If you’re a swimmer and a lover of Sydney, chances are you’ve bathed in an ocean pool at some point. They’re a unique feature of the city, carved out of rock platforms and filled or emptied by the tide according to a complex set of rules. The resulting pools are like real-life whirlpools, and they’re one of Sydney’s best features.
But rising sea levels pose a threat to these historic watering holes. “They are built on rock platforms, and they will have to be raised,” Nicole Larkin, an architect and designer specialising in ocean pools, tells Jordan. This will “change how they work” and require different maintenance. In addition, climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of east coast lows, sending boulders crashing down from cliffs above.
Luckily, there are some things you can do to avoid these problems. To start, it’s important to choose the right time of year for your pool installation. Spring and autumn are generally considered good times, because they’re not too hot or cold. This can help the pool curing process go more smoothly, and it also means you’re less likely to face delays due to weather.
Another important consideration is the pool’s design. It’s essential to think about how you want your pool to look, and it’s also worth asking the builder to make recommendations based on your specific needs. For example, if you want your pool to be a safe place for children to swim, you might want to consider a smaller shape or an edge with more steps.
In addition, you’ll need to decide on the type of coping and tiling you want for your pool. Coping is the edging that surrounds the pool, and it can be made from pavers, concrete or natural stone. It should be non-slip, and you can choose from a range of styles, including rounded (bullnose), square, tumbled or drop face. The tiling stage can take 1-3 weeks, depending on the complexity of your design.
Then there’s the pool itself, which can be anything from the elegant, Art Deco Elkington Park Baths to the spooky, carnival-themed North Sydney Pool. Each pool has its own character, and its history has shaped Sydney as we know it. So the next time you’re in the mood for a swim, head to your local ocean pool and enjoy the unique atmosphere that each of them offers.
