Swimming is an enjoyable form of exercise that can improve cardiovascular endurance and decrease diabetes risk, heart disease risk and high blood pressure. Having a pool in the backyard can also increase property value and act as an entertainment hub where friends and family gather for barbecues or poolside lounges. However, it is important to choose the ideal Sydney pool that caters to your lifestyle and meets your family’s needs. Here are some tips on how to do so.
If you’re a beginner and nervous about open water swimming, try rock pools at your local beach, like Coogee’s iconic rock pool, or Vaucluse’s Parsley Bay, a beautiful netted enclave that’s protected from boats and big naughty fish. Alternatively, you can try harbour swimming, where the water is calm and the sea life is gorgeous.
For city dwellers, Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre offers a slice of summer in the heart of inner Sydney. The outdoor Olympic-sized pool has seven lanes and a pool hoist for full support on entry and exit. The pool is open all summer and a casual swim will set you back $9.20.
In the heart of the Green Square development, this gleaming pool is the biggest built in Australia since the 2000 Olympics. The design is influenced by Sydney’s famous ocean pools, but with the added benefit of being highly sustainable. It uses a solar array to power the pool’s water heating system, has recycled plastic in the decking and walls, and is a passively cooled building with large green roofs.
The centre is a major destination for aquatic sports, with water polo, synchronised swimming and diving and a state-of-the-art training facility. There’s even an indoor saltwater pool that can be used for hydrotherapy and rehabilitation.
One of Sydney’s oldest and most historic harbour pools, this heritage-listed gem is the perfect spot to take in the stunning views. The pool is a popular place for lap swimming, with good lane availability and has been the home of many water polo clubs over the years.
This secluded pool is hidden away in the shadow of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and boasts an emerald green colour. The water is surprisingly warm, and a dip here can feel almost like a beach holiday. The area is a favourite for picnickers and families and there are plenty of shaded areas to enjoy. It’s also a great place to practice your strokes, and for young kids there’s a splash zone and toddler pool. It’s a great alternative to more crowded pools in the centre of the city. Unlike many other public swimming pools, this one doesn’t close on weekends. The pool is also a key part of the Leichhardt Park wetlands conservation project. The park’s boardwalk is lined with native trees and plants, and the pool has been designed to be environmentally friendly by incorporating sustainable materials in its construction.