There’s something intrinsically comforting about swimming pools. Maybe it goes back to in utero or when you’re a kid, but we seem to be wired to head for them when times are tough. Whether it’s in the pristine sand at Bondi, a quiet rock pool tucked away at Maroubra or a tidal lagoon on Sydney’s northern beaches, these watering holes provide a calming respite and are a reminder of the natural beauty of our planet.
They’re a symbol of our city’s ethos. They’re a place where people of all backgrounds and social status can come together in the same way that we would at a pub or a café to enjoy each other’s company, talk and laugh over a game of chess. They’re also a reminder of how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful country with such a diverse array of leisure activities.
But it seems that these old-school swimming pools are starting to disappear. Only a handful remain, with the trend now towards building inground swimming pools and aquatic centres. And with a growing population and climate change, some experts say the time may have come for us to reinvent our public pools.
In the meantime, a handful of swim enthusiasts are embracing the remaining outdoor pools. Michael Easton is one such person. A Sydneysider with a passion for suburban swimming, he started exploring the local pools a few years ago and has documented what makes each different on Instagram. He says he’s swum in 68 of them so far, and it’s hard to pick out a favourite.
He admits he didn’t expect to see such an eclectic variety of pools and says the diversity is part of what makes each so special. But he adds that with the advent of social media, they’re not just a place to swim and relax. They’re now also a place to connect with others in the community and share an interest in aquatic recreation.
For many, the most iconic of all is Bondi Beach’s ocean pool. It’s crowded 12 months of the year with lap swimmers battling the white foamy waves that crash into its walls. It’s framed by a white picket fence and a timber deck and is usually packed with sunbathers who reenact scenes from summery coming-of-age movies.
Another of the best is Maccallum Pool at Cremorne Point, which has welcomed swimmers for a dip since the 1920s. The sheltered pool is ringed by a grassy terrace and is encircled by a classic timber deck. It’s a postcard-perfect spot that can be enjoyed for free.
There are also plenty of modern, inner-city outdoor pools to check out. In Woolloomooloo, the Andrew Boy Charlton Pool offers sweeping harbour views and is a short walk from the reopened Oh Boy cafe. And if you’re in the city centre, Prince Alfred Park Pool is a great place to escape the scorching Sydney weather.
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