The Story of Sydney Pools
The Sydney Olympics pool is one of the city’s most iconic water attractions. Anyone who grew up in the 1990s begged their parents to take them here at least once for its waterslide, whirlpool, hot tubs, and kiddies area. The fact that the pool still rocks is a testament to its ageless appeal. It’s also the perfect place to go if you’re looking for an escape from the hectic urban environment and want to relax in the natural elements.
But what is it about this pool, and the many other pools scattered across Australia’s wild coastline, that makes it so special? Is it the way they feel like an extension of a warm summer day? Or the way that they remind us of our ancestors who swam in the ocean to survive? Or maybe it’s just that they have a sense of fun and playfulness that’s hard to find in modern life.
Sydney and New South Wales have the most ocean pools of any city in the world, partly in response to a wild coastline that is exposed to the full force of the surf. They were built to give swimmers some protection from the rough seas, but they are more than just a safety net. Serene at low tide and choppy at high, they are the original infinity pools.
We’ve delved into the archives to find out more about these pools, some of which are over 100 years old, and found that they tell a fascinating story. They’re not just a place to swim, but a site where community gathered, and stories were told.
It’s a story that hasn’t ended yet, as North Sydney Council has been frantically trying to secure government funds to get the Olympic pool redeveloped. Mike Baird was premier and Tony Abbott was prime minister when the council wrote to both governments with a proposal dubbed “option two”.
A few months later, councillors were still hopeful that they could secure funding and kickstart the project. But then came the 2016 NSW state election and, despite the best efforts of mayor Jeannette Kerr, the plan fell through.
SS 185-5 Regulations for construction, installation and location of private swimming pools.