An independent Australian journal

Water, climate and care

Chemistry, heat and the particular seasons of Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and the tropics.

Freshwater Beach ocean pool in Sydney

Photo: Mhsb / Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Early light on the Kiama sea baths

Water, climate and care

Heating a pool in Australia: solar, heat pumps and gas

The cheapest heater is a cover. After that, choose between roof collectors, a heat pump that can run on your own solar power, and gas for the days you want the water warm by tonight.

4 February 2026

Freshwater Beach swimming pool in Sydney

Water, climate and care

Keeping a Sydney pool healthy through summer

Sydney’s pool season is heat, gum-leaf tannin, a crowd after Australia Day and the February storm that turns a clear rectangle into tea. Chemistry has to move as fast as the weather.

8 January 2026

Lounge chairs beside a pool in Noosa Heads

Water, climate and care

Tropical pool care in Queensland and the Top End

Wet-season rain dilutes the residual, afternoon storms throw a garden into the water, and algae in Cairns does not wait for Monday. Tropical care is speed, screens and a sanitiser that keeps up.

26 November 2025