Sydney Pools – The Best Places to Get Wet in Sydney

With its far-reaching coastline and magical harbour, Sydney is a swimmer’s paradise with a plethora of public pools. But for a celebratory-style pool day – where you can turn the Thirsty Merc up to full volume and splash around with your nearest and dearest – it’s preferable to have your own private spot. That’s why a handy app called Swimply has been connecting pool owners keen to earn some extra cash with pool-less Sydneysiders looking for somewhere to get wet since launching in 2019. The service boasts a portfolio of 130 private pools across the city, available to book by the hour at the click of a button.

It might be a little pricey at $10 for a session, but there’s something inherently comforting about jumping into a pool. Maybe it goes back to being in utero or to that moment when your mother dove you into the water as a baby, but whatever the reason, it’s a great way to feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

Located in Woolloomoloo Bay near the Royal Botanic Gardens and recently reopened Oh Boy cafe, Andrew Boy Charlton Pool is a good option for sweeping harbour views or a dip before hitting up a workout class at the nearby Cook + Phillip Park pool. It’s also the most family-friendly of all Sydney’s pools, with a shallow kids’ section.

A stone’s throw from Bondi Beach, Icebergs is one of the most iconic swimming spots in Sydney and Australia. With its awe-inspiring views and iconic clubhouse, there’s no better place for swimmers to sip on cocktails or enjoy a meal. And it’s not just for adults, with a kiddies’ pool and snack bar, there’s plenty to do for families.

Another popular pool is the Prince Alfred Park pool, which is a slice of summer perched between Redfern and Surry Hills. Its buttercup yellow sun umbrellas and lawns strewn with sunbathers give off that Riviera vibe and the 50-metre pool is always at that perfect jump-right-in temperature.

While concrete is still the go-to design for pools, fiberglass has been making waves as a rising star because of its low maintenance costs and resistance to algae. While concrete’s porous surface makes it prone to developing algae, fiberglass doesn’t, meaning you need to brush the pool less and use fewer chemicals than you would with a concrete pool. The downside, however, is that it’s a longer-term investment.