With its stunning beaches, sparkling harbour and secluded coves, Sydney is home to many idyllic swimming pools. Whether you’re into laps or simply enjoying the view from the shore, a dip in a pool is a great way to get some fresh air and unwind after a busy day.
But while most public pools are well-maintained and safe, drownings do happen. It’s therefore important to remain vigilant and actively supervise children at all times – especially when they are in, on or around water. Public pools are also increasingly being used for health and wellbeing purposes, including rehabilitation after injury, exercise to improve cardiovascular fitness, and social connection and belonging for women returning to work after childbirth.
The Australian Council of Sport and Recreation estimates that nearly a third of Australian adults do not meet the minimum physical activity requirements for healthy adults. Publicly funded pools can help meet these targets and encourage healthy lifestyles, but their role is threatened by declining attendances, dwindling funding and rising operating costs. As a result, many communities are struggling to maintain their local pools.
Despite this, many swimmers still love to spend their summer at a sdy pools. Some are even willing to travel to enjoy the experience, with many citing the beauty and tranquillity of these pools as their motivation. Michael Easton is one of them. He started swimming at suburban pools with a friend a few years ago and has been documenting what makes each pool special on Instagram in 10 photos. The pair have now swum at 68 pools, and Easton is struggling to choose his favourite.
While most Australians enjoy swimming in the ocean, pools provide an accessible alternative that is particularly convenient for people with disabilities and limited mobility. They are often safer than open waters and offer a more controlled environment for beginners. Furthermore, they can be a place where families with young children and older adults with health conditions can swim together.
For this reason, sdy pools are becoming increasingly popular in Australia and have been recognised for their contribution to the nation’s health and wellbeing. They are also a significant source of employment and can serve as a vital part of a community’s infrastructure.
A sdy pool is a small artificial pool, typically with a shallow end and a deep end. Depending on the size and design, these pools can be built in 3-4 months. The first stage is to construct the frame, which is then sprayed with shotcrete or gunite. Once the concrete is cured, it can then be tiled.
But these pools aren’t always easy to build. The North Sydney pool has been beset by infighting between local politicians, allegations of pork barrelling, heritage concerns and health organisations’ criticisms. The project’s budget has blown out to more than $100m and the opening date has been delayed until 2023 at the earliest. The independent federal MP for North Sydney, Kylea Tink, has introduced a bill to parliament that would ban councils from spending more than $10m on “political follies”. But this may not be enough to save the sdy pool.