Sydney is famously associated with champion swimmers. Yet one lesser-known fact about its harbour city is its impressive collection of seawater pools known as sdy pools – sheltered public seawater pools located along surf beaches that allows waves to lap against its sides. “Sydney stands alone among cities as it contains such an expansive selection of ocean pools in one location,” notes UNSW epidemiologist Professor Marylouise McDermott who has written about Sydney’s pool culture.

Since 1886, these beautiful, secluded pools have provided women with sanctuary and relief. Nestled away in bushland or hidden beneath cliffs, these charming waters are the ideal places to lay back on a towel for an uninterrupted swim while dartfish, whiting, and toadfish nibble at your feet!

Retired architect Janet Macmillan describes the image of a woman relaxing by herself in a tranquil pool while reading a good book and enjoying the sun-kissed environment as one of nature’s greatest gifts – simply breathtaking. Macmillan designed some of Australia’s most celebrated seaside pools such as Balmoral Baths, Nielsen Park in Vaucluse and Dawn Fraser Baths at Maroubra; you can experience complete serenity when visiting these spots – almost feeling alone with yourself for once! “These places provide such tranquillity that you feel truly alone!” she states.

Sydney’s outdoor pools may not match up to indoor ones in terms of appeal; nonetheless, many can still provide spectacular swimming experiences. Mahon Pool in Maroubra features an impressive tidal pool that is set into the intertidal rock platform and provides swimmers with spectacular harbour views while still being within close proximity to beaches via steep steps or an adjacent coastal walking track that passes through Jack Vanny Reserve.

Sydney’s public pools remain an iconic feature of a visit, yet one iconic swimming spot’s future is uncertain. The North Sydney pool project has been marred by council infighting, allegations of pork-barrelling, heritage concerns and health criticism – leading to budget overruns to over $100m with opening date pushed back until 2025.

Locals are currently turning to other outstanding aquatic centers in Sydney such as Liddell Aquatic Centre in Glebe and Sydney Aquatic Centre in Chatswood for aquatic needs, but some fear these pools could become endangered species if their huge operating costs cannot be covered by changes in cost structures – an opinion shared by Clover Moore, Mayor of Chatswood: if that happens then “it will be tragic for the community”.