A recent report in the Sydney Morning Heral has highlighted that more and more Australians are installing swimming pools or prioritising homes with pools, driven by lifestyle changes, health awareness and the desire to invest in spaces that bring families together.
For me, that story resonated deeply — because swimming has shaped my life for decades starting from my teenage years in Kashmir to Australia and specially over last 20 months where our backyard pool has now evolved into something far more meaningful than a simple summer luxury into a round the year all weather swimming hub.
Tyndal Biscoe School’s long distance swimming festival in Dal Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir.
A lifelong relationship with water
Swimming has been my passion since my school days in Kashmir. My school, founded by an Australian in 1890, had its own swimming pool within the school premises and a large boat shed on Srinagar’s Dal Lake. Swimming was compulsory, with regular carnivals and competitions. It was there, in 1968, that I became a long-distance swimmer, finally crossing the Dal Lake — a distance of about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) in 1970.
Dal Cross Swim Certificate
Dal Cross Swim Map showing long distance swim map course 3.5 miles (5.6 km).
Tyndal Biscoe School high diving platform and deep swimming pool.
While studying at Aligarh Muslim University in 1971 I also took part into the University’s Annual Swimming Competition where I came second in a 400 meters backstroke category swim held at the University’s historically celebrated swimming pool complex.
AMU’s covered swimming pool built in 1916.
When I later moved to Australia in 1971— one of the world’s great swimming nations — my love for the sport only deepened. I especially enjoyed swimming at the University of Sydney pool, where the culture of daily laps and disciplined fitness felt instantly familiar.
Covered heated swimming pool at the Sydney Uni Sports & Aquatic Centre.
Building a pool, but limited by the seasons
In 1995, we built a backyard pool: 10 metres by 4.5 metres, with a spa and beach area, topped with rooftop heating. It was a joy, but like many Sydney pool owners, we quickly discovered the limitation — comfortable swimming was really confined to summer. Even then, cooler days could cut a swim short. In reality, we had about four usable months each year.
In 2020, we added a 19kW electric heat pump, extending the season to roughly six months. It helped, but it still wasn’t enough. As a daily swimmer who aims for at least 500 metres lap swim per day, winter meant driving to our local Mounties Club pool just to keep my routine alive.
Dar-ul-Islam Aqua Resort with privacy and all Shariah compliant.
The turning point: covering, heating and re-imagining the space
Everything changed in December 2024. We installed a movable telescopic pool cover (12.5m x 5m) and self-assembled a sauna and steam-shower unit sourced from China. Suddenly, the pool stopped being seasonal. It became central to our daily lives 24/7 and round the year.
Dar-ul-Islam Aqua Resort covered, heated pool (indoor view).
These changes transformed our backyard into what we now fondly call an in-house aqua resort. Family members and extended family began spending more time together around the pool. Conversations lasted longer. Children stayed active. Social connection deepened. Health and enjoyment became effortless side effects of simply being together.
19kW and 28kW energy efficient heat pumps using self generated solar power with 20KW solar panels and battery a 40 KW battery.
We are now making provisions for community members to enjoy this blessing as well specially females since Dar-ul-Islam Aqua Resort is fully sharia compliant with 2 m parameter walls and privacy for swimmers for lap swimming, soaking in spa, sitting in the sauna and steam room and showering and changing within the complex.
Going fully year-round
During the peak winter months of June 2025, I realised the pool still needed more heating. With the advantage of an existing 20kW solar panel system, we added an additional 28kW heat pump. Combined with fully automated filtration, chlorination, pH control, pool and spa jets, and lighting, the system became seamless and efficient.
The result is a space that works rain, hail or shine:
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An open and covered pool and spa with 2m high fence all around the complex
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Sauna and steam-shower beside the pool
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Alfresco BBQ and entertainment areas
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Automated controls that make daily use easy
Earlier this year in 2026 I have added a 40kW battery system to utilise our self generation of electricity with 20KW solar panels that further makes us self sufficient to heat the pool with self generated electricity.
Full pool maintenance, control and automation with Aquatech App.
The Dar-ul-Islam Aqua Resort is now fully automated, low maintenance system with timers for turning pumps, filtration, heaters, chlorination, pH acid dosing and controlling pool lights, water flow, pool and spa jets and sauna, shower and steam room lights all from the Aquatech smartphone App from anywhere in the world.
Now at our home — Dar-ul-Islam Aqua Resort — swimming is no longer an activity you plan around the weather. It’s simply part of our daily life and a great blessing.
Inhouse sauna, steam room and shower with full privacy at Dar-ul-Islam Aqua Resort.
Health beyond fitness
Today, I comfortably maintain my daily 500-metre swim routine, and on good days, I double it to one kilometre. But the benefits go far beyond physical fitness. This space has strengthened family bonds, encouraged regular aqua exercise, improved mental wellbeing and created moments of reflection and calm that nourish spiritual health as well.
Lap swimming with a full face snorkel with head down I have found an excellent way to think, reflect, develop ideas and plan for my daily well being, caring for family and my intensive community work.
Occasionally I put on my water proof mp3 players with blue tooth that I use together with my full face snorkel to listen to songs, Quranic recitations, podcasts and even to have conversation over my phone.
The SMH article rightly noted that pools in now are no longer just about property value or summer fun. They’re about lifestyle, wellbeing and connection.
My personal experience proves that with thoughtful design — covers, heating and automation — a backyard pool can become a true year-round investment in health, family relationships, community engagement and a balanced quality of life and well being.
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