Swimming pools are a popular addition to Sydney backyards. They help families stay active, enjoy the beautiful weather and connect with their friends. However, there are some things to consider before investing in a new pool. These factors include the cost, design and location. Whether you’re thinking about building an inground or above-ground pool, these tips can help you get started.
Sydney is home to world-class aquatic centres with 50-metre pools and facilities to boost health and wellbeing. But many people still prefer to swim in their own backyards. Investing in a pool can be a significant financial commitment, but it’s one that offers a variety of benefits for the whole family. There are some major considerations to take into account before choosing a pool builder.
Whether they’re a reminder of childhood summers spent splashing and sunburning on Sydney beaches, or a sanctuary to escape the city’s winter chill, public swimming pools offer the opportunity for all Australians to escape the humdrum and connect with their community. Sadly, as Sydney’s communities evolve and urban sprawl takes its toll on public pools, some are closing their doors for the last time. The looming closure of Canterbury pool in Sydney’s south-west is just the latest blow, with the iconic post-war pool the seventh to be shuttered since 2022. The announcement has sparked memories for local residents of the “intoxicating scent of chlorine, hot chips and sunburnt skin,” as well as long, carefree days spent soaking up rays and spending time with what seemed like the entire neighbourhood.
In a country that prides itself on equality and diversity, it’s a shame that not everyone can access the same opportunities to enjoy the simple pleasures of a day at the beach. For many suburbanites, the only option is to visit a community pool, which may not have all of the bells and whistles found in Sydney’s best aquatic centres.
Nevertheless, they can be equally loved and treasured. A new book by Zoe Baker is a testament to the joys of Sydney’s municipal pools, which she describes as “basic big blue rectangles with patches of grass and concrete on which to roll out a towel and a kiosk selling hot chips and ice blocks.”
As the author travels around Sydney, she visits swimming spots that range from the harbour city’s most iconic beaches to council pools in western suburbs. The resulting book, A Year in 52 Swims, outlines a year of swimming adventures that encompassed all the pool venues that she could fit in.
Although a DIY approach might seem attractive, the reality is that it can lead to modest savings and increase stress and complexity. Instead, choose a qualified Sydney pool builder to manage your project from start to finish. This can save you thousands of dollars in management fees and other costs and deliver a high-quality finished product that will provide years of enjoyment.