Intimate fine dining in an art gallery
A long-table experience with food, music, wine and art
Public swimming pools to visit this summer
Cool off in kiddies’ splash pools, Olympic-size pools, indoor pools and more
Last Updated: 14 October 2020
Swimming pools around the province will open on Friday, 16 October 2020, just in time for summer. Cape Town boasts some impressive public pools with world-class facilities, from swimming pools that meet Olympic standards for professional swimmers, to others with diving boards and splash pools for kids. Some even have playgrounds for tots that can't swim yet (remember to check out the pool’s safety rules).
A FEW COVID SAFETY RULES TO REMEMBER
According to the City’s Recreation and Parks Department,swimming pools will only accept 50% capacity to adhere to Covid-19 regulations. Screening with a temperature reading will be done on entry. No showers or change room will be available and all visitors are required to maintain social distancing rules.
THERE ARE TWO POOLS AT THIS ATLANTIS VENUE
The Wesfleur Swimming Pool in Atlantis features one pool for little kids and another pool for older, more experienced swimmers. The main pool is 50m long, ideal for both recreational swimming and pro training. There’s also a playground for non-swimmers, picnic areas and lifeguards on duty. Bring some money to buy a snack from the kiosk.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: R2 for kids; R8 for adults; free for pensioners
Corner of Grosvenor Road and Reygersdal Road | Atlantis | +27 (0)21 572 1624
OBSERVE (AND JOIN) THE SUMMER FUN
Soak up the summer rays in Observatory this swimming season. The facility boasts two pools: a 33m main pool to swim laps and 10m shallow pool for kids to splash around in. There’s a picnic area where you can relax, as well as spectator seating so parents can relax while keeping an eye on the kids. If you forget to pack yourself a lunch, there’s also a kiosk that sells snacks.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm daily
Cost: R2 for kids; R8 for adults; free for pensioners
View this post on Instagram
Willow Road | Observatory | +27 (0)21 689 4578
LANGA POOL IS BIG ENOUGH FOR THE CROWDS
Langa Swimming Pool is a mecca for summer fun. There’s a main pool that’s 30m long, perfect to get some exercise or just have fun, plus a shallow pool for kids. Make sure to take some snacks or a packed lunch along, as there isn’t a kiosk.
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday, 10am – 5pm daily
Cost: R2 for kids; R8 for adults; free for pensioners
Washington Street | Langa | +27 (0)21 695 1044
BONTEHEUWEL BONUS: THERE’S VOLLEYBALL
Bonteheuwel Swimming Pool is a haven in the Cape Flats. It features a large main pool and a splash pool for kids, plus a playground and picnic area. Lifeguards are on duty around the clock. What’s more, there’s a volleyball court if you and your mates are feeling up for a game.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: R2 for kids; R8 for adults; free for pensioners
Jakkalsvlei Avenue | Bonteheuwel | +27 (0)21 694 1007
THE MOST SWIM-PRESSIVE POOL IN TOWN
Sports is the order of the day at Hanover Park Swimming Pool, with its volleyball and tennis courts, so if you’re looking for something different, this is the place to be. It also features a 33m main pool and 0,5m deep kiddies splash pool. Lifeguards are on duty to ensure everyone’s safety.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday 10am – 5pm
Cost: R2 for kids; R8 for adults; free for pensioners
Surran Road | Hanover Park | +27 (0)21 692 1430
FILTERED SEA WATER ON EDGE OF ATLANTIC
The Sea Point Swimming Pool has to be one of the most popular during the peak of summertime. It has four different pools: main, diving, fun and kiddies. At 50m long, the main pool is perfect for training professionals, while the kids pool is great for safe splashing. The diving pool comes equipped with a 5m high diving board. The facility sits at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, and the water is filtered seawater. Minimum chlorine is used, and lifeguards are on duty around the clock. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the grassy areas, and get there early.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 7am – 6:45pm
Cost: R17 per child; R31 per adult; free for pensioners
Sea Point Pavilion | Beach Road | Sea Point | +27 (0)21 434 3341
SURFER’S CORNER POOL IS IDEAL FOR FAMILIES
