Cape Town - The City of Cape Town together with a local ward councillor has confirmed that the much-loved Sea Point swimming pool will open its doors next week in time for the beginning of the school holidays following a collapsed water line and a sinkhole.
The news has been met with much relief and excitement from residents who have missed their daily swimming sessions.
In September, the City detected the sinkhole during a routine inspection at the facility.
The pool is one of 38 managed by the City with 12 operational, while others are expected to open their doors in due course
Repairs include servicing of water pumps, water treatment to painting and a new batch of information and safety signs.
Ward councillor, Nicola Jowell said they were on deadline in terms of the repairs and were satisfied.
“The repair and maintenance work at the Sea Point Pavilion is progressing well,” she explained.
“The closure of the facility was done in order to repair and replace a damaged water line that had also caused a sinkhole.
“But added to this work the department has undertaken a host of other essential work to keep the facility in good condition and ensure the water quality for all users.
“From servicing pumps, cleaning out sludge tanks, cleaning and servicing chlorinates, treatment of the wooden benches, painting and replacing over 130 new signs.
“The pool is certainly going to be looking great for the very busy festive season that is expected.
“The goal has been to have the pool reopened before the start of the main school holidays and this looks to be on track but the exact opening date will be confirmed with the contractors later this week.”
Mayco member for Community Services and Health, Patricia Van der Ross said doors were expected to reopen from December 10, 2024 and the operating times will be from 07:00 – 19:00.
Van der Ross explained the City managed 38 swimming pools, and that of those currently open include Morningstar, Long Street, Atlantis, Langa, Blue Downs, Kuils River resort, Elsies River, Parow North, Muizenberg, Retreat, Newlands and Zandvlei Caravan Park.
Van der Ross explained that other swimming pools will open gradually from December 6, 2024 and that a comprehensive re-opening list of all City swimming pools will be communicated in due course via the City’s website.
The Sea Point Fresnaye, Bantry Bay and Ratepayers and Residents’ Association’s executive members told Weekend Argus they had missed their swimming sessions and were happy that the deadline was being met.
They said it was an historical landmark in the community which drew residents from all over the city and visitors from abroad.
“The regular early morning swimmers and public have been sorely missing this great institution and cannot wait to get back into the water,” they said.
“From what we are being told and what is seen in the news it looks like the pool will be reopened mid-December in time for the holiday season.
“The pool is a very important landmark in Sea Point with its classic architecture, open public pools, grass areas, close proximity to the sea and spectacular views that makes it a very special year round popular facility .
“In summer there are long queues waiting to get in to enjoy the cool waters, diving boards and children plunge pool and other amenities.
“It is a very special place for many families.
“This is a very important pool as the competitive swimmers and general public enjoy the pool facilities over the holiday season.
“One concern is the state of the exterior of the pool buildings and it requires a good clean and touch up.
It is showing signs of wear and tear, and last winter harsh weather was not kind to the façade and outdoor deck of the facility.”
All City swimming pools tariffs can be accessed via the City’s website on link 6 - Recreation and Parks - Pools.xlsx (capetown.gov.za)
These prices can start from R3 per child under the age of 16 to R9 for an adult to R21 for children under 16 at Sea Point Swimming Pool and R36 for adults.