Any article about sidney pools is sure to elicit a torrent of comment from Sydneysiders waxing nostalgic about whiling away the halcyon days of their youth at the venerable baths; of attending their first swimming lessons there, under threat of sharks lurking just outside the trapezoidal walls; and of graduating out of these shallow enclaves into the rippling sea, as part of a childhood rite of passage. The city’s famous beaches are well-documented but less well-known is the fact that Sydney also boasts a smorgasbord of swimming pools: from humble rockpools hewn out of beach headlands to gleaming, modern urban watering holes designed for lap swimming, swim teams and aquatic sports.
If there’s one thing that unites all Sydney pools, it’s their ability to offer an escape from the sweltering summer heat. They are places where you can cool down and relax with friends, family or even by yourself; a respite from the blazing sun, the biting winds or the constant drone of the traffic on the highways and byways.
The best Sydney pools are both visually appealing and architecturally unique, with an array of shapes, sizes, depths and coping options available. From lavish waterfalls and elegant paving materials to personalized lighting schemes, the design possibilities are endless. And, because concrete is such an incredibly versatile building material, it can accommodate almost any design vision.
While there are some sydney pools that are more impressive than others, it’s the cosy and familiar feel of these local aquatic spots that makes them so popular with families. “It’s just that great feeling of a community pool where everybody knows everyone,” says Meegan Zen, a mother of two who’s been a regular at her local pool for more than 10 years.
For many locals, these suburban pools are the heart of their communities. They are where they grow up and hang out with their mates, where they learn to swim and surf, and where they celebrate special occasions.
In an era of shrinking council budgets and declining swimming lesson numbers, there’s been a push to save money by cutting back on pool time, or even closing them altogether. But experts say it could be a dangerous move that drives people to riskier waters.
If you’re planning to do a Sydney pool day this summer, whether it’s a relaxing swim, a celebratory Thirsty Merc session or a backyard BBQ with your nearest and dearest, we recommend looking into Swimply. The app (think Airbnb for pools) connects pool owners keen to earn extra cash with Sydneysiders wanting a place to splash around. It’s already got 130 Sydney pools to choose from and you can filter by pet-friendly, party-friendly or waterslide-equipped. It’s like the ultimate pool concierge service.