Despite its fame for the opera house and bridge, Sydney has a secret: More ocean pools are perched here than anywhere else in the world. And it’s not just the number that’s special, but the variety of these man-made seawater spots, which offer swimmers respite from surf and sun.

Designed to provide an alternative to the rough surf and strong currents found on most beaches, the first of these pools opened in 1887 at Bronte Baths. It was followed by Clovelly and the Ross Jones Memorial Pool, which was reserved for ladies, then Giles Baths (for men) and McIver Baths (ladies only).

Then there are the rockpools: tucked into the cliffs of Bondi Icebergs is a swimming hole that’s legendary among Aussie kids for its waterslide, whirlpool, hot tubs, and kiddie area. Its filtered water is cool and refreshing and, best of all, a lot safer than the open surf.

In addition to the safety and filtration benefits, pools also provide opportunities for exercise and socializing with family and friends. While they may not be as aesthetically pleasing as the natural beauty of the beach, these facilities are a welcome and affordable option for local residents. In fact, a public aquatic centre is one of the most accessible forms of recreation, with people visiting them an average of 333m times per year.

But what’s really exciting is the innovation happening in this sector of recreation. While concrete is the traditional design material, new fiberglass pools are gaining popularity for their superior quality and easier maintenance. Fiberglass is non-porous, so it doesn’t encourage the growth of algae and requires fewer chemicals to keep its water clean.

And while it is more expensive than concrete, the initial outlay can be recouped in about four years by reduced maintenance costs. Moreover, it is a more environmentally friendly material as it is made from recyclable materials and requires less energy to manufacture than concrete.

It’s no wonder that this is the most sought-after pool material for residential pools. However, it is important to know that the type of pool you build will determine your overall maintenance costs.

While concrete is a great choice for a custom-shaped pool, it’s important to weigh these options carefully. While concrete is more versatile than fiberglass and vinyl, it’s porous and invites the growth of microorganisms like algae. Because of this, you’ll need to brush the surface more often and use a higher level of chemical control with concrete pools than other types.