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Editor's note
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New South Wales (along with South Africa) is home to more ocean pools than anywhere else. Today, in the first of a series on public pools in Australia, we look at why these beautiful ocean pools, usually carved out of the sandstone platforms found along much of the coast, are such a feature of life in NSW.
As James Carley writes, the state’s sustained 200-year love affair with the ocean pool – the first one was built in 1819 – is the result of several local factors, although that doesn’t entirely explain why they aren’t common elsewhere. It’s not the cost, as research has shown the economic and health benefits for the communities that use them, typically about $6 million a year, soon repay the investment in building and maintaining an ocean
pool.
Over the coming weeks, we will take a close look at public pools and how they came to hold such a special place in the Australian consciousness.
Why are public pools important to you? Share your pics and stories on Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #myfavourite pool, and follow all our #myfavouritepool coverage here.
And if you’ve enjoyed The Conversation this year please donate today and help safeguard quality journalism in 2020 and beyond. The best way you can support us is by giving a monthly donation of whatever you can afford.
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John Watson
Section Editor: Cities + Policy
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Top stories
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The ocean pool is a familiar sight in New South Wales – this one’s at Tamarama in Sydney’s eastern suburbs – but isn’t nearly as common elsewhere.
hopeless128/Flickr
James Carley, UNSW
New South Wales boasts many wonderful ocean pools, thanks to a combination of climate, geology, culture and prosperity. Despite concerns about costs, economic and health benefits far outweigh these.
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AAP/Steven Saphore
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www.shutterstock.com
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