Cape Town: The Recreation and Parks Department of the City of Cape Town has started re-opening of community swimming pools ahead of the 2025-26 summer season. The pools are being opened in phases and are ensuring the residents across the metro and can enjoy safe, well-maintained facilities throughout the season.
Reportedly, the department has 37 swimming pools across the metro as five are open year-round, i.e. the indoor facilities in Blue Downs, Long Street, Retreat and Strand; and the seawater pool in Sea Point. 22 pools are already open and following completion of scheduled works, a total of 29 pools will be open by end of November 2025 and 36 by 12 December 2025 for the school holidays.
The Vulindlela swimming pool in Gugulethu remains closed indefinitely with pending major upgrades, which are currently in planning stages.
Every year, the community swimming pools are generally opened between late October and the Easter weekend. Normal operating hours for the pools are weekends only. Due to much lower demand during the work or school week, and then seven-day operations during the peak festive season, from December 01, 2025.
This year the operating times are 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. with the last ticket sold at 05:30 p.m.
The Community facilities that have opened to the public for the season thus far are; 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 and Trafalgar.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham said that some of the facilities cannot reopen immediately due to ongoing maintenance and upgrade projects. The upgrades vary by site and include structural, civil and mechanical plant room repairs, maintenance and upgrades.
City of Cape Town is committed to provide quality, safe facilities to its residents and the Recreation and Parks Department are working closely with contractors to ensure that timelines are adhered to.
Seven swimming pools scheduled to open in November which are Delft, Khayelitsha, Newlands, Parow Valley, Ravensmead, Ruyterwacht and Westridge.
Seven swimming pools scheduled for opening in December are Bellville South, Goodwood, Kensington, Manenberg, Mnandi, Monwabisi and Wynberg.
Sea Point Swimming Pool Mini Makeover
The Sea Point Swimming Pool remains open to the public while upgrades to its iconic entrance will continue, which are funded by the Friends of Sea Point Pavilion (FSPP). The renovation cost is currently estimated at approximately over R1.8 million raised from the food court initiative. Visitors are advised to take care around the upgrade area, which is expected to be completed before the builders’ holiday in December 2025.
Improvements include renovations to windows, doors and woodwork, interior painting and the construction of a new cash room. The project aims to enhance the look and feel of the entrance hall while preserving the character of the much-loved facility.
The City of Cape Town has deployed over 490 senior and seasonal lifeguards across its pools and beaches, with an additional 67 bolstering the total in December 2025, as part of its summer readiness plan. This ensures proactive safety, drowning prevention, and a welcoming environment for all residents and visitors.
Residents are encouraged to monitor the City of Cape Town’s official communication channels for updates on pool availability and ongoing upgrades.