Whether the water’s icy cold, salty or just right for a swim, Australia has long been in love with ocean pools. It’s a love affair that started when convicts carved, and sometimes dynamited, the state’s first pool in Newcastle in the 1800s, and one that continues to this day. It’s a place where families bring their children to make lifelong memories, and where older people find the fresh, salty water to be an elixir of youth.
But while sdy pools are part of our heritage, they also pose serious health and safety risks for swimmers, particularly children. Drownings are common at public pools, and they can happen anywhere – including in the water. To help prevent drownings, it’s important to follow pool rules, including supervising children closely, and teaching them water safety.
In a recent case, a mother was refused entry to a Sydney pool because she was not with her child. This is because the pool’s rule was that only one adult can accompany each child, and this is a good thing. But it is also important to remember that the most common cause of pool-related drownings is a lack of active supervision.
As the Covid pandemic and La Nina ate into construction days, the opening date for the new pool was pushed back again. Now it’s 2024 at the earliest. But the delay is not without its critics. Inner West Labor MP Paul Baker calls it a “political folly.” The deposed mayor Darcy Byrne is gearing up to reclaim his mayoral mantle by spruiking the past term’s revamp of Dawn Fraser and Ashfield pools.
And then there’s the cost. The $86m restoration of North Sydney Pool has come in well over budget, thanks to a combination of design and structural issues that have eaten into the original estimate of $20m. Now it’s a question of how to pay for the extra millions.
It’s possible that the pool will end up charging fashion week shows, production companies and private parties – far from the usual remit of a local pool – to recoup some of its costs. Or it could go the way of the Waverley pool: a beloved but troubled relic that was finally brought to its knees in a political storm.
When it comes to your new pool, choose a team you can trust to deliver quality. At Sydney Poolscapes, we have an enviable reputation for designing and delivering stunning, custom-made fibreglass pools for our customers across the city. Our steadfast commitment to top-tier quality and unparalleled customer service means you can expect a pool installation experience that is second to none. Get in touch with us to discover more about our exceptional services. Or browse our website to see our impressive portfolio of completed projects. We look forward to hearing from you soon!