Prince Alfred Park Public Pool — Attraction in Sydney

In fairness I have edited my review below.

The duck problem seems to have been delt with at least partially. The pool surrounds are duck poo free and I haven't sighted the wild fowl for a few weeks.

My critique is, and was always given with the promotion of this invaluable asset foremost in my mind. No one gains for the sort of 'politeness' that lends silence to the advance of derogatory conditions.

I'm pleased to say the problem has been ameliorated, to acceptable safety and aesthetic standards, although I wonder at a mind set that would presume ducks are better allowed into a public swimming pool than transported to their natural environment.

Safety Warning:

Okay, if you want to swim in duck poo. Currently, Belgravia Leisure management is putting profits over safety by allowing a colony of ducks to nest in the pool area. The duck faeces drains into the pool and has the potential to infect swimmers.

The City Council is complicit and equally careless.

Some of the diseases and parasites that wild ducks can carry and potentially transmit to humans include avian influenza, salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis, cryptosporidiosis, and giardiasis.

The cover story forwarded by the City of Sydney, i.e., that Calcium Hypochlorite in the pool kills all of the above, is patently false.

The pool staff and lifeguards do their best to clean the constantly mounting piles of faeces; however, they understandably have other duties as well.

As a swimmer and staunch supporter of the City of Sydney Aquatic Centers, I'm appalled by the neglect that both Belgravia Leisure and the City of Sydney have allowed to become the norm at Prince...

Really disappointed after my visit to the pool today. Upon entering we were told that there was no lounging or sun baking, which we understood. Staff didn’t inform us of the fact that there was a ‘swim and go’ policy or that we would have to wait once we’d go in before we were allowed to get in the pool (one in one out policy) which we found quite frustrating as we assumed once we’d entered we’d be allowed straight in the pool. Much like a few of the others who were in the pool, we were enjoying being in the leisure lane, whereby we could swim and stop when we wanted. After a short time, one of the swimming attendants came and told us that we would need to move to a swimming lane as ‘leisure swimming’ wasn’t allowed. We were very frustrated at this point, as the pool was very quiet (with barely anyone in the leisure lane) and no one told us beforehand or explained about this policy, and we had spoken to two attendants. Long and the short of it was that the staff were very abrasive and argumentative, and made us feel rushed and uncomfortable being there. It’s understandable that these rules need to be in place due to covid, but they need to be clearly explained prior to entry to avoid confusion. Also unclear why leisure swimming supposedly doesn’t apply to families, as surely this is the same as others leisure swimming if there’s a limit on numbers? Basically, if you’re looking for a swim, head to Victoria pool. Way nicer, more chilled and less...

A friend encouraged me to visit this pool and said it was one of the best in the city, and I’m glad I listened to his rec. Excellent pool for lap swimming (or for lounging about on a sunny day). The water temp is perfect, the pool is very clean, and the other swimmers are respectful. The staff are all very friendly and eager to help.

A few things set this pool apart: it’s outdoors and heated to the perfect temp (not too hot or cold), it’s 50 meters, it’s easily accessible via public transportation, and it’s surprisingly quiet for most of the day (outside of early morning and lunchtime, at which times it’s apparently busier). I’ve been swimming here pretty regularly in either the mid morning or afternoon, and it’s rare that I even have to share a lane. Yesterday, I actually had the ENTIRE pool to myself for most of my swim!

One thing to note—unlike what another reviewer stated, the lockers are NOT free. I believe they cost $2. Most swimmers leave their bags on the bench in front of the pool, which seems pretty safe.

Excellent pool and one of the best I’ve visited during my travels....