Swimming pools are an integral part of Sydney backyards, offering a welcome respite from the scorching summer heat and an opportunity to relax with family and friends. They also offer a variety of health benefits including improving heart health, lowering blood pressure, strengthening bones and muscles and alleviating stress and anxiety. However, not all pools are created equal. Some are backed by reputable companies while others are the work of incompetent builders who have left customers with unfinished projects and nothing but dirt in their backyards.
With summer temperatures expected to climb into the 40s this weekend, public swimming pools are a welcome alternative for Sydney residents to cool off and stay active. This Saturday, the City of Sydney will open six aquatic centres to the public for free entry as a way to celebrate the start of the summer season. The centres will be located in Camperdown (36C), the CBD (34C), Zetland (34C) and Ultimo (33C).
While swimming in natural ocean pools is a hallmark of Sydney, these swimming holes can present certain dangers, including bluebottles, seaweed, rockpool urchins and shellfish, slippery rocks and cliffs, changing riptide conditions and sudden storms. To ensure that swimmers are protected from the elements, many beaches have dedicated ocean pools where they can enjoy the marine life without any of the hazards.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced swimmer, the ocean pool can be a perfect place to practice your skills. Not only is the water temperature usually a little warmer than that of the surf, but it can also provide a gentler workout and is less choppy than the surf. This is why it’s ideal for children and beginners who want to learn to swim or improve their strokes.
As such, the pool has become a major tourist attraction in Coogee Bay where visitors can swim with ease while enjoying the natural beauty of Sydney’s stunning coastline. The pool is the site of a number of club swimming carnivals and was also the first beach where women were allowed to compete in water polo matches.
If you’re considering buying a swimming pool for your home, it’s important to know the laws in Sydney and hire a licensed, reputable builder to make sure that the project is completed safely and efficiently. If you’re building a pool that costs more than $5,000, your builder must be licensed by NSW Fair Trading and be prepared to show you their licence when you request it. The name on the licence must match the name on the contract, and your builder must also be insured to cover the construction period and any warranty periods.
While swimming in a pool is a great way to spend your summer, it’s important to know the laws and regulations for building pools in Sydney so that you can hire a reputable builder and ensure that your investment is protected. You should also inquire about the type of pool you’re interested in and how much it will cost to construct. In addition, you should inspect the site before hiring a builder to make sure that it’s not close to underground powerlines or utilities.