Sydney Swimming Pools
With a backdrop of sparkling sea and rocky shores, sidney pools offer the perfect spot for swimming, snorkelling, sunbaking, relaxing or socialising. These tidal rock pools have been an integral part of Sydney culture for thousands of years, and they’re still a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
In recent exhibitions, photographers and artists have drawn attention to the convivial but respectful relationships between an ocean pool’s users, marine life and the surrounding environment. These relatively wild swimming environments still, however, present challenges such as bluebottles, slippery rocks and cliffs, seaweed, rockpool urchins and shellfish, and sudden storms that can radically alter riptide changes. In some cases, swimmers are washed out of the pool altogether.
Though not found at all beaches, Sydney’s ocean pools have long been a key component of beach safety and conservation. While allowing waves to wash in, they are protected by walls that exclude sharks and provide a safe place for bathers to swim and appreciate marine life. They also function as an important alternative to crowded surf beaches.
As a result, they are an essential feature of the city’s shoreline, and both locals and visitors flock to them in summer. Some, like the historic Bronte Beach pool and its adjacent ring-of-rocks, are formally known as baths; others, such as the Elkington Park Baths in Balmain, are less formal, and may simply be called pools.
While a number of Sydney’s ocean pools have closed in recent years due to council budget cuts, the Berejiklian government has promised to rebuild a number of them. The western Sydney suburb of Parramatta, for instance, lost its local pool in 2017 to make way for a new football stadium, and it will be another two years before its replacement is ready.
Hiring a skilled custom pool builder is essential for anyone considering installing one in their backyard. A pool builder who listens to your ideas and ensures that all work complies with regulations can help you avoid costly mistakes and save you time.
Before hiring a pool builder, ask for proof of their licence from NSW Fair Trading. Any builder who works on pools that cost more than $5,000 must have a licence to do so, and they must be willing to show you it. It’s also a good idea to inspect the site where your pool will be constructed, as there may be underground powerlines or utilities that could interfere with construction.
The best Sydney pool builders offer a wide variety of services and options, including pool cleaning and maintenance, water testing, filtration systems and equipment repairs. Some even offer a free consultation and estimate for potential customers. While this service isn’t necessary for every pool, it can be a great way to find out if you’re in the right hands. In addition, a pool builder who is transparent about their pricing structure and warranty options can be an asset to any prospective client.