Day: February 16, 2025

The Pool

This gorgeous documentary filmed at the Fig Tree Baths (the only Sydney rock pools to be heritage listed) traces the pool’s history from the moment it opened to today. It’s a merry romp through the city’s most beloved recreational spot, a place that is serene at low tide and choppy at high; a place where swimmers of all ages flock in search of the salty elation that only this particular body of water can deliver.

There’s the gent who swims a lap every day, the aspiring swimmer who teaches kids in her spare time, the cancer survivor who credits regular dips with healing her body and soul. There are also glimpses into the rich social fabric of the pool, such as a ribbing session between two brothers who always manage to thrash each other out in the deep end despite their age difference. The film’s only flaw is that it doesn’t have the depth of storytelling necessary to hold our attention for its full duration.

A more frequented blog about these pools would likely receive a torrent of reminiscences from Sydneysiders waxing poetic about whiling away their halcyon childhood days there; swimming lessons learned under the threat of being swept out to sea; graduating from these shallow enclaves into the vast abyss — their rites of passage. A few websites have been set up to document them, including one maintained by a Ph.D student whose dissertation covers their environmental and cultural history. A Flickr account has been set up with tons of photos.

Sydney pools are also home to a number of great public swimming areas, such as this one at the outskirts of the CBD that opens for the summer on Memorial Day. The $106 million centre is the biggest new pool complex in the city since the 2000 Olympics and has three indoor pools and a 50-metre outdoor pool.

The outdoor pool is a popular attraction for families, with designated swimming areas for the little ones and plenty of slides for the more adventurous. In addition, the centre offers a range of other amenities, such as a cafe, fitness centre and spas.

If you’re considering having a private pool built at your property, there are a few important things to consider before hiring a company. Firstly, make sure the contractor has a valid license and insurance cover before starting work. In addition, you should inspect the site where you want to build the pool to ensure that it doesn’t interfere with any underground powerlines or utilities. Finally, you should make sure the contractor you hire is reputable and has a good track record. A professional pool builder should be able to provide you with a list of references and testimonials. Additionally, they should be able to explain the process and costs involved in building your pool in detail. This information will help you choose the best contractor for your project.