Whether you’re a local or visiting the Sydney, there are plenty of wonderful places to swim. From private cliff-side pools to harbour pools, here are the best places to go for a dip in this beautiful city.
McIver’s Pool (formerly Elkington Park Baths)
A stunning Victorian pavilion tucked into Balmain’s sandstone cliffs, McIver’s Pool is one of the city’s most unique harbour pools. This pristine, salty, shark-free pool is the perfect spot for sunbathing and swimming laps, or dipping into its 200-seat bistro if you need a break from your swim.
Bondi Beach Ocean Pool
Located at the southern end of Bondi Beach, this beautiful ocean pool is the spot to take the kids for a relaxing dip. There’s a 50-metre pool on one side with a shallower area for kids, while the other end of the pool is surrounded by a tiled bank with a small ledge and a great view of the beach.
The beach is crowded around the pool 12 months of the year with lap swimmers battling white foamy waves that crash into its walls. Admission is only $7 and includes a sauna, so it’s the perfect way to relax after a busy day at the beach.
North Sydney Olympic Pool
For those looking to try out a new spot to swim, this beautiful, historic pool is an ideal choice. Originally built in 1886, it’s a popular destination for surfers who can enjoy the gorgeous views from the pool deck, and if you’re lucky, you might get to see a dolphin or two.
Harbour Pools
While some people might find a public swimming pool intimidating, many of Sydney’s harbor pools are a delight to visit. These pools are situated right next to the sea, and you can easily walk along the waterfront to reach them. They are also often the best place to take your family and children, as they’re usually safe and not crowded.
If you’re a beginner, there are plenty of great learn-to-swim centres in and around Sydney that can help you get started. These centres will give you all of the information that you need to learn how to swim safely and effectively.
Pool Maintenance
It’s important to keep your pool clean and maintained so that you can continue enjoying it. This is especially true if you plan on spending a lot of time there. There are lots of different maintenance and cleaning services available that can help you keep your pool in tip-top condition so that it’s ready for when you want to use it.
You can also consider installing a swimming pool heater. This will ensure that your pool is warm enough to enjoy all year round, allowing you to spend more time swimming and less time maintaining it.
Before you begin building your swimming pool, it is important to know what safety standards you need to meet. These are regulated by the state of NSW, and include fences that are at least 1.2 metres high from the ground, self-closing and self-latching gates, and the use of non-toxic chemicals to keep your water clean and free from bacteria.