Sydney boasts over one hundred ocean pools – probably more than anywhere else in the world – which are testament to Sydney’s wild coastline, where waves batter into it relentlessly. These pools were constructed for safe swimming. Our ABC News team has been exploring their history and role in shaping our communities.
Each year, thousands of Sydneysiders flock to Sydney’s beaches and suburbia swimming pools – from Instagrammable Bondi Icebergs to tucked-away bathing spots in northern Sydney – whether new, century old, restored after storms or other disasters or simply to celebrate community, family and friendship. It forms the backbone of Sydney aquatic culture as we gather here together as one.
What makes these places so special? We asked Sydneysiders to share their memories, and one recurring theme emerged: the feeling of belonging. One participant noted, “it almost seems as if you belong to this club of swimmers who’ve been coming here since you were little”, saying something like, “There is something about this pool that brings people together”.
Many of these stories focus on people’s relationships to their local pools, from childhood swims to gatherings with family and friends as adults, connecting with nature or simply just keeping fit. But there is also recognition of their role in keeping us healthy: one man states it as essential to our mental, physical and emotional well-being as an excellent way of keeping fit: “[it’s a great] way to keep active!”
Not far from inner Sydney are numerous pools perfect for cooling off. Prince Alfred Park Pool provides an oasis of summer fun, complete with yellow sun umbrellas, manicured lawns and an inviting temperature. And hidden gems like McIver’s Ladies Baths once known as Nun’s Pool are waiting just off to the side; now known as women-only public facilities of their kind in Southern Hemisphere.
Concrete pools offer endless design possibilities when it comes to pool design, whether they’re meant as the centerpiece of your backyard or urban oasis. Their versatility means endless design choices from elegant coping options and lighting effects, all the way through to waterfalls, landscaping features and decking; creating your dream pool experience!