Sydney is home to a wealth of stunning ocean pools. They range from the infinitely-Instagrammed Bondi Icebergs to hidden swimming holes in the northern suburbs. In between, you’ll find historic Art Deco pools and venues, the world’s last female-only pool at McIver’s Ladies Baths and the cliff-top pool where Olympian Evelyn Whillier trained for the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

These pools are a popular destination for winter swimmers and fitness enthusiasts, but they’re also a draw for tourists and locals who want to capture the perfect sunset or sunrise image. They are also a haven for people who feel uncomfortable or unsafe swimming at a regular beach, including elderly and disabled people, as well as children. In addition, many of these pools are supervised and have lifeguards.

The rocky platforms on which these pools are built are susceptible to erosion, and rising sea levels mean that they will need to be raised at some point. This will “change how ocean pools work,” a designer and architect who specialises in the structures tells Jordan. And because they’re filled with salt water, they’ll have to be drained periodically.

Despite their beauty and charm, these pools are far from cheap to maintain. At Sidney’s Ocean Pool, for example, maintenance costs are estimated at $20,000 a year. The pool’s three leaks have resulted in massive repair bills, and it is a long way from being fully operational.

While it might seem like a waste to close a pool that attracts so many visitors, the reality is that it’s simply not financially viable. The revenue generated from swimming carnivals and other events is not enough to cover the ever-increasing bill for repairs, filtration and cleaning.

In the future, these pools may have to be shut down altogether if they are not properly maintained. The cost of water, chemicals and electricity will continue to rise, while rising sea levels could mean that they are eventually submerged under the waves. Fortunately, there are solutions to these issues. Among them is solar heating, which can help to reduce energy consumption while lowering costs.

A century ago, dynamiting rocks and destroying habitats to build ocean pools was a common practice, but that willingness to destroy ecosystems is no longer welcome in modern Australia. At Fairy Bower, for example, scientists are trying to regenerate the marine flora and fauna that was obliterated by the pool’s concrete walls.

Whether they’re in your backyard or on the beach, swimming pools are a wonderful part of summer. However, it’s important to ensure that they are safe and comply with NSW pool laws. To do so, it’s a good idea to have them regularly tested and inspected by a qualified professional. Additionally, it’s a good idea to invest in a pool heater to ensure that your pool is always warm and inviting. Finally, it’s a good idea to make sure that your pool is covered by home building compensation insurance in case of an accident or damage.