Swimming pools are a popular feature in Sydney backyards and offer an opportunity to enjoy the local climate for much of the year. However, they also carry significant risks and need to be kept well maintained to ensure the safety of users. A poorly maintained pool can quickly turn into a death trap, but there are several steps that can be taken to ensure the safety of those using it.
Getting the right pool builder for your project is essential. A qualified builder will be able to guide you through the process and provide expert advice on all aspects of your pool. They can also ensure that the design complies with all relevant regulations and codes. They should also be able to provide an estimate of the costs involved and give you a breakdown of any additional fees.
An iconic pool gets a makeover
With Sydney’s famous opera house, bridge and beaches all receiving attention, the city’s lesser-known pool culture has been overlooked. But a new $64 million revamp of one of its most popular swim spots has the city talking again.
The North Sydney Olympic Pool, which opened in 1936, has been home to scores of world records and is a magnet for swimmers from around the country and the globe. Scores of Australian swimming and diving champions have swum here, cheered by the crowds in its steep concrete grandstands. The pool is also surrounded by Luna Park, an amusement park from the same era with its eerily nightmarish clown face and giant 30-foot smile.
Ocean pools are not common outside of Australia, but they are a crucial part of the city’s beach culture. The walls of these pools shield bathers from the dangerous rips that regularly afflict Sydney’s surf beaches. While they allow waves to wash in, the pools’ walls keep sharks and other large marine life away. Serene at low tide, and choppy at high, ocean pools are the original infinity pools.
The redevelopment of the North Sydney Pool is the latest chapter in an ongoing debate about the city’s water management and aquatic centre strategy. The project has been plagued with cost blowouts, delays, design criticism and heritage concerns. But the reimagined pool promises to be a multigenerational space for swimming, recreation and fitness. The pool’s lazily flowing river will be programmed for therapeutic or strength training, and can accommodate inner tubes, resistance and assisted walking. It will also be used for rehabilitation and early childhood aquatic play. The city hopes the pool will serve as a model for its urban aquatic centres. Ideally, they will provide recreational opportunities that are accessible to all, regardless of economic status. Ultimately, these centres will become the heart of Sydney’s healthy and active lifestyle.