Australia- Public Ocean Pools

This is a bizarre but wonderful Aussie invention. Carved out of the rock and cliff faces that border most beaches, you will find lovely sea water pools. Some have lap lanes installed- others are just for regular swimming. Positioned in generally stunning locations, they are just above the normal water level which allows the waves to break invigoratingly into the pools.

According to popular legend, the pools started out as a class thing. The Aussies who as history tells it- were divided into two groups initially..basically either prisoners or the freemen come to watch the prisoners. As that culture subsided there was still a major class difference. The genteel upper class folks did not want to be seen as bathing with mere common folk (disregarding the dangers of bluebottles and sharks of course). However, the clear green blue sparkling seas and glorious beaches that bless this land were too much of a call to all classes. So ever inventive- the upper class found a way to enjoy the beaches and still not be “common.” They built pools that were fed from the ocean, right in the ocean itself! Bizarre but true.

These beauties are barely used in most places- and are so neatly formed from the surrounding materials that many times people don’t know they are even there. One of the most famous is below Bondi Icebergs. Next time you are at one of the beaches- look to the far corners of the beach for the pristine pools located there. They are free for public use- so a great way to save money on a gym membership!