As the mercury rises across Sydney, locals are being urged to make good use of the city’s many pools. With temperatures predicted to peak in Camperdown and Ultimo, as well as the CBD and Zetland, it’s an ideal time to cool off in one of the city’s aquatic centres. The City of Sydney has even set aside Saturday to offer free access at six inner-city swimming facilities.
The City’s parks are also dotted with outdoor pools, including the Coogee Surf Lifesaving Club, which was established in 1921 to protect swimmers from sharks and riptides. In Coogee, visitors can take a swim at Wylie’s Baths, a tidal pool created by champion long-distance and underwater swimmer Henry Alexander Wylie in 1907. Wylie’s baths are built into the cliffs on Coogee Beach and offer spectacular views across the ocean to Wedding Cake Island.
If you want to build a pool, you’ll need to get a permit from the local council. The process will take between four and six weeks depending on the town you’re in. During summer, however, this can become more difficult because of the high demand for permits. Ideally, you should submit your application as early as possible to avoid any delays in the project’s timeline.
When choosing a pool builder, it’s important to look for someone who has a lot of experience and is reputable. In addition, they should be licensed by NSW Fair Trading. This is essential for any project costing over $5,000, as it ensures that the builder is operating legally and has been vetted by the government agency. Your builder should be willing to show you their licence and be prepared to answer any questions about it.
Sydney’s ocean pools have a long history of connecting with country communities, and in the 1930s members of the Bondi and Bronte Amateur Swimming clubs helped spearhead a free state-wide learn-to-swim campaign. The program was aimed at children who were staying at the Stewart House Preventorium and other social tourism initiatives. The city’s coastal pool networks forged further links with rural areas in the 1980s, when the Bondi and Bronte pools hosted the Australian Swimming Championships.
Unlike some public pools in Australia, Sydney’s are not funded by the federal and state governments, meaning they rely on community funding. Some are in need of urgent repair, and others have been closed altogether. The fate of some is uncertain, especially if parties that have committed funds lose the upcoming election.
A pool can be a great way to spend family time and enjoy the sun. It can be used for recreation, exercise, therapy or rehabilitation. It can even increase the value of your home. However, it’s important to choose a trusted pool builder in Sydney to ensure that your new pool is safe and functional. By doing your research, you’ll be able to find the best builder in the area for your needs.