Sydney’s ocean pools have long been an oasis for swimming enthusiasts. Following in the tradition of “bogey holes,” these rock pools were dug into headlands and filled with sea water that seeps over their sides, giving way to continuous flooding from above. Some are privately owned and run (such as Bondi Icebergs Pool which remains open year-round), while others provide public access at nominal entrance fees.
Bondi Beach in New South Wales boasts more than 100 ocean pools, the most well-known being at Bondi. When visiting early morning you might even catch sight of swim teams training before work!
Bilgola Sea Pool, Warriewood Baths and Nielsen Park in Vaucluse are also well-known ocean pools that make ideal spots for taking photos and cooling off after exploring Bondi to Coogee coastal walk.
Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, swimming pools have proven immensely popular with locals who are seeking an escape from indoor living and a chance to refresh in a refreshing dip. Ocean swimming has seen a tremendous upsurge as people try to stay active and gain some Vitamin D without leaving home; unfortunately though these pools lack lifeguards or safety barriers making them dangerous for children and seniors.
But while many locals are enjoying the new pools, not everyone is completely pleased with how the project has developed. One such critic is Councillor Tink Baker who describes it as a “bloated, expensive vanity project” rushed through quickly through pre-election cash injection. She comments: “It’s not the bread and butter of council to undertake $60m or $70m projects like these,” says Tink.
Other criticisms center around environmental concerns. The early 20th-century practices of dynamiting rocks and destroying marine habitats would no longer pass environmental tests today, and at certain pools scientists are working to mitigate damage; at Fairy Bower in Manly near Cabbage Tree Bay aquatic reserve for example, scientists at Sydney Institute of Marine Science are providing homes for any small creatures displaced by its concrete walls.
As the temperatures heat up, installing a Sydney pool can provide hours of relaxation and entertainment for family and friends. But understanding the process involved takes time; to plan appropriately.
If you’re ready to add a pool to your backyard, the first step should be finding suitable Sydney landscapers and outdoor professionals. We have featured these experts regularly in our magazine; their pool and alfresco kitchen builders as well as pool filtration/solar system providers can help create your ideal outdoor space while providing fresh-water heating options during the warmer months.