Sydney may be best-known for its iconic opera house and bridge, but its public pools are an equally iconic attraction. Sydney boasts more ocean pools than any other city worldwide; many of them are among Australia’s premier swim spots. The proposed demolition of Canterbury Pool in its suburb’s south-west has stirred outrage, prompting questions as to their value within Sydney itself. Lawyer Yusra Metwally who fought hard to preserve Canterbury Pool feels heartbroken at losing such an integral swimming spot: “Losing it would be like losing part of my childhood!” she laments: “it was somewhere local where friends or families could hang out, while eating hot chips and drinking cold beverages while socialising.”
As a child, Baker first experienced the simple charms of public swimming pools on trips to her grandmother’s Granville pool in Toronto. There, swimmers would occupy the basic big blue rectangle as well as various patches of grass and concrete where swimmers lied down or laid out towels; it was “a very special place, because you didn’t have to worry about anything else.” She remembers it being filled with intoxicating chlorine fumes as well as laughter from swimmers splashing and laughing; it became one of her favourite places where she would swim alongside her sisters before throwing balls around or playing games among them all at the pool’s waters.
Sydney beaches are famous for their tidal pools. Coogee’s Wylie’s Baths was established by champion long-distance and underwater swimmer Henry Alexander Wylie in 1907 and offers a pool built into the cliffs with elevated decking to overlook the beach below – it has since become a popular wedding and photo location. Also popular are Coogee Cliff Baths and McIver’s Ladies Baths which both cater exclusively to women and children and date back as far as 1880s!
Many residents in Sydney opt to heat their swimming pools, particularly those living near coastal areas. Heating your pool is an effective way to extend its lifespan while enjoying it more during spring, summer and autumn when temperatures become warmer. There are various heating solutions available – solar is often considered the most cost-effective and popular solution.
When planning to install a swimming pool in your own backyard, it’s essential that you hire a reliable builder. Make sure the builder provides a detailed quote and reads over any warranties carefully before commencing with any work. Ask for references from previous projects they have completed as well as inquire into insurance coverage – your builder should hold a Certificate of Currency with Home Building Compensation Fund as well as provide warranties covering both structural defects as well as construction. This will give you peace of mind knowing your investment is protected!
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