Sydney is well known for its iconic opera house and harbour bridge; less so for its lesser-known claim to fame: more ocean pools than any other city worldwide. These so-called tidal pools – manmade public seawater pools situated along surf coasts so waves can wash in from time to time to refresh swimmers – offer another source of tourist revenue and invigorate swimmers.
Wylie’s Baths stands as an outstanding example, located near Coogee Beach along the Southern Coastal Walk. While Bondi’s white sands and Bronte’s rugged terrain may get more attention on social media feeds, Wylie’s Baths stands out as the real star of Coogee Beach with its quiet rock pool ideal for lap swimming – not to mention an abundance of ocean creatures such as dartfish and whiting swimming freely alongside women taking unhurried laps!
At various tidal pools around Sydney, swimming can be enjoyed year-round – Clovelly Rock Pool and Bronte Park’s working bbqs and grass park offer outstanding options to visit and relax after swimming. Although neither location provides lifeguard services, both are perfect for families with young children with plenty of shaded grass to relax after taking a dip.
If you’re in search of an above-ground pool to use at home, there are many good above-ground options available to you. Most of the best come equipped with heavy-duty PVC lining and an easy assembly frame suitable for holding kids, adults and even pets (provided they don’t chew too heavily or claw it) without becoming damaged by their use. What you should pay attention to most when making a selection is warranty length: pools that offer longer warranties tend to last longer under heavy usage than cheaper models.
Experts often advise draining and disassembling an above-ground pool in winter to protect it from damage from freezing temperatures, but some people opt to keep theirs operational throughout the year. If this is your intention, ensure your chosen pool comes equipped with a rust-resistant cover and ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), which cuts power if electric current comes into contact with water.
Once you’ve selected your ideal pool, the next step is planning out your yard. If space is at a premium, try finding an inground or above-ground model designed specifically to fit into a compact footprint. Additionally, think carefully about whether or not your pool will be used for entertaining as this will dictate which accessories and furniture will complete the space. Guests attending parties at your pool should enjoy lounge comfortably without needing to drag in portable chairs and blankets each time guests arrive – this feature can especially come in handy in smaller yards where space may be at a premium.