With tame municipal pools, roped-off harbor beaches and wild rock pools carved into the seasides of Sydney’s eastern suburbs, swimmers have many venues to choose from. Pick any subway stop, and there’s a chance that a pool will be within walking distance—some set in rolling parks, like the 50-meter Victoria Park pool next to the University of Sydney, where easy-going locals drift around and university girls in bikinis stop by for a few laps and a latte midmorning.

The water is clean, safe and a welcome relief from the heat of a Sydney summer. There is nothing quite like a long swim in a crystal clear ocean pool on a warm, sunny day to refresh and revive the soul.

In the city’s crowded neighborhoods, where space is at a premium, private pools are popular as a way to enjoy the outdoors without the need for large yards. In fact, the latest survey from SPASA (Sydney Pool + Spa Association) reveals that pool ownership has increased in Australia over the past three years, with more homeowners now opting to install a private swimming pool at their home.

Pool builders and designers report a continued demand for high-quality, low-maintenance pools that are both beautiful and functional. And with good reason: a well-designed, quality-built pool can add significant value to your property and provide years of enjoyment.

Whether you’re looking to build an architecturally designed swimming pool or a simple yet elegant lap pool, the expert builders and designers in this chapter are sure to impress you with their innovative designs and creative solutions. Plus, you’ll find a wide variety of outdoor specialists in the Landscapes + Alfresco Kitchens + Pergolas section who will help you complete your backyard retreat with everything from frameless-glass pool fencing to Australian native landscaping and more.

The latest research from SPASA also reveals that Australian families are very focused on family health and wellness. This has been reflected in the claimed increase in visitor numbers to the recent Sydney Pool & Spa Expo, with similar figures reported by the Victorian event earlier this month.