Sydney loves swimming – and the city is fortunate to have six outstanding aquatic centres. But there is one big problem – they’re not all equal in size and access. Nine in 10 Australians live within a 20-minute drive of an aquatic centre, according to the latest data, but some are better served than others, especially in outer suburbs and councils with fewer pools.

Amid the city’s soaring housing prices and the pressures of climate change, many people are unable to afford to make the most of them, especially those in the most disadvantaged areas. That’s why the city’s council is investing millions to ensure everyone can enjoy the benefits of aquatic centres.

These community hubs serve a variety of needs, from swimming carnivals and water polo to yoga classes and children’s playtimes. They also provide valuable respite from the sweltering heat and are a place for the social interaction and exercise that’s vital to mental and physical health. But with the cost of constructing and maintaining them increasing, councils are seeking ways to earn money to cover running costs and maintain their facilities, beyond hosting a fashion show or production company.

But while some councils are making the most of their pools, others are slashing them or putting them on long-term maintenance plans. The Sydney Harbour Pools Association has warned that the city could lose its iconic pools unless councils address the “unprecedented cost and complexity” of maintaining its current network.

The association says the city is spending just over $1 million a year to keep its swimming pools open and operating. Its chief executive, Cathy Byrne, says that with an aging population and rising energy and water bills, it’s likely to have to spend far more in the future.

It’s a harrowing prospect for the city’s swimmers, who already face a number of challenges, including climate change, a lack of funding and a declining population. The association estimates it will need to invest more than $4 billion over the next decade if it is to meet its goal of providing everyone with a swimming pool within 20 minutes of their home.

Those who can’t afford to travel to the closest pool may be able to find relief at a local tidal pool. Head to Coogee for Wylie’s Baths, which were founded by champion long-distance swimmer Henry Alexander Wylie in 1907. These tidal pools are built into the cliffs on Wedding Cake Island and offer sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.

Located along the promenade linking Manly and Shelly beaches on the Cabbage Tree Bay Eco Sculpture Walk on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, this small but well-maintained pool hasn’t changed much since it was built by local residents in 1929. Originally called the Cabbage Tree Bay Public Pool, it is the oldest harbour pool in Australia and was designed to cater for a range of activities from water polo to swimming. It’s the only pool on the northern beaches that offers 50-metre laps.

Sydney has a wealth of ocean and harbourside pools dotted along the city’s beaches, cliff tops and shoreline. These historic gems provide swimmers with a cool retreat from the sun and a unique swimming experience in a beautiful natural environment. So, how did these picturesque pools come to be?

The idea of building ocean pools began in the 1930s as a means to improve public health in Sydney. The Depression era saw money available for councils to build pools in suburbs such as Maroubra, Coogee and North Curl Curl. These pools were often built by unemployed workers under government schemes, which gave locals the opportunity to earn an income.

Many of these tidal pools remain today and are popular with both tourists and locals. In Coogee, you can swim at the iconic Wylie’s Baths, named after champion long-distance and underwater swimmer Henry Alexander Wylie in 1907. The tidal pool is elevated out over the beach with raised decking for adults to sit and relax while enjoying the breathtaking views of the ocean and Wedding Cake Island.

In the heart of Sydney is Bondi Beach, where you’ll find one of the most renowned ocean pools in Australia. The sand-bottomed Bondi Icebergs pool is crowded 12 months of the year with lap swimmers and splashers taking in the sweeping harbour views. Entry costs $8 and after your dip, you can head upstairs to the newly reopened Oh Boy cafe for a bite to eat while the kids splash in the water below.

There are also a number of other tidal and pool options scattered across Sydney’s inner city. Stroll from the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain through Woolloomooloo to the Andrew Boy Charlton Pool for a shady dip on the shore of Woolloomooloo Bay or head to Cook + Phillip Park for an urban oasis.