The city of Sydney may be famous for its opera house and bridge, but one of its lesser-known claims to fame is its ocean pools. The city has more of these swimming spots than any other in the world, a collection that is arguably unique. And despite the fact that they have been damaged on several occasions, Sydneysiders remain passionate about them.
In a city that has become a global hub for water sports, it’s easy to forget how important the humble backyard pool is to families here. It’s a place where kids can splash and play in the water all day, and where parents can sit back with a drink and watch them from the deckchair. It’s also a place where the whole family can get exercise and feel good about themselves.
As a result, backyard pools in the suburbs are incredibly popular, and there are now more than 4,000 pools in the city’s metropolitan area alone. These pools can be small and simple, or they can be as large and elaborate as a luxurious resort. Some even feature fountains, slides and other luxuries. In order to keep these pools safe and clean, the municipality has enacted a series of regulations. The Village Code of Sidney contains a number of sections that deal with this topic, and it’s worth reading them if you want to make sure your own pool is built according to the law.
SS 185-4 Definitions and general regulations
The Village of Sidney defines a “pool” as a man-made, public water body, either a natural or artificial, in which bathers swim and dive. This includes any pond, lake or stream that has been modified in any way for recreational use. Private swimming pools and spas are not subject to these regulations. However, if a pool is constructed for commercial or residential use, it must be approved by the City of Sidney.
These pools can be any size and depth, but most are surrounded by grassy areas where visitors can lounge or take in the sun. During the summer, many of these outdoor pools are adorned with buttercup yellow sun umbrellas and are always at that perfect jump-right-in temperature.
If you’re a local, you should definitely pay a visit to Prince Alfred Park Pool, which is perched between Surry Hills and Redfern. It’s a little slice of summer, complete with a 50-meter pool and lawns strewn with bathers. It’s the type of pool where you can expect to hear plenty of reminiscences about whiling away the halcyon days of youth there; about receiving the very first swimming lessons under threats of being swept out to sea; and about graduating from these shallow enclaves into the vast abyss of the open ocean.
As the summer gets underway, the City of Sidney will be kicking off its annual program to inspect and repair all of its outdoor pools. The city is urging all pool owners to check that their pools are in compliance with the Village’s regulations.