Whether serene at low tide or choppy at high, sdy pools are the original infinity pools. Just about every Sydney beach has one, designed to give swimmers some shelter from the big seas and cold air that blow in on southerly days. And while many are free for swimmers, others come with changing rooms and showers. “Sydney’s big collection of ocean pools in one city is unique,” says Marie-Louise McDermott, an academic who has written extensively on the subject. “They’re man-made public seawater pools situated on a surf coast so waves can wash over the sides.”
While they may seem to have sprung up organically, in fact the history of sdy pools is surprisingly complex. In 1891, men’s swimming clubs formed the NSW Amateur Swimming Association, followed by women’s in 1906. They were created to give recreational and competitive swimmers a place to do laps, safe from the dangers of strong currents, waves and shark attacks. The pools were also a useful way to tame wild coastlines.
Amid a growing environmental awareness, they were soon seen as an important alternative to the rocky shore. They were also thought to be more hygienic, easier to clean at predictable times unaffected by the tides and generally safer than swimming directly in the ocean.
But when the pool project was given a $10m windfall from the government, that changed everything. It shifted the inner-city project from a comparatively straightforward renovation to something with far more scope, and made it harder for councillors to control, especially as it came ahead of elections later in 2021. “It was like winning a raffle where you hadn’t bought a ticket,” says Kylea Tink, the independent federal member for North Sydney, who is also a councillor in the area.
Amid the recriminations, the mayor of North Sydney, Zoe Baker, is determined to make the pool work. Her focus is on recouping the enormous bill, which has blown out to more than $100m, with the opening date now revised from 2020 to late 2024 or even 2025. She believes charging fashion week shows, production companies and private parties – far beyond the usual remit of a local pool – could help.
However, for the pool to be successful, there needs to be a clear business plan. That means a detailed quote and a contract that clearly outlines costs and timelines, as well as a clear process for dealing with any issues that may arise during construction. It also means ensuring that the design and building team have the right experience in creating similar projects. Getting all of these elements in place before starting any work is essential. If not, the pool could turn into a costly disaster. To avoid this, a good start is to find a pool builder who understands the challenges and opportunities that come with creating a new project from scratch. They can then use their expertise to deliver a project that will meet and exceed your expectations.
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