Apart from being a popular surfing spot and having a beautiful beach, Muizenberg also boasts a public pool, using its own alternative source of water. This swimming spot is home to a 22m long main pool, as well as a 5m kiddies pool that’s shallow enough to splash around in safely. Lifeguards are on duty around the clock. There are also picnic areas and slides for those who want to stay dry.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: R2 for kids; R8 for adults; free for pensioners
Beach Road | Muizenberg | +27 (0)21 788 1929
IT’S CALLED MNANDI FOR A REASON
Thanks to camping facilities, braai areas and a lovely swimming pool, Mnandi Resort is a hub of activity over the festive and summer seasons. There is an enclosed water park, playground and picnic areas on the premises, offering a wide range of activities for all to enjoy. If you’d like to take a stroll along the shore, Monwabisi Beach is right next to the pool. There’s a splash pool for kids and a 30m main pool for more experienced swimmers.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: R17 per child; R31 per adult; free for pensioners
Weltevreden Road | Mitchells Plain | +27 (0)21 392 5520
STAY COOL IN THE CAPE FLATS’ HEAT
Manenberg Swimming Pool is a popular recreational hub amongst locals. With a 33,3m main pool and a shallow splash pool for kids and picnic areas, it’s the perfect location for summer fun with family and friends. Plus, there are lifeguards on duty around the clock.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: R2 for kids; R8 for adults; free for pensioners
Olifant Street | Manenberg | +27 (0)21 637 4374
TENNIS OR SWIMMING? YOU HAVE CHOICE AT WESTRIDGE
Swim season is in full swing at Westridge Swimming Pool, including a friendly round of tennis if you like playing. There’s a 33m pool for swimming laps or having fun with friends, plus a 12m splash pool for kids that’s only 0,4m deep. The facility also has on-duty lifeguards to ensure safe summer fun. Pack a picnic to enjoy lunch on the grass.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: R2 for kids; R8 for adults; free for pensioners
Silversands Way | Westridge | +27 (0)21 371 8332
GOODWOOD’S GOOD FOR PRO TRAINING
On the corner of Milton and Riebeeck Roads sits Goodwood Swimming Pool, where you’ll find an Olympic-size main pool perfect for pro training, a kid’s pool for novice swimmers, and a 0,3m deep splash pool. The main pool is disability-friendly, plus there’s picnic areas and lifeguards on duty from opening to closing.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm.
Cost: R2 for kids; R8 for adults; free for pensioners
View this post on Instagram
Corner of Milton Road and Riebeeck Road | Goodwood | +27 (0)21 592 5141
YOU’RE SPITTING-DISTANCE FROM THE BEACH
Head over to Strand Indoor Swimming Pool, where the beach is mere steps to the left. It's 50m in length and heated, making it the perfect location for swim training when the weather is less than ideal. There’s a kiosk selling snacks and drinks, and spectator seating.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: R17 per child (under 16); R31 per adult; free for pensioners
Beach Road | Strand | +27 (0)21 444 2660
RE-TREAT YOURSELF TO A DAY BY THE POOL
Retreat Indoor Swimming Pool comes with a main pool, kiddies splash pool and playground. Plus there are picnic areas to enjoy lunch and some drinks after a long day of playing. The pool is used by the surrounding community for recreational swimming and formal training throughout the year.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: R3 per child; R16 per adult; free for pensioners
Corner of 7th Avenue and Concert Boulevard | Retreat | +27 (0)21 701 1513
ATHLONE’S SWIM SPOT IS READY FOR SUMMER
Athlone is home to a 33m pool that’s perfect to kick off the summer season with. Grab all your friends and splash your way to Christmas, then Easter. Pack a picnic lunch for you and the family to enjoy on the grassy area. Plus, there are also lifeguards on duty and a first aid room on site.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: R3 for kids; R16 for adults; free for pensioners
Hickory Street | Athlone | +27 (0)21 637 6334
TWO POOLS IN MITCHELLS PLAIN VENUE
Eastridge Swimming Pool offers patrons a 33,3m main pool for laps, and a kids’ pool of nine metres. There is also a first aid room in case of emergency. Pack a picnic to enjoy while you get that vital dose of Vitamin D.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: R2 for kids; R8 for adults; free for pensioners
Alpine Road | Eastridge | +27 (0)21 397 8194
WOODSTOCK’S WATER SPORT ALSO HAS PLAY AREA
Trafalgar Park Swimming Pool has the trifecta of summer fun: pools, a play area and a lawn to toss out your blanket and have lunch. For kids, the pool is only 0,5m deep, and for older swimmers, the main pool is 48m long (almost Olympic-size) and 1,5m deep. Parking is scarce, so try to organise a lift club..
