Pearl Beach pool dates to 1926

The Pearl Beach rock pool has been popular with locals and visitors to the area during the recent run days with temperatures rising into the high 30s.

According to local historian, Ms Beverly Kingston, the pool dates from 1926 and formed part of the original development plan, devised by Charles J Staples, for what had been known up until then as Green Point Beach.

Staples renamed the area Pearl Beach and drew up the street plan, all named after gemstones.

The pool was a significant attraction, Ms Kingston said.

One of many built in the early 20th Century on the harbour in Sydney, at various beachside suburbs and at popular holiday spots along the coast, rock pools were seen as a safe option for bathing.

They protected swimmers from dangerous rips and shifting sands on the sea floor and also from the likelihood of shark attack.

The original pool at Pearl Beach consisted of a simple cement wall enclosing a convenient section of the sea at the southern end of the beach.

It had a natural sandy floor sloping away from a rock platform with a cliff behind.

Rough changing sheds were built on the rock platform.

Over time sand built up in the enclosure and working bees were held to clear it out.

In the 1960s, a decision was taken to re-build the pool with a cement floor and walls and an outlet valve.

Responsibility for the regular cleaning that was now necessary was taken over by Gosford Council.

In recent years, reinforcing rods in the original concrete began to rust and many cracks appeared with sections of the pool walls breaking off.

It became obvious that major restoration work was necessary.

During 2009, the people of Pearl Beach, along with their friends and many visitors who come regularly to use the pool raised $80,000 towards the cost of the work.

The rest of the estimated $250,000 was paid by the Council.

From 1943, swimming carnivals were held in the pool.

More recently, the pool has been a regular Sunday morning winter venue for the Blue Swimmers.

The restored pool was officially opened in November 2010 and continues to be used extensively by locals and visitors alike.

As a tidal pool, it relies on large seas to wash it out.

However, at times, particularly during the holidays with increased usage, it becomes cloudy and the water quality is often compromised.

Locals monitor the cleanliness and with support from the Central Coast Council ensure that regular cleaning is undertaken.

Media release, 18 Jan 2017

Lynne Lillico, Pearl Beach