The city’s eponymous harbor is one manifestation of Sydney’s reputation as Australia’s “Sandstone City.” Another is the network of beach pools. Ocean pools provide sheltered bathing when the sea is rough or dangerous. They also serve as recreation and learn-to-swim facilities for local people. Some are long enough for lap swimming. Others are surrounded by shade, making them ideal for families.
The beaches of Sydney, especially the southern two-thirds, are lined with short to medium-length sandy beaches nestled between rocky headlands. These headlands often contain sandstone, which is easy to excavate but stable over human time scales and provides an ideal base for pools without altering the shape of the beach or filling with too much sand. The sandstone also allows the construction of magnificent sandstone buildings. These features make Sydney a city of water, a place where swims and surfs are possible year-round.
There are dozens of beach pools, ranging from those at Bondi and Bronte to those on Sydney’s northern beaches. Most have changing rooms and showers and are free for swimmers. Serene at low tide, choppy at high tide, these tidal pools are the original infinity pools. One of the most popular is Coogee’s Wylie’s Baths, established by champion long-distance swimmer Henry Alexander Wylie in 1907. This pool is elevated on a decking built into the cliffs and offers spectacular 180-degree views of the ocean and Wedding Cake Island.
Canterbury Pool is another cherished local treasure, serving as an anchor of community life in this south-western suburb. Many residents recall fondly the intoxicating scent of chlorine and the heartwarming community events held there, or carefree days splashing around with friends. But when the pool closed last month, lawyer Yusra Metwally was among those mourning its loss.
A Sydney pool is a great way to cool off during the hot summer months, but owning a pool comes with certain responsibilities. To keep your family safe, it is important to follow the rules set by the NSW government and regularly clean the pool. There are a few things you should consider before hiring a contractor to build your Sydney pool.
One of the most important things to remember is that a pool fence must be secure. It should be at least 4 feet tall and have a gate that can be locked and latched. It should also be well-maintained and kept clear of climbable objects, like potted plants. In addition, the gate should be self-closing and have a safety latch that can prevent children from entering.
When choosing a pool company, look for one that has been licensed and insured. You should also check for references and reviews before hiring someone. It is also a good idea to ask the pool builder about any warranty policies they offer. If they do not have any, you may want to consider finding another company.