Sydney has plenty of sweeping harbor views, sandy beaches, and warm seawater to enjoy. But it also has a few special pools, some of which are centuries old. These outdoor swimming pools have become even more popular in the past 18 months during the COVID-19 pandemic. They help residents avoid the crowded beach while staying healthy and active. These venerable facilities also allow people to enjoy Australia’s pristine coastline without risking their lives.
Many Sydneysiders have a love for these suburban watering holes and their unique history. One of them is Michael Easton, who started trying out the city’s many pools a few years ago. He has swum in 68 different pools and struggles to pick a favorite. While he admits that some of the more modern pools are better for laps and other competitive swimming, he finds that most have a charm of their own.
Ocean pools are a particular treasure in Australia because they are exposed to the full power of the surf. Often, they are embedded along the edge of cliffs and, like Narrabeen or Wylies Baths, spectacularly hinge off the corner of a peninsula. They can sometimes even sit atop reefs or, like Bronte Baths, appear as an abstraction of the rock behind them. The beauty of these pools is that they offer a place to swim but also an opportunity to reflect and relax.
But these venerable institutions are not without their challenges. They can be difficult to maintain due to their location on the coast. They can also be hard for the government to regulate, especially during the pandemic when the public is afraid to go into the open ocean.
In addition, they are often used by women and children, which is a challenge for the country that prides itself on its egalitarianism. But the popularity of these pools has made some lawmakers change their minds about banning them.
The pool is a popular destination for families during the summer. It is open from the first Saturday after Memorial Day until two weeks before Labor Day. It has a 295 foot long slide, designated swimming areas for the kids, and fully trained lifeguards.
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