Every year, Australians visit 333m public aquatic centres, a figure which includes pools and ocean beaches. The majority of swimmers learn to swim in public pools and we rely on them for health, fitness, socialising and fun in the sun. Yet there are some council areas where the provision of publicly accessible swimming facilities is dire. According to a Guardian Australia analysis of census and council data, Western Sydney is among the worst-served. There is only one public pool for every 178,960 residents, which is almost half the national average of 1 per 20,000.
Whether you’re a regular pool-goer or a water lover, you may have heard of sdy pools (also known as sea pools). These sheltered patches of the ocean are protected from rough waves by cliffs and beaches. The salty water, surrounded by sand and rocky outcrops, is a magnet for swimmers and photographers alike. Some people swim, some float, and others simply sit in the warm, salty waters.
These rock pools are dotted along the Sydney coastline and on some of its northern beaches. They were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s by local councils, private individuals and in some cases community organisations. They were a safe place for recreational and competitive swimmers to do laps, free from the surf and risk of shark attacks. Some have plaques to tell you their history, but many do not. Several have been damaged by a century of dynamiting rocks and dumping debris in the water. The willingness of early 20th-century authorities to destroy habitats and build clean concrete walls would not pass environmental tests now, but the Sydney Institute of Marine scientists are working to mitigate the damage at Bilgola Beach and Fairy Bower.
Pool Paradise Comes in Pairs
No one likes to hear a project they’re using or enjoying is delayed and over budget, especially when it’s for a beloved local amenity. But the patience of Sydneysiders is being tested by extended timelines and cost blowouts for a range of important infrastructure projects.
The latest blowout is a major upgrade of the Willoughby Leisure Centre, which has gone from a $30 million budget to $65 million – with council rate rises of 87 per cent over two years expected to cover the costs.
Swimming pools are a substantial investment, so it’s important to make sure that they match the aesthetic of your home, and suit your lifestyle and climate. It’s also a great idea to incorporate some eco-friendly features, so you can reduce your impact on the environment while keeping your swimming area beautiful and functional. Jacinta Walsh speaks with Carl Yench, managing partner of Europe Imports, to discover how you can transform your pool into a beautiful and green oasis.
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