With the iconic Bondi Icebergs pool getting a redevelopment, we take a look at the history of Sydney’s ocean pools and why they are loved by locals.

Ocean pools are peculiarly NSW treasures; nowhere else in the world has nearly as many of them, with 100 adorning beaches from Ballina to Eden, and a third of them in Sydney alone. Each has its own character, from the triangular Fairy Bower in Manly to historic Wylie’s at Coogee and Olympic-sized South Cronulla. Set apart from the surfers and sand-runners, they shelter the shy, the elderly, and those who would prefer not to venture into the mighty breakers.

They’re also a favourite spot for photographers. In the chilly waters, surrounded by the rugged cliffs and salty air, they capture the essence of a place. But for all their beauty, they’re not without their problems.

One of the biggest challenges is maintaining their longevity. In an age of climate change, the seas are warming and the rocky shores are being washed away, leaving the pools vulnerable to erosion. Another issue is funding. In some cases, the pools are run by councils, but they’re still reliant on grants to help keep them open.

The problem is that a lot of the money comes from grants meant for regional and remote areas, which can create tensions when the pool’s inner-city location threatens to politicise the project ahead of state elections. That’s what Tink Baker, the president of North Sydney Swimming Club, believes happened with the $10m grant for the Bondi pool. She says it shifted the project into high gear, muddying what should have been a straightforward renovation of a heritage asset.

While the new redevelopment will bring some changes, the club is still working to preserve the pool’s heritage and cultural values. The most important change will be the introduction of a new safety rule for swimmers. In the past, people used to swim in the pools unsupervised. But now the rules will make it mandatory to have a lifeguard present for anyone under 16.

The rules for swimmers are designed to reduce the risk of drowning. For example, all swimmers will have to wear a floatation device. In addition, there will be a new poolside safety warning that says “If you can’t swim, don’t go in”. The rule will apply to both public and private pools. There will also be an emphasis on water conservation. The club has already reduced the amount of water it uses in a session. In the future, it will aim to use less water overall and to recycle more. The club will also work with schools and other community groups to teach kids water safety. These efforts will help to reduce the number of accidents in and around the pools. The new rule will come into effect from 1 December 2017.