It was a hot summer of 1960. John F Kennedy won the presidential election, Chubby Checker danced the Twist, and in the small town of Jackson Center, Iowa, the local outdoor pool opened for its 54th season. The swimming hole was the hub of summer activities for young and old alike, including a youth swim team that churned out some of the city’s finest swimmers.

Today, swimming pools are as common in backyards as barbecue grills and lawn furniture. But for many people, a pool is more than just a place to relax and cool off. A pool is also a source of childhood memories and family gatherings. In a new book, The Memory Pool: Australian stories of summer, sun and swimming, 28 writers recall their memories of pools, from the smell of chlorine to the way water bombing mixed with culture.

Across the country, community pools provide the heart of the local summer landscape – an opportunity for kids to play and swim, and for adults to meet friends and catch up on gossip. But they are facing an uncertain future. Funding cuts have threatened the long-term viability of many public pools. And the controversy surrounding a $64 million revamp of Sydney’s North Sydney Olympic Pool is a reminder that these sites often embody conflicting values – and are the focus of heated debates over cost blowouts, design criticism, and heritage concerns.

Australia has a rich history of pool architecture, from the prosaic outdoor pools surrounded by grass and concrete found in so many suburbs to iconic sites like the North Sydney Olympic Pool, completed in 1936. More recently, pools have been designed as works of art, with the Beaurepaire Pool on the University of Melbourne campus a striking example – with murals and mosaics by the artist Leonard French – and the Centenary Pool in Brisbane a free-flowing, organic form that was inspired by natural eddies.

A pool can be a major investment and you want to make sure that your pool builder is reputable. NSW Fair Trading has a set of laws that all builders must follow, so ask your pool builder for their licence before they begin any work. It’s also worth mentioning that solar heating is the most popular option for pool owners in Sydney, as the city gets ample sunshine to heat their pools at an affordable price all year round.

A swimming pool is a popular addition to many Sydney backyards, and it’s easy to see why. They’re a great way to stay active, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy the sunny Sydney weather. But before you buy a swimming pool, there are some important things to consider. This guide will walk you through the different factors that should influence your decision. It will also give you tips on choosing the right pool builder for your home. If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with our team.