Sydney Pools Under Threat From Rising Sea Levels and Changing Climate Conditions
The city’s iconic ocean and harbourside pools are a treasured part of Sydney’s heritage, but some are under threat from rising sea levels and changing climate conditions. A sweltering summer in the east has brought renewed attention to many of the city’s poolscapes, with residents reminiscing about swimming spots from their childhood.
In a city where the mercury is expected to hit 36C on Saturday, locals have been encouraged to visit a host of sports and aquatic centres that will offer free entry for the day. The city will be opening up six pools in Camperdown, Ultimo, the CBD, Zetland and Surry Hills to allow the public to keep cool and beat the heat.
A spokesman for the city’s local government authority said the move was a way to help people get ready for the summer ahead. “It’s important that people know where they can go to swim and stay safe and healthy this summer,” he said. “We’ll be announcing more details about our free summer swimming program over the coming weeks.”
Among Sydney’s most famous ocean pools are Wylie’s Baths, in Coogee, which was established by champion long-distance swimmer Henry Alexander Wylie in 1907. There is also McIver’s Ladies Baths in the nearby suburb of Coogee, Australia’s only dedicated female bathing area. These tidal pools are sheltered from the waves by their sandstone cliffs and provide a scenic backdrop and spectacular views of Wedding Cake Island and the Pacific Ocean.
But a recent study found that many of the city’s most popular tidal pools are losing ground to rising sea levels and changing climate conditions. Many of the tidal pools were built using old-fashioned construction techniques, which have made them vulnerable to swells and rainfall. These structures are also being impacted by increasing sea level rise, erosion and increased frequency of east coast lows that send rocks crashing down the cliff faces above them.
With the closure of Parramatta’s local pool in 2017 to make way for a new stadium, there are now few ocean pools in Western Sydney, leaving residents with limited options. The Berejiklian government has promised to build a like-for-like replacement, but this project is beset by council infighting, claims of pork-barrelling and heritage concerns. Its completion date has been pushed back to 2025.
If you’re thinking of installing a new pool in your backyard, it’s worth considering the options available for heating your water. There are two main types of heaters: gas and heat pumps. Both use energy to heat your water but gas is more economical and offers the option of switching to solar electricity. A heat pump will be more expensive to run in the long term but can be cheaper upfront and has lower running costs than a gas heater. The best option for your situation will depend on your budget and your climate. It’s a good idea to speak with a specialist before deciding what type of pool heater is right for you.