The City of Sydney is allowing its residents to cool off and stay healthy this summer by offering free entry to all six of its aquatic centres. This includes pools in Camperdown (35C), the CBD, Ultimo, Zetland and Surry Hills.

Swimming pools are expensive to build and maintain, but they also offer a wealth of health benefits, especially for families with children. They can also be a great way to get exercise, stay healthy and socialise while enjoying Sydney’s sunny weather. However, it is important to choose a qualified pool builder for the project. The City of Sydney has a variety of laws that pool builders must adhere to, and it is best to hire one with a solid reputation.

With more than a million people expected to visit the city this summer, it’s not surprising that the pool infrastructure is under strain. The City of Sydney’s budget for public swimming pools is less than it was five years ago, and a major revamp of the iconic North Sydney Olympic Pool is facing cost blowouts, delays, design criticism and heritage concerns. The redevelopment will include pool upgrades, a water play area and gym.

But the city’s swimming centres are not the only ones under pressure. Many suburban pools are closing because of funding cuts, rising energy costs and the impact of climate change. And the future of some pools is even more uncertain because of the ongoing political turmoil over the NSW state election. In a bid to ensure that all residents have access to safe swimming options, the Labor Party has pledged to work with councils to deliver new pools in diverse growth areas.

While the city’s swimming facilities may be in need of an upgrade, there are many tidal pools in Sydney where people can swim, surf, snorkel, sunbake and explore Australia’s rocky shores. These popular recreational spaces have long been used by Aboriginals, and are a favourite with both locals and visitors. The tidal pools provide a unique opportunity for everyone to enjoy the natural environment and learn about the marine and plant life that exists in Sydney’s rocky shores.

The City of Sydney’s most popular tidal pools are Bronte, Bondi and Coogee. These ocean pools are ringed by sandy areas, and are serene at low tide but choppy at high. They host recreational and competitive swimming, learn-to-swim programs, and treasured forms of wave-play.