The Dangers and Challenges of Sydney’s Ocean Pools
Sydney’s famous opera house and bridge might have it on the tourist map, but one of the city’s lesser-known claims to fame is that it has more ocean pools – also known as tidal or rock pools – than any other in the world. Often found at surf beaches where a public swimming enclosure would be impractical or unsafe, these iconic watery landmarks are cherished by locals and adored by visitors. But when one beloved pool gets a much-debated upgrade, the resulting controversy highlights a deeper concern over how the iconic swimming spots are managed.
Designed to allow swimmers to escape the pounding surf without having to leave the beach, sdy pools are unique in Australia for being built into the inter-tidal zone and carved out of rock platforms. This makes them ideal for those who aren’t quite ready to brave the choppy surf and provides safe swimming spots for swimmers of all ages and abilities. But they’re not without their challenges. Some are prone to eutrophication, which can lead to a buildup of nitrogen and phosphorous in the water. This can lead to an abundance of algae and reduce the amount of natural light that enters the water, leading to unhealthy conditions. Other pools are a magnet for jellyfish, which can wash in with the tide and terrorise swimmers. And in the case of Bilgola’s sea pool, the early-20th-century willingness to dynamite rocks and destroy habitats for a clean slate of concrete might not pass environmental tests today. At nearby Fairy Bower, marine scientists are recreating the homes of tiny creatures that were displaced by the construction.
Aside from the environmental concerns, many sdy pools are a popular destination for locals looking to escape busy beaches. This is particularly true of Coogee Baths, which was built in 1907 for champion long-distance and underwater swimmer Henry Wylie. Another Coogee beauty is McIver’s Ladies Baths, which remains the only ocean pool in the world dedicated to women and children and dates back to the 1880s.
At the other end of the spectrum, Sydney’s western suburbs are among the worst-served in terms of public aquatic centres. The western city of Melton, for example, has only one publicly accessible aquatic centre per 178,960 residents, according to an analysis by Guardian Australia. And the situation is far worse across Australia. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates there are only one public aquatic centre for every 40,000 people in regional New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria and Queensland.
While many Australians cherish their private swimming pools, the public variety is an important part of our culture. It’s where most of us learn to swim and it provides a welcome respite from the summer heat. Whether you’re planning to install your own backyard oasis or just want to soak up the atmosphere of the city’s sdy pools, here are some ways to make your experience a little more comfortable.
Before hiring a custom pool builder, determine how you’ll use your new swimming space. This will help you narrow your search in the Professionals section of Houzz to Sydney pool builders who share your aesthetic.