Sydney’s iconic ocean and harbourside pools are a summer icon, offering a safe place to swim while enjoying the spectacular views. But they are also part of our city’s long history of tinkering with nature to get the best out of an otherwise stunning environment.

From dynamiting rocks to create pools to destroying sea creatures that swam too close, some of these early 20th-century efforts wouldn’t pass today’s environmental tests. But at the Fairy Bower ocean pool next to Cabbage Tree Bay in Manly, scientists are working to reverse some of this damage.

Then there are the poolscapes created by the city’s talented pool builders. From frameless glass pool fencing to Australian native landscaping, these designers can create a space that perfectly blends with your landscape and complements the aesthetic of your home.

So, with the reopening of many Sydney pools imminent, it’s time to get into the water and take advantage of these unique outdoor swimming spaces. But don’t forget to keep your sunscreen handy and stay safe in the water.

As the temperature starts to rise in Sydney, there’s no better way to cool off than with a dip in one of our beautiful sdy pools. From the stunning water walls at Nielsen Park in Vaucluse to the famous Bondi Icebergs, there are plenty of options to choose from.

But it’s important to remember that these are not chlorine-treated pools, and that if you’re not used to swimming in untreated water, you could be at risk of infection from viruses like Covid-19 or E-coli. So, make sure to follow the public swimming guidelines and read the signs posted at each pool before entering.

For those who can’t brave the surf, Sydney’s six inner-city aquatic centres are world class, with 50-metre pools and facilities to boost your wellbeing. And they’re free to use for city residents this summer.

Then there’s Bondi Icebergs, a thronging spot where twin saltwater pools meet the breakers and have been since 1929. It’s an experience to behold, and Paul Kelly – Stories of Me director Ian Darling spent a year there recording the daily churn as swimmers of all shapes and sizes made a splash.

But if the idea of a crowded ocean pool isn’t your cup of tea, head to Coogee’s Wylie’s Baths, one of Australia’s most beautiful tidal pools. Built into the cliffs in 1907, they feature raised decking that takes advantage of the stunning 180-degree views and are the only pool in the city where women and children can swim. It was Henry Alexander Wylie, a champion long distance and underwater swimmer who founded them.