If you live in Sydney, you’re lucky to have access to many beautiful outdoor swimming pools. Ocean swimming has skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic and pool owners have been rushing to build new pools to take advantage of the warm seawater and sunny weather. But there are many factors to consider before choosing the right type of pool for your needs.
To begin with, you need to choose the right pool type for your climate. Sydney is a coastal city, so it gets lots of rain and wind throughout the year. These conditions can affect your pool’s water temperature, so it’s important to invest in a heating system. A popular choice is solar heating, which uses sunlight to heat the pool without wasting energy.
Another factor to consider is the material used in your pool. A quality pool is durable and easy to clean. The surface should be smooth and free of cracks and open joints. It should also be able to accommodate the draining, cleaning and disinfection of the bottom of the pool. Ideally, the pool bottom should be made of concrete or liner. Liner pools are more expensive than concrete pools, but they’re also more durable and easier to maintain.
In addition, you should check whether your prospective pool builder is licenced to work in NSW. This is a requirement under the NSW Fair Trading Act, and it’s best to avoid working with anyone who isn’t. You should ask for a copy of their licence, and make sure the name on the license is the same as the name you’ll use to sign the contract.
One of the best places to swim in Sydney is at Wylie’s Baths, a beautiful tidal ocean pool built by champion swimmer Henry Alexander Wylie in 1907. It has raised decking built into the cliffs and sweeping views over the ocean, all the way to Wedding Cake Island. It’s a beautiful spot to relax, especially during the summer.
Aside from ocean pools, you can also head to the city’s inner harbour swimming pool. These pools are perfect for beginners or those who don’t want to brave the big waves at the beach. The waters are also much warmer than the ocean, and you’ll find plenty of seating around the pool to relax in after your swim.
During the pandemic, many residents have turned to swimming pools for their health and well-being. But the City of Sydney is struggling to keep up with demand for more outdoor pools. Some councillors are calling for a series of free netted saltwater pools to help people stay active while staying safe from the pandemic. But others are worried about the cost of building and maintaining a network of new pools in such an isolated area. They also point out that there are already more than 60 existing outdoor pools across the city.