Whether we’re talking about the iconic Bondi Beach or the cosy Elkington Park Baths tucked away below Balmain’s cliffs, Sydney has more ocean pools than any other city in the world. Designed to be part of the beach, these open-air public pools were once segregated in accordance with Victorian notions of respectability, with men and women bathing at different times (Bondi) or in separate swimming areas (Randwick, Bronte, Shellharbour and Kiama).
Now many are being reimagined as spaces for community, culture, health and wellbeing. They’re being redesigned with river rides, water slides and hydrotherapy pools, as well as spaces for yoga, children’s swim lessons and even social interaction. But the biggest transformation of all is a shift in our perceptions of what pools are for and who uses them.
The story of sdy pools
The story behind sdy pools begins with an act of federal pork barrelling. In April 2019, a $10m government grant earmarked for regional and remote women’s sport was diverted to the pool. Tink says the move threw everything up in the air. “It wasn’t a good moment for the project,” she says, adding that governance was muddled from there on in.
While she’s not saying it was the only issue, it was a critical factor that led to what has been an increasingly controversial and politicised project. “It’s not the bread and butter of council to do $60m, $70m vanity projects,” she says. “It’s not what people want from their local council.”
In March 2021, building began on the reimagined pool, but the Covid pandemic and La Nina saw construction days eaten up. A review by PriceWaterhouseCoopers forecast the cost would reach $86m, and the opening date was pushed back to late 2024/early 2025.
If all goes to plan, the reopened pool will have a more flexible programme that includes fashion week shows, productions and private parties – activities well outside the usual remit of a local pool. The aim is to recoup some of the millions spent through the year and keep the pool running as long as possible.
If you’re thinking about having a pool built in your own backyard, it’s important to work with experienced and reliable contractors. The consultation and design phase is a key stage that will give your contractor an idea of what’s needed, as well as the expected timeframe for completion. They can then provide a comprehensive design for your review and approval. Once this is finalised, they will then get to work on your project. Spring and autumn are popular times for pool installation, but it’s always wise to plan ahead. Make sure you contact the best Sydney pool builders early to ensure they have space in their schedules for your new project.