sdy pools
The city of Sydney is famous for the Opera House and the bridge, but it has a lesser-known claim to fame: it has more ocean pools than any other city in the world. These man-made pools, situated on a surf coast so that waves wash over the sides, are the ultimate Australian icon.
In fact, there are over 100 of them in New South Wales alone – and more than half are open to the public. Separated from the harbour and ocean by rock clusters and small seawalls, they are constantly awash in an exchange of fresh and salt water. Some have swimming lanes, and if you arrive early enough you can see swimmers tackling their morning workout in the ocean.
Some of them are privately owned, with members paying an entrance fee. Others are a part of the National Parks system, and most are free to use. They are popular among swimmers and walker alike. Some even offer yoga and Pilates classes, or have lifeguards on duty. Despite their popularity, they are not without problems: many are eroding and closing, with some of the older ones threatening to be lost altogether. The recent closure of the iconic North Sydney pool is a reminder that they are not all immune from budget pressures, and that the community needs to take steps to safeguard their future.
Luckily, some of the more durable pools are still standing. Some of the more modern ones have been upgraded with water slides and a range of other fun features, but others have been kept in their original condition. These are the oldest pools in NSW, and some of them have been around for over a century!
The North Sydney pool saga has highlighted the dilemma faced by councils as ageing infrastructure comes up for renewal. As cost of living pressures mount, some communities face the possibility of major rate hikes to pay for essential services. In Australia, councils have a policy of rate pegging which determines their rates increases, but they can apply for a special rate variation (SRV) if they need additional funds.
Fortunately, there are ways to protect your investment and keep your backyard pool looking as good as new. We spoke to Carl Yench, managing partner of Europe Imports Pty Ltd and a specialist in pool tiles, about the best way to choose the right tiles for your pool. So, whether you’re renovating or building a new pool, read on to find out everything you need to know about choosing the perfect tile for your outdoor oasis.
