The world-famous Sydney Harbour opera house, bridge and beaches are the city’s best-known features but it has a hidden gem that’s even more special – Sydney harbour’s ocean pools. It is thought the city has more ocean pools than any other in the world and this number could soon be increasing. Clover Moore, the lord mayor of Sydney, is planning to turn part of Sydney’s harbor into a public swimming pool. The idea is to provide residents with a fun place to stay active during the COVID-19 pandemic and to take advantage of Sydney’s beautiful surrounds and warm seawater temperatures.
The concept is similar to a public beach but it will be designed specifically for the purposes of recreation and rehabilitation, offering people of all ages and abilities a chance to swim, exercise or play. The pool will also be used to host a range of aqua aerobics classes and other community water-based activities and events. It will also be programmed for therapeutic and strength training as well as resistance and assisted walking. It will also be able to accommodate wheelchairs and other adaptive equipment. The pool will be wide enough to accept the use of inner tubes which will enable visitors to float and explore the waters with family and friends.
In terms of size and location, the pool is expected to be around 2,000 square meters, with a maximum depth of four metres. It is believed that the pool will feature a number of slides, including two large slides (one of which is a 295 foot spiral slide) as well as shallow splash and play areas for kids. The pool will be staffed with trained and certified lifeguards.
While most of the pool will be open to the public, there will be a small area where only adults are permitted. The area will be marked with a red line and will have additional fencing. Swimming pool safety is a priority and it’s important to make sure you’re surrounded by a safe environment when swimming.
It is important to check with your local council to find out what the requirements are for building a pool in your area. You’ll also want to look at the site where you plan on constructing your pool and be sure there are no obstacles that may obstruct the construction of your pool, such as trees or power lines. It is also a good idea to speak with your builder to see if they have any experience in this area of work.
Ocean pools have always been a wild swimming environment and encounters with bluebottles, slippery rocks, seaweed, sea urchins or sharp shells are not unusual. However, images in recent exhibitions of ocean pools have highlighted the convivial but respectful relationships that can be formed between the swimming bathers, marine life and the people surrounding the swimming areas.