37 community pools across Cape Town to reopen for holiday/summer season

Lester Kiewit speaks to the City of Cape Town's Mayco Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.

Listen below.

The City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department is reopening community swimming pools in a phased approach; 37 out of 38 pools will be operational this summer.

This milestone ensures residents can access safe, well-maintained facilities to cool off.

The reopening of swimming pools will be rolled out in phases over the summer season, which extends into the new year. This approach balances the need for public access with the ongoing maintenance of critical infrastructure.

"This is an achievement for Cape Town’s communities. Despite the challenges posed by ageing infrastructure, we will see 37 pools reopen in phases, providing safe, quality recreational spaces for residents this summer," said Van der Ross.

Currently, 10 swimming pools are operational: Long Street, Atlantis, Blue Downs, Kuils River Resort, Elsies River, Parow North, Muizenberg, Retreat, Newlands and Zandvlei Caravan Park.

Projected opening dates for other swimming pools are between:

• 6 December 2024 -15 December 2024: Athlone, Hanover Park, Parow Valley, Bellville Central, Emthonjeni, Delft, Mnandi, Eastridge, Lentegeur, Langa, Kensington, Observatory, Sea Point, Monwabisi Resort, Morningstar, Bonteheuwel and Trafalgar
• 16 December 2024 - 31 December 2024: Manenberg, Goodwood, Bellville South, Strand, Khayelitsha, Westridge, Browns Farm, Ravensmead, Ruyterwacht and Wynberg

The reopening schedule allows for continued minor and major repairs and maintenance to be conducted even as pools become operational.

This phased approach ensures a balance between access and ongoing upgrades.

Manenberg swimming pool is facing delays due to ageing infrastructure, including issues with the mechanical plant and underground pipes.

Contractors have been deployed to the site.

Bellville South swimming pool was recently affected by flooding caused by stormwater returning to the plant room, leading to motor failures and filtration issues.

Engineers assessed the damage, and contractors have been engaged to replace the motors and repairs are underway.

Goodwood swimming pool is undergoing major electrical repairs and upgrades, apart from minor mechanical repairs and maintenance.

The Vulindlela Swimming Pool will remain closed for the 2024/25 season due to planned redevelopment.

Operating times overview:

1. Daily operations from 6 December 2024 to 31 January 2025
2. Weekends only: 1 February to 30 March 2025
3. Daily operations: 31 March to 21 April 2025

For more information on specific pools and their operating hours, please visit the City’s website or contact your nearest community facility.

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