Note: The Trafalgar Amateur Aquatic Club uses the pool on Thursdays between 6pm and 8pm.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: 2 per child; R8 per adult; free for pensioners
Searle Street | Woodstock | +27 (0)21 461 5060 | simukeliso.mkhize@capetown.gov.za
2 POOLS PLUS A PLAYGROUND IN PHILIPPI
Brown’s Farm Swimming Pool is located in Philippi and features two pools and a grassy area to relax with a picnic lunch. The main pool is 33m long and 1,5m deep, whereas the kid’s pool is just for splashing around at 0,25m deep. There’s also a playground so the kids can run around and dry off before going home.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: R2 per child; R8 per adult; free for pensioners
Bristol Road | Brown's Farm | Philippi | +27 (0)21 371 6523
YOU CAN PRACTICE FOR THE OLYMPICS HERE
Khayelitsha boasts an impressive 50m swimming pool. Older kids can have fun diving off the spring-board and the little ones can enjoy the kiddies splash pool. There’s also a first aid room in case of emergency. Bring some money along to buy a snack or drink at the kiosk.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: R2 per child; R8 per adult; free for pensioners
Walter Sisulu Drive | Khayelitsha | +27 (0)21 367 0909
IT’S POPULAR AND CAN GET WINDY
For residents of Mitchells Plain and surrounding areas, Lentegeur Swimming Pool is popular in the peak summer heat. The facility includes an Olympic-size main pool with a depth of 1,65m, a kiddies pool, as well as grassy areas and a first-aid room. It's also disability-friendly, and lifeguards are on duty from opening to closing. Be aware it can get windy at this pool, and there are no wind barriers.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: R2 per child; R8 per adult; free for pensioners
Merridale Road | Mitchells Plain | +27 (0)84 553 3777
RUYTERWACHT IS GOOD FOR FAMILY TIME
Ruyterwacht Swimming Pool has two pools, one 24,6m long and 1,55m deep, and a kiddies pool only 0,6m deep. There are grassy areas perfect for a family picnic and a kiosk that sells snacks. Lifeguards are on duty during operating hours.
Note: The pool is used by the Arena Swimming Club Monday to Friday between 6pm and 8pm, and by De Wavern Primary on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 11am and 2pm.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday 10am – 5pm
Cost: R2 per child; R8 per adult; free for pensioners
Jan van Riebeeck Street | Ruyterwacht | +27 (0)21 534 4875 | jonathanx.coetzee@capetown.gov.za
WYNBERG BONUS: PLAY AREA, PLUS IT’S MORE INTIMATE
Many public facilities include the standard main pool, kiddies pool, kiosk and picnic area. Wynberg Swimming Pool takes it one step further with a playground for kids. Plus, the on-duty lifeguards ensure that everyone is safe even if Mom and Dad look away for a moment.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: R2 per child; R8 per adult; free for pensioners
Rosmead Avenue | Wynberg | +27 (0)21 797 0747 | melissa.witbooi@capetown.gov.za
MORE POOLS TO OPEN ON LATER DATES
THERE’LL BE CHRISTMAS SWIMMING IN GUGULETHU
Besides Vulindlela’s main pool and children’s pools, the space is equipped with a first-aid room, as well as a grassy area for playing and a relaxed picnic lunch. The main pool is 1,8m deep and 38m long, and the kiddies pool is 0,5m deep.
Opening hours: From 1 December 2020.
Cost: R2 per child; R8 per adult; free for pensioners
Vulindlela | Corner of NY145 AND NY117 | Gugulethu | +27 (0)21 637 5097
KEEN ON WATERSPORTS? TRY PAROW POOL
Parow Valley boasts many of the same facilities as the pools already mentioned: main pool, kiddies pool and grassy areas for picnics and games. The main pool is deeper than most at 3,3m, but it’s only 25m long, making it more ideal for water sports. There's a playground, too, and lifeguards work from opening to closing to ensure safety.
