- Cape Town’s popular Sea Point, Trafalgar, and Observatory swimming pools have reopened after extensive refurbishments.
- The upgrades include new tiles, pumps, pipes, and renovations to bathrooms and changing areas.
- With affordable fees and improved facilities, the pools are ready to welcome visitors for a fun-filled summer season.
With the holiday in full swing, popular Cape Town swimming pools have reopened. The Sea Point, Trafalgar and Observatory swimming pools are ready to welcome visitors back after major refurbishments.
The Sea Point pool has been closed since September this year, following a sinkhole that was detected on the side of the pool.
The closure was due to critical excavation and repairs to collapsed main pipes, to ensure the long-term sustainability and safety of the pool.
Nicola Jowell, Ward 54 councillor, said the facility attracts thousands of visitors annually.
“Because it’s open throughout the year, we don’t have a maintenance gap. They have refurbished pumps, done work on the fibreglass of the pool, cleaned out the diving pool, and replaced signs across the facility. They also fixed up paving.”
Jowell praised the Friends of the Sea Point Pavillion for their contributions and said long-term plans for the pool are also on the cards.
The Trafalgar Pool in Woodstock reopened on Monday 9 December.
Ian McMahon, Ward 115 councillor, said while refurbishing took longer than anticipated the pool is ready to welcome patrons.
“The pools have been repaired, broken tiles replaced and painted. The outdoor furniture and lifeguard stations are all painted and looking great. The change- and bathrooms had a makeover, new sinks, and tap, painted, tiled and spotless.”
McMahon said the facility now also boasts a cashless facility.
“They have installed a card machine at the kiosk so now both card and cash are accepted, and the fees have not gone up this year, so stays on R9 for adults and R3 for kids.”
He said operating times are from 10:00 until 17:00.
Yusuf Mohammed, Ward 57 councillor, said the Observatory pool is scheduled to reopen tomorrow (18 December).
The pool has been closed for the past few years much to the frustration of residents (“Frustration grows as Observatory swimming pool remains closed for 7 years despite renovations”, People’s Post, 5 June 2024)
Mohammed said: “The entire pool and kids pool had been re-tiled including the kids pool. New piping, valves and pumps. Including changing the filters from Sand Filters to a glass medium.”
He said the changing rooms and ablution blocks have also been renovated and “we are ready for a long overdue” opening.
Patricia van der Ross, Mayco member for community services and health, said the City is reopening community swimming pools in a phased approach, adding that 37 out of 38 pools will be operational this summer.
“The reopening of swimming pools will be rolled out in phases, which extends into the new year. This approach balances the need for public access with the ongoing maintenance of critical infrastructure. Despite the challenges posed by aging infrastructure, we will see 37 pools reopen in phases, providing safe, quality recreational spaces for residents this summer.”
