Caringbah Leisure Centre - Caringbah (NSW)

3 /5 Jackie McMillan: (3.5 stars) It’s funny how two different pools built in much the same period can have totally different impacts. Unlike the rebadged Revesby Pool, Caringbah Leisure Centre retains a bit of 1960s optimism. We liked visiting and left feeling happy and refreshed. The main, Olympic-sized 9-lane pool slots into a gap between rows of red brick, medium density housing: a pocket of softly fading aquamarine. On one side there’s a raised lawn for picnickers if you plan on spending the day. There’s also a shallow pool for younger kids, and a wading pool with a sun shelter with a narrow lawn between them for effective parental supervision. A lifeguard perches on a raised metal chair angled between all three areas, catching our eye in her bright yellow and red. The deep-end goes down to 1.8 meters. There were less prohibitions than at Revesby pool, though banning the “manu” was new. Guessing there may be more Kiwis living in the local area? We also had to refrain from “layback type bombs”. Without tequila this felt quite easy to achieve. I was however pleased to see them ban coaching. I often feel sorry for kids having technique forced upon them during weekend play. Parking is plentiful with both a dedicated car park and street parking. Entry is $8.70 but do bear in mind they don’t accept cash.

4 /5 bernhard zunk: Nice outdoor pool, 50m. Not many facilities but a shop for small things such as swim goggles. About 1 minute walk from Caringbah shops and cafes

4 /5 Heidi Pultar: A steamy winter morning swim, it’s not getting in that’s the problem, it’s getting out. At approx. 30* 25mtrs Program pool is a little to warm for lap swimming in summer.

5 /5 Craig Russ: Just a lap pool. Great location. Has a 50m 25m and kiddies pool. The staff will look after you. Goggles, cap, swimmers- All thats required. Stroke kick, turn, stroke kick. Roll over, stroke kick, stroke kick. Bring a friend or go solo. Entertain your kids, for hours

3 /5 Brooke Macey: I’ve been coming to the same pool for years. And I have noticed that it’s definitely not as clean as it used to be. All the pools look like they need a bit of a sprucing up and a good scrubbing. Same with the change rooms. It would also be nice to know if there was squad training and the like before you enter the pool and pay, a few times I’ve taken my children there and there really hasn’t been any place much to swim. So having the option to know that before hand would be good. Otherwise we wouldn’t bother and pay for admission, and just come another day.