Most NSW ocean pools were initially built from the late 1800s to early 1930s, and most have either been substantially renewed by the relevant local council, or have degraded into a “ghost” pool. The original pools had little formal engineering design, but often involved local residents and/or surf life savers excavating favourable portions of rock shelves, and later enhancing these with concrete.
Local legend has it that Coalcliff Rockpool was originally formed after miners blasted the rock themselves using dynamite they snuck out of the mines in their pockets. 🌊☀️