Andrew «Boy» Charlton Pool

This is a beautiful pool on the edge of the Royal Botanical Gardens. I went in the morning and there were about eight other swimmers there. It was a little cold in the water (February) but a good experience. There is a nice cafe that overlooks the pool.

This is an excellent facility but I find the water incredibly salty. The other comments are spot on. The location is ideal and, compared to other facilities around the CBD, the cost is OK.

Watch for the parking cost though. Those Sydney Council Rangers take no prisoners and will book you early in the morning, in the rain, when there's hardly anybody around. Go figure.

Remains one of the best pools for lap swimming, anywhere.

The changing rooms are particularly well-designed and attractive. The pool is not exceptionally warm - but the structure and the surroundings are so pretty you may never notice.

Architecturally spectacular - few pools like it anywhere. Sweeping views across Woolloomooloo Bay through glass panels beside the pool. New wooden pool decking and seating areas. The only thing it lacks is shade if you want to sit near the pool.

The pool opens at 6 AM is completely full with lap lanes for lap swimmers.