Sydney is full of spectacular pools and baths. Many have a long and rich history. They are also places where people gather to swim, exercise, socialise, and relax. But how do these pools reflect the city’s culture?
The answer can be found in the stories told about them. A new book, Pools: Designs for Pleasure and Healing, collects essays by eight well-known Australian authors – including environmentalist Tim Flannery, novelist Christos Tsiolkas, fashion designers Romance Was Born, and Olympic swimming champion Ian Thorpe. They each take us through a different experience of a public pool and how it has made an impact on their lives.
Some of the pools are simply functional, like the prosaic outdoor pools still to be found in so many suburbs, while others are architecturally notable. But many are resonant with personal histories, from the memories of childhood pool trips to the resonant sounds of swimmers splashing around in the water to the feelings of isolation and freedom that can be experienced in a public pool.
Many of the pools featured in the book were built because recreational and competition swimmers needed somewhere safe to swim, away from strong waves and the threat of shark attacks. But the books author Marie-Louise McDermott argues that this was only part of the story. It was the politics of pool construction that muddied the waters, as she explains.
As the Sydney suburbs grew, many new pools were built to provide leisure and exercise for residents. In the 1930s, a new generation of architects took up the challenge of designing functional yet striking swimming pools that would serve as an oasis in the suburbs and a meeting place for community life. The result is a remarkable legacy of pools that are as beautiful as they are functional.
Each of these pools has its own unique character, influenced by the surrounding environment and the needs of the local community. They include indoor and outdoor pools, sand and shingle bottom pools, and pools with deep and shallow ends. Some pools are surrounded by parklands, while others have been designed to be more integrated with urban fabric.
Whether they are designed for lap-swimming, diving, or just to have a picnic and relax, Sydney’s suburban pools are the ideal spot to unwind on a hot day. One Sydneysider has even set out to visit every one of the city’s 68 swimming pools and documented his findings on Instagram.
The Pools of Sydney is available for purchase from bookstores and online at Agoda. For more information about the book and to order a copy, visit www.agoda.com/books. A selection of the archived items relating to Baths and Swimming pools can be seen in the gallery below. To find other items relating to specific baths and swimming pools try the search tool. This collection is continually being updated. To ensure you’re on the right track, be sure to check out our FAQ page. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for more exciting articles, offers, and updates!