Swimming pools are extremely popular in Sydney backyards, offering a great way to stay fit and enjoy the wonderful Sydney climate for many months of the year. However, constructing a pool is a major undertaking that comes with certain laws and regulations. It is important to make sure that you hire a qualified pool builder to ensure that your pool is constructed in accordance with the law. Before you hire a pool builder, check that they are licensed and have a good track record. You should also make sure that the name on the license matches the person who signed the contract.
Sydney abounds in venues for what Kate Rew, founder of Britain’s Outdoor Swimming Society, describes as “wild swimming”, a term she defines as “any form of swimming that is less subject to human control than a indoor public pool.” [1] This is especially true along the rocky areas of the surf-coast beaches from Palm Beach in the north to Cronulla in the south. Though undoubtedly wilder than a backyard or indoor pool, these tidal pools offer the pleasure of immersion in lively seawater and the openness of beach and sky. In addition, they provide the added benefit of being sheltered from the notorious surf-shore rips that account for so many coastal rescues and drownings in Australia.
Ocean pools are free and are generally open to the public all day. They are usually fenced but sometimes have grassy banks where people may lay out towels or relax. They are often used as a place to swim laps, or for recreational and competitive swimming and learn-to-swim programs. Ocean pools are also used for club swimming carnivals and other popular novelty events, including diving and water polo. Despite their popularity, ocean pools do not replace the need for lifeguards at crowded beaches.
The construction of ocean pools was boosted in the 1930s as part of unemployment relief schemes and the desire to avoid the dangerous, sometimes lethal rips that sweep down most of Sydney’s beaches. Even after the New South Wales government endorsed mixed bathing at surf beaches, women continued to prefer the safety of an ocean pool. In Coogee Bay, for example, the original Wylie’s Baths and McIver’s Ladies Baths opened only a few years after the introduction of legalised daylight bathing.
While most people enjoy swimming in the pristine, clean waters of a natural ocean pool, many have no choice but to use an artificial one. This is especially true for families with small children, who are often attracted to a backyard pool or public pool. This is why it is vital to understand the laws and regulations of pool building in Sydney before investing in a new pool. By following these simple tips, you can be sure that your pool is built in compliance with the law. This will protect your family and help you to keep up with the competition. By taking the time to research your options, you can find a pool builder in Sydney that will meet your needs and budget.