Public swimming pools across Cape Town will begin operating daily from Wednesday until October 5, offering residents and visitors a chance to cool off at the start of spring. These facilities will operate from 10:00 to 17:00 every day during the spring holiday period.
However, the City confirmed that five municipal pools will not be open during this time due to necessary maintenance, repair, and reconstruction projects. The closed facilities include Westridge Swimming Pool, Bellville Central Swimming Pool, Mnandi Swimming Pool, Athlone Swimming Pool, and Vulindela Swimming Pool.
Significant repairs at Westridge, Bellville Central, Mnandi, and Athlone are part of the municipality's planned investments in infrastructure to maintain safe conditions. These four locations will undergo safety checks and quality assessments before phased reopening; opening dates will be announced by the municipality after approvals are finalized.
Meanwhile, Vulindela Swimming Pool will be closed for the entire summer season for planning and redesign. After the school holidays end on October 5, the operating hours of the open facilities will change to a reduced pre-summer schedule until December 1, 2026:
Wednesday to Friday: from 13:00 to 17:00
Saturday and Sunday: from 10:00 to 17:00
In preparation for the upcoming peak season, the Department of Recreation and Parks is hiring seasonal lifeguards to ensure proper supervision at municipal facilities.
Councillor Francine Heyman, a member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Services and Health, emphasized the importance of these venues: 'Our public swimming pools are vital community spaces where families and youth can be active, cool down, and spend time together.'
She added that most pools will be available daily during the holidays, giving families and young people a chance to enjoy the warmer weather.
Heyman urged visitors to prioritize safety by following pool rules, cooperating with lifeguards, and constantly supervising children. She concluded: 'We want every visit to be safe and enjoyable, so please listen to our lifeguards, follow the pool rules, and ensure children are supervised at all times.'