections in the world. From the more formalised Bronte Baths to the ring of rocks at Coogee, Sydney’s rock pools offer recreational and learn-to-swim programs and treasured forms of wave play. The beaches around them have long been recognised as the most pristine in Australia and the world, making them the perfect setting for these unique and thriving leisure spaces.
Ocean swimming has skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and public pools are in high demand for their warm seawater and beautiful harbour surrounds. A raft of new measures, including shark meshing at metropolitan beaches, has been introduced to bolster the safety of swimmers. But while they are designed to improve beach safety, they haven’t diminished the popularity of ocean pools, which are seen as more durable and empathetic to human nature than more rigid forms of protection like shark nets and aerial patrols.
In an age when people are accustomed to the speed, convenience and control of digital and virtual reality, the pool can be a rare opportunity for social interaction and physical activity. The innate appeal of the pool has led to it becoming an essential part of Australian life. It has forged strong and enduring connections with Australian culture and identity, and embodies the values of equality, diversity and mateship that are a cornerstone of our society.
Swimming pools are also an ideal space for families and friends to relax together, and this makes them an integral part of the Australian way of life. They provide the perfect backdrop for barbeques, drinks and parties. They can also be used for a variety of workouts such as strength training, therapeutic and assisted walking, as well as relaxation.
If you are thinking of installing a pool at your home, you need to find a qualified and experienced builder. Ensure that the builder you choose is authorised and registered to carry out building work in Sydney. You should also ask the builder to provide you with a detailed quote and a copy of their warranty. Lastly, you should visit their showroom to see some examples of their previous work.