Swimming pools are great for keeping cool in the sweltering Australian summer, but owning one comes with a certain level of responsibility and safety standards must be followed at all times. Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury in children under five years, and as such, it is vital that Sydney pool owners follow the rules set by the NSW government and ensure their pool meets these specifications.
While the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge might get all the attention, it’s the city’s abundance of world-class ocean pools that really put the cherry on top of a spectacular day out. Serene at low tide and choppy at high, Sydney’s ocean pools are dotted all over the city and surround the coastline, with Balmoral Baths, Murrage Rose Beach and Dawn Fraser Baths among the best-known.
WTI worked closely with the City of Sidney to complete the feasibility study, site evaluation and selection, and preliminary design. Through extensive programming and user input, the design team was able to create a one-of-a-kind facility that addresses the community’s needs while providing a variety of aquatic experiences.
The new centre will be a hub for recreation, fitness and health with state-of-the-art facilities. The multi-generational pool will feature a lazy river, a lap and training pool, and water play activities, along with a cafe and retail space that will add to the attraction for tourists and locals alike. The centre will also provide a unique environment for corporate team-building and wellness activities, and will help to grow the tourism industry in the region.
The project will feature a variety of new pools, including an infinity pool that will have panoramic views of the sea and the bluff. The sculptural feature will be the focal point of the pool, with the surrounding landscape designed to complement the geometric shape. In addition, the pool will have a non-slip surface, making it ideal for swimming and lounging.
Moreover, the new pool will be equipped with a water park and will offer recreational activities, as well as a spa and sauna. The pool will be surrounded by lush gardens and trees, making it the perfect place to relax and recharge. The new center is expected to open next spring.
In the wake of the recent swim-pool outbreak, which has left at least two people dead in Australia, a number of councils have started to implement measures to make their facilities safer for swimmers. The City of Sydney has introduced double vaccination and rapid antigen testing, while other councils are implementing a combination of the two. A UNSW epidemiologist said that these measures are necessary to reduce the risk of infections. The number of infections has declined, but it is still too early to tell whether these measures will be effective. However, he said that they are an important first step in improving public health. He added that they will have to be complemented by other measures, such as public education and water testing.