In a city known for its iconic opera house and bridge, it’s easy to overlook the fact that Sydney has something of a hidden treasure: more ocean pools than any other town in Australia. And that’s not just an boast—it’s a fact that’s been proven by science.
The city of Sydney has 35 public ocean pools. That’s more than any other place in the world. And the pools are used by swimmers and sunbathers in large numbers. The beaches nearby are often empty and the city’s pools are a summer oasis that offers a calmer alternative to rough surf.
But despite this, there is controversy about how the pools were built and how they’re run. It’s a contested history that goes back to the early 1900s, when the first pool was built. The concept was born out of the need to protect swimmers from strong waves and shark attacks, according to an expert who has written on ocean pools for a website called All Into Ocean Pools.
A number of people, including the mayor of Sidney at one point, have been critical of the project. Some, like councillor Tink Baker, argue that the pool was a “bloated, expensive vanity project.” Baker says it blew out of control after the project received a $10m government grant intended for regional and remote women’s sports in April 2019, shifting what had been a straightforward renovation into an oversized inner-city megaproject. “It wasn’t the bread and butter of a local council to do $60m, $70m projects,” she says. “It’s not good for governance.”
Whether you want to swim, soak, sunbathe, or play Marco Polo, each pool offers something different and each one has a unique charm. Some, like Engadine Lagoon, are a tranquil hidden gem with clear water that feels a million miles away from the city, while others, such as Jingga, are a women-only pool that’s still in operation despite Australia’s egalitarian culture.
As we take a tour of the city’s pools, you’ll also learn about their history and how the idea for them was born. And you’ll find out what it takes to keep them running and maintained, even in the harsh Australian climate. We also spoke to the founders of the company that designed the Sidney Pools, WTI, who talk about the challenge and the reward of working on a project of this scale. This article is only available to subscribers. You can either log in to your subscriber account, or purchase a subscription to read the full issue. If you have already purchased a subscription, you can access this issue in our archive. Please note: The online version of this issue may be delayed. We’ll let you know when it is ready to view. In the meantime, you can access our full back issue archive for free. Thank you for your patience. If you have any questions, please contact our Customer Support team. They will be happy to help you.