Sydney has a number of swimming pools, but many are in disrepair. Some have been shut down, while others are under repair. The city’s oldest public pool, the KMAland Pool, is facing a possible shutdown because of mounting repairs and maintenance costs. In an effort to save the pool, the community has started a crowdfunding campaign.
For generations, braving the diving platform at the local swimming pool was a rite of passage for Aussie kids. But as a result of declining health concerns, the rise of water aerobics and a shift in pool priorities, diving platforms are disappearing from suburban swimming pools across Australia. “It’s sort of happened without us really noticing, and all of a sudden you’re left with no diving boards at all,” says writer Therese Spruhan in her new book, The Memory Pool: Australian Stories of Summer, Sun and Swimming.
The swimming pool in this backyard is a beautiful feature to the home, but it’s also a great source of entertainment for family and friends. It’s a place for children to play and socialize in the cool waters, but also a good opportunity for parents to relax while keeping an eye on the little ones.
While there are plenty of companies that can build a pool in Sydney, it’s important to choose a contractor who shares your vision and has experience creating pools like yours. Review customer references, ask for quotes from several contractors and meet with them in person before making any final decisions. In addition to evaluating their portfolios and credentials, make sure that they are Ohio certified service professionals and licensed with the registrar of contractors before hiring them to work on your project.
If you want to use your pool in spring and autumn as well as summer, consider installing a heating system. This is especially advisable in the Sydney area, where rain and wind can affect temperatures significantly. Solar heating is a popular option, as it is both affordable and environmentally friendly.
The KMAland Pools: Sink or Swim is available in hardback and eBook from Angus & Robertson and in paperback from Collins Books. Penelope Rossiter does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Western Sydney University provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.