In Sydney’s southeastern suburbs, pools are a part of the landscape. They’re embedded in cliffs, tucked into the curve of a beach, or -like at Mona Vale -on the tip of a sand spit between two beaches. They’re skewed rectangles, triangular shapes, or – like the ones at Narrabeen and Wylies – spectacularly hinged off the tip of a peninsula. These rock pools are a type of natural architecture, sculpted by the sea and the sun.

The most popular pool among Sydney locals is Prince Alfred Park, a slice of summer perched between Surry Hills and Redfern, with buttercup yellow umbrellas, and lawns strewn with sunbathers. The 50-metre pool nabbed a National Architecture Award when it was upgraded in 2014, and its water is that perfect jump-right-in temperature.

For the kids, there’s a slide and water playground that looks more like a giant waterslide than your backyard pool. But the real highlight is the lazy river, which can be programmed for therapeutic or strength training, as well as assisted or resistance walking. It can even accept inner tubes, making it a multi-generational space for aquatic play.

With the COVID-19 pandemic causing shortages in multiple industries, public swimming pools are not immune to staffing issues. During the height of the pandemic in 2020, the Sidney Water Park was shut down due to ODH requirements limiting patrons and staffing. Garsjo hopes to reopen the pool this summer, but she’s still trying to find lifeguards. She’s been offering to pay the cost of lifeguard certification through the Sidney-Shelby County YMCA, as long as the new hires agree to work for her pool this season.

Garsjo has already received five lifeguard applications and four staff applications, and she expects to have her roster set by May 27. New hires will have three days to complete the online coursework, before in-person training begins on May 30. In addition to learning First Aid and CPR, they’ll learn lifeguard skills. The pool pays for the training, but “you have to be a good swimmer,” Garsjo says.

While concrete is a classic design for pools, fiberglass has become the rising star of the industry. It’s a fully non-porous material, so algae won’t grow as easily, and it requires less chemicals than concrete. Plus, it’s more flexible than concrete and can be shaped into unique designs.

The only downside is that it’s more expensive to install. Still, it’s worth the investment for some. And if you want something more portable, a small fiberglass pool can fit into your backyard with ease. These pools are also a great option for those who live in apartments and want to get their swim on at home. They’re also a great way to cool down in the summer without having to run to a nearby pool. Choosing the right pool for you can be tricky, but these tips will help you make the best decision.