When it comes to pool days, Sydney has its fair share of options. From tidal pools to shady saltwater sanctuaries, the city has an abundance of urban public swimming spots – but for those wanting to turn up Thirsty Merc and throw their best mates a pool party, there’s nothing quite like a private space. That’s where a new app comes in, connecting pool owners who want to earn extra cash with the many Sydneysiders looking for a place to swim. Launched in 2019, Swimply (as its aptly nicknamed) has built a portfolio of around 130 Sydney pools to book by the hour.
The Bronte Baths are among the most renowned, regularly featuring on lists of Sydney’s best outdoor pools. But it’s the ocean pools that have captured hearts for the longest time, with visitors flocking each day to swim, float and bask in cold, salty tamed waves. Some of them are so beautiful they have inspired artists for generations, with the anatomy of pylons and rocks reflected in the water.
It’s no wonder our love affair with these sdy pools stretches back 200 years. Their enticing scenic views make them major tourist attractions, frequently appearing on must-do or top pools lists online. But many have been under threat.
Ms McDermott says the pool-building era began in the 1930s, when councils used unemployment relief schemes to build many more pools along the beaches of northern Sydney suburbs such as Maroubra and Curl Curl. The sdy pools were also a social hub for the community, with men’s and women’s swimming clubs forming in the early 1900s and later swimming schools, she adds.
A pool is one of the most important features in a home, offering privacy, exercise and an opportunity to create a year-round lifestyle and entertaining space. But it can also increase the value of a property, especially if designed by an expert.
Sydney’s Pool Spa & Outdoor Living Expo is on February 23 to 24 and will showcase the latest trends, technologies and styles for swimming pools and landscapes, including concrete designs with negative edges, beach entries, high-tech swimspas, heating and landscaping solutions. It will also feature advice from SPASA-approved industry experts and free seminars on transforming backyards into poolside retreats.
If you’re planning to renovate your pool or are thinking of building a new pool, the expo will give you the opportunity to compare different designs, construction methods and price options from leading Sydney manufacturers. The show will be held at the Sydney Convention Centre and is open to the general public. For tickets and more information, visit the event website.