Whether you’re an ocean swimmer or prefer to stay inland, Sydney has plenty of outdoor pools to choose from. And, thanks to a handy app that lets you book pool days by the hour, it’s easier than ever to swim laps in your backyard.
Sydney’s far-reaching coastline, magical harbour and abundance of urban public swimming pools have long made it a popular place to cool off. But if you’re seeking a celebratory-style pool day – where you crank up Thirsty Merc and get silly with your mates – it’s preferable to have a private space.
For the best pool experience, visit a local business that offers professional pool services. B & D Pool & Spa is one such company that has been providing pool maintenance for more than three decades. They are well-known for offering a wide range of services, including cleaning, pump repair, filter replacement and much more.
They can also help you with any concerns or questions that you might have. For instance, if you have problems with your filter or if the water level in your pool is too low, they can help you fix it as soon as possible. They have a team of certified pool experts who are trained to do all kinds of repairs and maintenance for your pool.
There’s a reason why Sydney is home to more than 100 ocean pools. It’s a result of the wild coastline that’s exposed to full force of the Pacific surf, with pools often built to protect beachgoers from the dangerous surf. But they’ve also become as much a part of Sydney’s beach culture as sun, sand and a few cold drinks.
The first hand-made ocean pool was the work of Newcastle’s Commandant Morisset, who ordered a bunch of convicts to dig a swimming hole for his personal splash palace in 1819. Today, ocean pools are found all along NSW’s coast – some of which are more than 100 years old.
In Sydney, you can find a handful of them on the cliffs at Coogee. The most stunning are Henry Alexander Wylie’s Baths, established by a champion long distance and underwater swimmer in 1907. It’s perched right on the edge of the cliffs, offering sweeping views over the Pacific Ocean, including Wedding Cake Island and its famed turquoise waters.
There’s a more laidback option in the form of Bronte Baths, which opened to the public in 1887. It’s the city’s oldest pool and a favourite for serious ocean swimmers, including Evelyn Whillier, who competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympics and was a regular at Bronte Baths during her late-70s heyday. It’s a popular spot for families, too, with ample room on the surrounding rocks to lounge around. It’s also lit up at night for an atmospheric evening dip.