Whether you’re looking for a place to swim, sunbathe or imagine yourself in a summery coming-of-age film, Sydney has you covered. Its coastline is dotted with ocean rockpools, most of them cut straight out of the rocky headlands on which they sit, and many have their own colourful history and anecdotes. Serene at low tide, choppy at high, they’re the city’s original infinity pools. Pro landscape shooter Ignacio Palacios is obsessed with them, and in this two-part series he shares some clever tips for capturing your own beautiful rockpool shots.

If you’re a local, you’ve probably heard of Icebergs, the Bondi institution that’s become one of Sydney’s best-known swimming spots. Its views, location and reputation make it a must-visit for swimmers. But there are plenty of other great spots to go for a swim on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Here are some of our favourites:

For inner-city Sydney locals, Prince Alfred Park Pool is a slice of summer perched between Surry Hills and Redfern. Buttercup yellow sun umbrellas surround the pool, which is always that just-right temperature for jumping right in. There are even shady lawns where you can relax and recharge before heading back for another dip.

There’s no better way to experience the beauty of a natural pool than to see it for yourself. Sydney’s ocean rockpools are a wonder to behold and, as the weather gets warmer, they’re getting more and more popular for both recreational and training purposes. But before you head out for a swim, it’s important to know a little bit about what you’re getting into.

It takes more than just a few weeks to train as a lifeguard. The process begins with online learning, which all new hires must complete before attending in-person training that includes First Aid and water safety techniques. And while a nationwide shortage of lifeguards has made finding staff challenging, Pool Manager Tonya Garsjo is confident she’ll have her team in place before this summer starts.

There’s no doubt that Sydney is lucky to have such a large number of amazing outdoor pools, but they’re not without their challenges. Like any other type of infrastructure, they need regular maintenance to ensure they continue to function properly. Having a sidney pools that’s well-maintained and safe is vital to the health of everyone who uses it. To ensure your swimming pool is ready to use in spring, here are some essential maintenance tips for your sidney pools. These simple steps can help you protect your investment and keep it in good condition throughout the year.