Sydney is blessed with a number of gorgeous natural beaches, but it also has an impressive collection of man-made pools that rival the city’s famous stretches of sand. These ocean pools range from the infinitely-Instagrammed rockpools hewn out of beach headlands (like Bondi Icebergs) to more formal swimming spots, including the Art Deco pool and venue suspended on stilts on the edge of a cliff at McIver’s Ladies Baths. There are also a number of neighbourhood pools that are tucked into the corners of cliffs, such as at South Curl Curl and Bilgola.
The city’s largest pool is North Sydney Olympic Pool, which was built in 1936 and hosted the Empire Games, a forerunner to the Commonwealth Games. It is an incredible sight to see, particularly on a sunny day, with the harbour bridge as a backdrop. The pool is open from September to April, but it is closed for four months during the cooler months of May through August. The 8 lane x 50m Pool is chemically treated sea water that is heated to a comfortable 25 degrees. It is an ideal spot to swim laps or just relax in the sun.
There is also a 20m Program Pool that is perfect for those who are not quite ready for the lap pool, as it is shallow and fenced in. The Program Pool is also a great location for swimming lessons and other community programs.
While the main swimming pools are in good condition, there are a few of the older pools that could use some love and care. A lot of the problems at these old pools are related to issues of maintenance and deterioration, but there are still many people who enjoy swimming at these locations, despite the dated appearances of some of the facilities.
For many people, the best Sydney pools are those that give them a sense of the sea and sand. There is something magical about dipping into the water at these pools and it can be a great place to take your kids for a swim or to spend some time with friends.
One of the most popular Sydney pools is the North Sydney Olympic Pool, and it is a wonderful place to swim in the summer. The pool is surrounded by a park, so you can sit out on the grass and have a picnic while watching the children swim. The only downside to this pool is that it is usually crowded, especially on weekends. However, it is worth a visit if you are able to get there early in the day. The other great thing about this pool is that it has been in use for over a century and is still in use today. This makes it one of the most historic Sydney attractions. The pool is free to enter, so you can always stop by for a quick swim.