For many of Sydney’s residents, pools are a lifeline. They help us escape the blistering summer heat, connect with friends and family, and spend quality time in the water. In addition, they are a great way to enjoy the city’s natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle.

With global temperatures rising steadily and climate crisis reshaping this nation’s future, it is more important than ever to make the most of the city’s outdoor spaces, including swimming pools. Whether you are a keen swimmer or simply want to soak up the sun, these beautiful ocean pools around Sydney are well worth checking out.

North Sydney Olympic Pool

North Sydney’s pool was opened in 1953 to commemorate the city’s bicentenary celebrations. It was a landmark that earned the reputation as a “wonder pool” due to its modern water filtration system and saltwater pumped from the harbour. It also had an incredible outlook over Luna Park and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It was the location for countless photo shoots and commercial activities.

But the pool is now closed to undergo major renovation and will be out of action for up to two years. Its reopening has become a political hot potato. Tink argues that problems began when the local council received a $10m government grant meant for regional and remote women’s sports. The windfall shifted the project up a gear and muddied what would otherwise have been a relatively straightforward renovation.

While the iconic Bondi Icebergs is the best-known ocean pool, there are more than 100 in New South Wales, all of which have been carved from the rock and filled with seawater that floods over their sides. Some are run by private clubs that charge admission while others are free to enter. Many feature marked swimming lanes and if you arrive early you will often see swim teams training in the morning.

For a more peaceful and scenic swim head to Coogee for Wylie’s Baths, which were established by champion long distance swimmer Henry Alexander Wylie in 1907. They are surrounded by cliffs with raised decking and sweeping views over the Pacific Ocean all the way to Wedding Cake Island. Alternatively, swim out to McIver’s Ladies Baths, the only ocean pool in Australia exclusively for women and children, which has been in operation since 1880.

For those with no access to a private pool, a host of innovative start-ups has emerged to connect swimmers with local pools that they can book for a fee. Startups such as Swimply (similar to Airbnb but for pools) have helped to connect pool owners who want to earn extra cash with Sydneysiders looking for a place to splash around under the sun. The pool-renting market has grown rapidly in the past year, with Swimply now boasting a portfolio of over 130 private pools available to book for $30-$90 per hour.