Why Are Ocean Dy Pools Important?
Ocean pools are an essential part of Sydney’s landscape, dotted along the city’s spectacular coastline and harbour’s edge. Many, like the glistening Bondi Icebergs, have been around for a century or more. Often listed on “must-do” or “best outdoor pools” lists, they are loved by locals and visitors alike for their spectacular scenery and the pleasure of swimming in salt water in a pool built into nature.
But the sdy pools, which are often open to the public, have been hit by controversy. In a series of articles for The Conversation AU, Kathryn Butler looks at why the pools are important and how they need to be rethought and reimagined for our times.
It’s clear that pools are still at the top of Australian families’ minds, with organisers of both the Sydney and Melbourne pool shows claiming an increase in visitor numbers in February. But there’s a lot more to pools than the simple act of swimming. They are a place of family and community, a sanctuary where young and old gather to connect with the sea and each other.
These pools are often located in areas that are difficult to access – from remote beaches on the far north coast, to the steep slopes of Sydney’s northern suburbs and even urban parks. They are a place where the local community comes together and they have a powerful role to play in protecting the marine environment and promoting sustainable lifestyles.
They are also vital to those who cannot swim safely at an open beach, such as the elderly, disabled and children. In some cases, a sdy pool can be more safe than a surf beach, because it has lifeguards and can be patrolled by volunteers to ensure the safety of everyone who enters the water.
It’s true drownings can and do happen in public pools, but this is not always the result of reckless behaviour. Drownings can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor supervision of children. In addition, a pool has to be maintained properly for it to be safe. That’s why it’s important to choose a quality contractor when you’re planning to install a pool.
During the consultation and design phase, your pool designer will take all your ideas, vision and needs into account to create a comprehensive plan for the project. There may be some back-and-forth between you and your contractor to make sure the final design is what you had in mind.
Once the frame is in place and the concrete is sprayed on, your pool builder will lay the coping – the non-slip edging of the pool that’s usually made from pavers, concrete or natural stone. It’s an important step that can take 1-3 weeks depending on your choice.
Once the coping is in place, it’s time for the tiling. This is a lengthy process that requires specialised skills and equipment. Tiling can be done in a wide range of styles, colours and textures, so you should discuss your options with your pool builder.