Sydney, Australia is famous for its opera house and harbour bridge but it also boasts one of the world’s largest collections of ocean pools. These man-made public seawater pools are situated on surf beaches and serve as both swimming spots and beach safety measures. Ocean pools allow waves to wash in but their walls exclude large sharks. They are also sheltered from the dangerous rips that account for many coastal surf rescues and drownings. In addition to the pleasure of immersion in living seawater, ocean pools allow for women’s competitive swimming as well as providing a safe haven for swimmers who don’t feel confident in the open surf.
Ocean pools are also popular with families. Some have designated areas for kids and a snack bar. In addition, some have water slides and other fun activities to keep the family entertained. Many have also opened their doors to the public for Summer Open Day, a celebration of healthy lifestyles and a time to get in touch with nature.
Although the number of ocean pools has decreased since the 1970s due to pollution, they still remain an important part of Sydney’s swim culture and are considered sustainable and environmentally friendly. Some have even become popular tourist attractions, such as the Bronte Baths, which was opened to the public in 1883 and is considered a masterpiece of Victorian architecture.
The impending closure of Canterbury pool in the south-west of Sydney has prompted lawyer and community advocate Yusra Metwally to recall the “intoxicating smell of chlorine, hot chips, sunburnt skin and long carefree days splashing and swimming” with her friends as a kid growing up in the suburbs. She believes that Sydney’s public swimming pools embodied a sense of equality, diversity and mateship.
Public pools also play an important role in the health and wellbeing of Australians, especially those living in remote or rural areas. In fact, they are the most used source of exercise for people in these regions. This is why it is so important to protect and enhance the quality of public swimming pools.
To make sure that your pool meets all Australian standards, you should always check with your local council. You may also want to consult with a professional pool builder who can advise you on the best location and design for your pool. Also, remember that if there are any trees in the area where you plan to install your pool, you may need to obtain a permit to remove them.
Before starting to build your swimming pool, you should contact your local electricity company or Transgrid to find out if any essential cables run underneath the ground in the area where you’re planning to put your swimming pool. This will prevent you from accidentally cutting them and causing a serious power outage.
To avoid any potential problems, it’s also a good idea to check with your council to see what requirements must be met by your pool fence and to find out whether you need to have an inspector on site while the construction is taking place. You should also find out whether your pool will be near any wetlands, parks or heritage buildings that are protected by preservation orders.