Sydney has a lot to offer, but the city’s ocean pools are a hidden gem. They’re open all summer and provide a great alternative for swimmers who don’t want to brave the rough ocean surf. Many of the swimming pools are heated, so you can swim comfortably even in spring and autumn. Whether you’re looking for an indoor or outdoor pool, there are plenty of options in Sydney.
Sydney’s ocean pools are unique because they allow waves to wash over them while still being fenced off from the surf. The walls also exclude sharks, which account for most coastal deaths in Australia. The pools’ existence has served as a popular beach safety measure and a recreational attraction, and they’re often frequented by families who enjoy the pleasures of swimming in live seawater without the risk of being caught in a dangerous rip.
In the 1890s, club-swimming events at Bondi and Bronte ocean pools attracted hundreds of spectators who came to watch men compete in diving and underwater races. Women’s bathing events were still a novelty in colonial NSW, but demand for sheltered, safe bathing spots increased when Sydney’s surf-coast municipalities allowed daylight bathing in public view.
By the 1930s, councils could afford to build more ocean pools thanks to money from unemployment relief schemes. These provided jobs for the unemployed, who helped build them in suburbs such as Maroubra and Curl Curl. The pools were also part of interwar efforts to protect beachgoers from shark attacks. Although these later expanded to include patrolled beaches and aerial patrols, the introduction of shark meshing at all NSW beaches did not diminish support for ocean pools.
Today, there are still a few ocean pools left in Sydney’s suburban streets, including Balmoral Baths, Murrage Rose Beach and Dawn Fraser Baths. However, the iconic Canterbury pool in south-west Sydney is about to be demolished, the latest in a string of closings across the city. Its closure is a blow to locals who fondly remember postwar swims, hot chips and long days spent splashing around with friends.
If you’re planning to have a pool installed in your backyard, it’s important to hire a licensed pool builder. In NSW, pool builders must be registered with NSW Fair Trading, and the name on the licence must match the company’s name on the contract for work done. In addition, a pool builder must carry insurance that covers the cost of rebuilding your pool if it’s damaged by storms or floods.
A reputable pool builder will be able to show you proof of their insurance and provide you with the terms of their warranty. They’ll also be able to answer any questions you may have about local laws and building codes. For example, a pool builder should be able to tell you whether or not you’ll need a fence to meet Sydney’s strict safety standards.
When choosing a pool builder, make sure that they have extensive experience with building all kinds of pools. They should have a solid reputation in the industry and be familiar with local building codes, as well as the pool safety standards set by NSW law. They should also have a detailed quote and a clear warranty. They should also be able to explain why they are the best choice for your needs. In addition, they should be able to show you previous projects and give you references.
