Sydney has a rich history of ocean pools. They were created to give recreational and competitive swimmers a place to practice in the sea that was protected from strong waves and shark attacks. These pools also served as a meeting point for communities and provided a safe place to socialise without the risk of sexual assault or other forms of harassment. Some are still in use today and continue to be popular with locals and tourists alike.

But the story of how these pools came to be has been a messy affair. The North Sydney pool project has been plagued by infighting among councillors, claims of pork-barrelling and a lack of transparency. It’s been beset by heritage concerns and criticism from health groups. Its budget has blown out to more than $100m, and its opening date has been delayed until 2025 at the earliest.

The saga began in April 2019, when a $10m government grant intended for regional and remote women’s sports was funnelled into the inner-city project. This windfall, as North Sydney mayor Zoe Baker puts it, shifted the project into high gear, muddying what could have been a relatively straightforward renovation of a historic asset.

This heightened urgency was compounded by the fact that the council, which is running and mostly funding the project, is short of cash. The community has reacted with dismay. Many have voted against the pool, and some have even set up a Facebook group called “Save North Sydney Olympic Pool”.

Amid all this controversy, it is hard to imagine how the project ever got off the ground in the first place. For some, the answer lies in the planning process. Others blame it on the way the project has been run by the council, including the mayor.

When you’re looking for a Sydney pool builder, it’s vital to do your research. Check to see if your potential pool builder is licensed by NSW Fair Trading and ask for proof of their credentials. You should also read your contract carefully to avoid any unexpected costs during construction.

If you’re unsure about which company to choose, it may be helpful to get referrals from friends and family members who have used a pool builder in the past. This will help ensure that you’re working with a company with the proper licensing and insurance. It will also give you peace of mind knowing that your new pool is built by a reputable professional. Lastly, you’ll want to make sure that the company you work with offers warranties and guarantees on their work. If they don’t, you may be better off going with a different company.