THE FUSE

The City of Cape Town has confirmed that dozens of its community swimming pools are reopening in phases ahead of the summer holidays.

As the Mother City bakes in early summer heat, the City’s community swimming pools are gradually reopening – just in time for residents looking to escape the stifling temperatures.

Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department has begun the phased reopening of its 37 community pools, ensuring that residents across the metro can enjoy safe, well-maintained facilities throughout the 2025/26 summer season.

Which public pools are already open?

So far, 22 pools have reopened across the Cape Town metro, with 29 expected to be operational by the end of November.

By the 12th of December, 36 pools will be ready to welcome public swimmers, just in time for the school holidays.

The odd one out? The Vulindlela pool in Gugulethu will remain closed indefinitely due to major upgrades that are still in the planning stage.

Cape Town public pools that are already open:

Athlone
Atlantis
Bellville Central
Bonteheuwel
Brown’s Farm
Eastridge
Elsies River
Emthonjeni
Hanover Park
Kuils River Resort (for resort patrons only)
Langa
Lentegeur
Morningstar
Muizenberg
Observatory
Parow North
Trafalgar

Five facilities – the indoor pools in Blue Downs, Long Street, Retreat and Strand, along with the Sea Point seawater pool – operate year-round.

These seven public pools are scheduled to open in November:

“Some facilities cannot reopen immediately due to ongoing maintenance and upgrade projects,” said Mayco Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.

“The upgrades vary by site and include structural, civil and mechanical plant room repairs, maintenance and upgrades.”

Pools to open by 12 December:

Cape Town’s community pool operating hours are from 10:00 to 18:00, with the last ticket sold at 17:30. Pools operate on weekends only during school terms, and will switch to daily operations from 1 December for the festive season.

What about the Sea Point pool?

Meanwhile, the Sea Point Swimming Pool is receiving a R1.8 million “mini makeover,” funded by the Friends of Sea Point Pavilion through proceeds from the nearby food court.

Upgrades include window and door renovations, new paintwork, and a revamped entrance – all expected to be completed before the December builders’ break.

To boost safety, the City has deployed more than 490 lifeguards across its public pools and beaches, with another 67 joining in December.

“The City is committed to providing quality, safe facilities to its residents and the Recreation and Parks Department is working closely with contractors to ensure that timelines are adhered to,” Higham added.