The vast majority of Australians live within a 20-minute drive of a public aquatic centre, and we visit them 3.3 billion times each year. Whether it’s for an early morning dip, a lap swim, or to learn how to swim, they are crucial for our health and safety. But despite this, not everyone is equally well served. The western Sydney suburbs, for example — which include Parramatta, Penrith, Hills Shire and Blacktown — have only one public pool for every 133,000 people. And the Victorian regional council of Melton has only one for every 178,960 residents.

While nine in ten Australians live near a pool, these facilities are not evenly distributed. Across NSW, there are a total of 88 public aquatic centres, including indoor and outdoor pools. These provide an important community resource, but they are not all open all the time. Some are closed due to weather conditions, and others are only open seasonally.

Some are beset with council infighting, claims of pork-barrelling and heritage concerns. Others have been shut because of COVID-19 restrictions that limit their use to lap swimmers. Some have been earmarked for closure or are being considered for sale. And some, like the iconic Bondi Icebergs club pool, have been damaged or neglected by council mismanagement.

A century ago, it was more common to find ocean pools dotted along NSW beaches than they are today. Now, no other state has nearly as many of them. These are not just beautiful, but historically significant. They are often safer and hygienic than the riptide-torn beaches, and provide access for those who cannot or choose not to swim at the beach. From the tiny Fairy Bower in Manly to the historic, mixed-gender Wylie’s Baths at Coogee, each has a unique character.

Having a private pool means that your family can swim and spend more time together, but also means you can enjoy your backyard even when it’s not swimming season. If you are looking to transform your backyard into an aquatic paradise, contact us today at Sydney Poolscapes. We are renowned in Sydney for our innovative designs and commitment to exceptional customer service.

When you’re ready to build your dream pool, our team will come out to site and survey the area. Once we’ve got the go ahead, our skilled construction team will begin excavation and the installation of your new fibreglass pool.