For all the fame Sydney Harbour has gained as a backdrop to opera and bridge, it’s a lesser-known fact that the city also boasts a thriving pool culture. Indeed, Australia’s most populous city has more ocean pools than any other in the world.
And just about every Sydney beach has one. Serene at low tide, choppy at high, these man-made pools offer protection from the elements. While some are in a state of disrepair, others have been carefully restored to preserve their history and serve the needs of modern swimmers.
In Australia, swimming as a sport is growing in popularity. In some states, pools have become an integral part of the school curriculum, allowing children to practice and develop their skills without the risk of drowning. As more people are drawn to the water, the need for swimming pools has risen dramatically.
Ocean pools have been a key part of Sydney’s water culture since the late 1800s. They were built to provide recreational and competitive swimmers a place to swim laps away from the surf, which was often dangerous. “Sydney was very focused on recreation around the harbor up until the late 19th century,” says Marie-Louise McDermott, an author who has written extensively about Sydney’s ocean pools. “Then, with the advent of Victorian-era morals banning daytime swimming at the beach and shark attacks increasing, people wanted nice, safe pools they could go to.”
McDermott notes that most of the Sydney rock pools were built in the 1800s, and all but a few have been maintained since then. They are located throughout the city, from the most northern at Palm Beach—a wealthy enclave 25 miles north of Sydney where movie stars and moguls vacation—to the most southern at Bronte Baths, which has been in operation for more than 100 years.
While some of the pools are privately owned, most of them have public access. The pools are maintained by a combination of local councils, non-profit groups, and volunteer organizations. They are usually built in a sheltered position, with easy access and changing rooms. Some are free, and others have entrance fees.
If you are considering building a pool, it is important to work with a reputable and licensed builder. It is also a good idea to get a detailed quote and a comprehensive warranty. It is also helpful to find out what other people have had to say about the pool builder and their services.
A reputable builder will be able to provide you with a complete and detailed quote and explain all costs. In addition, they will be able to answer any questions that you may have. They will also be able to provide you with references. Once you have found a pool builder that you are comfortable working with, you can start the process of building your dream swimming pool.