Opening hours: From 1 December 2020
Cost: R2 per child; R8 per adult
Duncan Street | Parow Valley | +27 (0)21 936 8792
DURBANVILLE IDEAL FOR POOLSIDE LOLLING
Morningstar in Durbanville is on the smaller side, perfect for loungers looking for a quiet day out. The main pool is 20m long and 1,8m deep, making it more ideal for recreational swimming, rather than pro-training. The kiddies pool is the perfect size for tots to splash around in.
Opening Hours: From 2 January 2021.
Cost: R2 per child; R8 per adult; free for pensioners
Pikkewyn Street | Durbanville | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 976 7001
PAROW HAS THREE POOL OPTIONS
Parow North boasts three pools: a 30m main pool, a splash pool and a kid’s pool that’s only 0,6m deep. The on-duty lifeguards work from opening to closing to ensure safe relaxation and leisure. There’s a picnic area to enjoy your lunch, or you can buy a snack from the kiosk.
Opening hours: From 1 December 2020.
Cost: R2 for kids; R8 for adults; free for pensioners
De Grendel Drive | Jan Burger Sport Complex | Parow North | +27 (0)21 930 7695
THIS POOL’S STILL GOOD FOR SWIMMING IN WINTER
Blue Downs Indoor Swimming Pool is heated year-round, allowing patrons to swim even when the weather isn't optimal. The facility comes equipped with a conference room. Plus there’s spectator seating, making it ideal for recreational swimming or casual kids water games where parents can keep a watchful eye.
Opening hours: From 1 November 2020.
Cost: R3 per child; R15 per adult; free for pensioners
Hindle Road | Blue Downs | +27 (0)21 444 1940
TRY THIS COOL INDOOR POOL
The Long Street Indoor Swimming Pool comes equipped with a main pool and a kids splash pool. For those who dread the cold, since the pool is inside the water is warmer than most others in Cape Town.Lifeguards are on duty from opening to closing to ensure a safe, fun environment for all.
Note: Every Tuesday from 10am – 2pm, the pool is for ladies use exclusively.
Opening hours: From 14 December.
Cost: R16 per child; R30 per adult; free for pensioners
Corner of Long Street and Orange Street | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 422 0100
WATER YOU DOING THIS WEEKEND?
If you find yourself in Kensington on a hot day, the area’s public swimming pool has a main pool and a splash pool for kids, plus a grassy area to laze the day away or have a family picnic. For added safety, the pool also has lifeguards on-duty from opening to closing times.
Opening hours: From 1 November.
Cost: R2 for kids; R8 for adults; free for pensioners
Dapper Street | Kensington | +27 (0)21 593 8312
THREE POOLS AT BELLVILLE SWIM SPOT
Pack a picnic, lots of sunscreen, and your sense of summer fun and head over to Bellville South public pool. There’s one for everyone: the main pool, at 50 metres in length, is great for pro training, the kiddies pool is perfect for young, novice swimmers, and the 0,3 meters deep baby pool is perfect for splashing. The main pool is even accessible to people with disabilities.
Opening hours: From now till 29 February 2020: 10am – 5pm daily; from 1 March 2020 until Easter Monday: noon – 5pm Fridays, 10am-5pm Saturdays and Sundays.
Cost: R2 for kids; R8 for adults; free for pensioners
Industrie Street | Bellville South | +27 (0)21 951 4879
PLEASE NOTE: All operating hours and entrance costs are subject to change
---
Try swimming in an open-water dam at the Bridge House Mile.
Braai spots, snorkelling, beaches and more in a paradise cove at Oudekraal.
Don’t break the bank with these free and cheap things to do with kids. So many things that the whole family can enjoy with our list of things to do with kids.
Summertime means beach time, so check out these tidal pools.
Take a hike through forests and mountains, then cool off in one of these rock pools.
Off-the-radar beaches: Rocky coves, hidden hamlets, isolated enclaves at these beaches in the Cape.
New idyllic summer hangout in Hermanus’s open-air restaurant, Ficks.
Want something a little more out of the way? Check out these private pools open to the public.
---
Use our events section for an up-to-date overview of what’s happening in the city, suburbs and dorpies. Join our newsletter and add us to your mobile home screen for the ultimate guide to discoveries in Cape Town.
Follow and like us on Twitter ❤ Facebook ❤ LinkedIn ❤ Instagram ❤ Pinterest for updates.
