Sydney is famous for its beachside swimming pools, but the city’s residents no longer build them or use them as much. In fact, no new ocean pool has been built since the late 1960s. The question is, why? Creating a public pool takes time and money that most councils can’t afford. During the Depression era, however, government grants became available to help communities create these facilities. Many of the pools on Sydney’s northern beaches, including Mahon Pool at Maroubra and others at Queenscliff and Curl Curl, were created in this way.

Today, many families no longer have the space for a backyard pool, but they’re still looking for safe and fun ways to cool off in the summer. They’re discovering that the city’s rock pools – the rock-cut concrete and shingle pools in sandy and rocky areas – are the perfect solution. These pools offer the beauty of the beach and the ocean without the dangers of saltwater and sharks. They are also less expensive to maintain than a traditional inground pool.

Unlike inground pools, which are often designed to be visually pleasing and feature elaborate landscaping, most rock pools have simple, clean lines. They’re the kind of place you could imagine a family gathering by, or children wading in the shallow water and laughing as they splash each other. They are also a great place for a relaxing soak after a long hike or bike ride.

Zoe Baker, the mayor of North Sydney, learned to appreciate these simple charms during childhood trips to her grandmother’s house in the western suburbs. There, she swam in a “basic big blue rectangle” and played on patches of grass and concrete where people rolled out towels and ate hot chips and ice blocks. “You don’t need all the bells and whistles,” she says.

If you have a pool in your yard, the best way to keep it in good shape is by keeping it topped up with water and cleaning it regularly. You can also prevent algae and other contaminants from growing by keeping the chemicals in the pool balanced. You should also regularly check the plumbing for leaks and cracks.

A liner-type pool is the cheapest type of pool to install, but it can end up costing thousands more than a fiberglass one over its lifetime. This is because the low initial price is offset by the cost of replacing the liner, labor and the water needed to fill the pool. In addition, a vinyl pool is less durable than a steel or concrete pool. It may only last five to nine years, depending on its quality and how it’s maintained. This can make it uneconomic to replace the liner, which is why most homeowners opt for a more permanent inground pool. These factors can make a vinyl liner an attractive option for some pool owners. However, it is important to consider all of the pros and cons of each type of pool before making a decision.