With the arrival of spring in the Mother City, Cape Town has announced the operating schedule for public swimming pools for the summer period. During school holidays, the pools will operate daily from 10:00 to 17:00.
With the arrival of spring in the Mother City, Cape Town has announced the operating schedule for public swimming pools for the summer period. During school holidays, the pools will operate daily from 10:00 to 17:00.
After classes resume in the fourth semester, public pools will operate on a reduced schedule until December 1, 2026. On weekdays, they will be open from Wednesday to Friday from 13:00 to 17:00, and on weekends from 10:00 to 17:00.
Councillor Francine Heyman, a member of the City's Majority Committee for Public Services and Health, expressed delight at residents returning to the pools during the holidays and ahead of warmer weather. She emphasized that public pools are vital community spaces where families and youth can spend time together, relax, and exercise.
The city continues to invest in its pool infrastructure to ensure safety, proper maintenance, and future community servicing capabilities. These investments include significant funds for modernization, repairs, and upkeep; major works were completed in the last financial year or are ongoing at several facilities.
Most pools will be open every day during the school holidays, giving families and young people an opportunity to stay active and enjoy the warmer season. The Councillor also urged visitors to adhere to pool rules, follow lifeguard instructions, and ensure constant supervision of children for a safe and enjoyable visit.
During the September school holidays, five pools will remain closed for necessary capital repairs and upgrades: Westridge Swimming Pool, Bellville Central Swimming Pool, Mnandi Swimming Pool, Athlone Swimming Pool, and Vulindela Swimming Pool.
The reopening of these four pools will happen in phases, and after the work is complete, they will undergo quality assessments and safety checks. The department will announce the reopening dates once confirmed. Meanwhile, Vulindela Swimming Pool remains closed for this summer season pending reconstruction and redesign planning.
Public swimming pools in Cape Town will operate daily during the school holidays in September, providing residents and visitors access to municipal facilities from September 23rd to October 5th.
With the arrival of spring and rising temperatures, most pools will be open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. These extended hours are intended to offer opportunities for recreation, sports, and active leisure during the academic break.
The City of Cape Town confirmed these arrangements in a statement released on Saturday, September 19th, but noted that five facilities will remain closed due to maintenance and renovation work.
The city also provided a schedule for the holiday period and listed the five facilities that will not be open during this time. Among the closed sites are Westridge, Bellville Central, Mnandi, and Athlone, where major repair and upgrade works are underway.
City administration stated that after the completion of the work, these facilities will undergo quality assessments and safety checks before phased reopening. The dates for the reopening of these four pools have not yet been determined.
Vulindela Pool has a different schedule as it will be closed for the summer season while plans for its redesign and reconstruction are being considered. It should be noted that the daily holiday schedule will not extend throughout the rest of the year.
After October 5th, public pools will switch to a reduced operating schedule until December 1st. Subsequently, facilities will operate from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Wednesdays through Fridays, and from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. This means that visitors planning a visit after the school holidays must take into account the altered weekday schedule.
The city's Parks and Recreation Department is also preparing for a busier summer and holiday period, during which seasonal lifeguards are currently being appointed. Councillor Francine Heyman, a member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Services and Health, emphasized that public pools are part of the city's public recreation infrastructure.
She stated: "Our public swimming pools are important public spaces where families and young people can spend time actively, cool down, and enjoy shared leisure." Heyman also mentioned current investments in the modernization, repair, and maintenance of the entire network.
The city also reminded visitors about the necessity of adhering to pool rules, listening to lifeguards, and constantly supervising children.
