Cape Town swimming pool update: More pools will not open as planned

Cape Town residents looking to cool off at a municipal swimming pool have been given an updated list of facilities that will not open as planned, following delays and unplanned work.

The update comes just days after the City announced that its public swimming pools would operate daily during the 23 September to 5 October 2026 school holidays.

The original holiday plan was for pools to operate from 10:00 to 17:00, Monday to Sunday, giving families more opportunities to use the facilities during the school break.

However, the City has now confirmed that a number of pools will remain closed or open later because of ongoing work.

These Cape Town swimming pools will not open

According to the latest City update, the following pools are undergoing major works and will not be opened:

• Athlone
• Bellville
• Bellville South
• Bonteheuwel
• Emthonjeni
• Westridge

A separate group of pools has been affected by unplanned works and will open later:

• Khayelitsha
• Browns Farm
• Bonteheuwel
• Goodwood

This means residents should check the latest status before heading to their nearest facility, particularly as some pools that were expected to operate during the holiday period have subsequently been affected by work.

Which pools can residents use instead?

The City is encouraging residents to make use of its selected swimming pools operating between 10:00 and 17:00, Monday to Sunday.

The alternatives listed by the City are:

• Langa
• Atlantis
• Delft
• Elsies River
• Kensington
• Long Street indoor pool
• Morningstar
• Observatory pool
• Parow North
• Parow Valley
• Ravensmead
• Ruyterwacht
• Sea Point
• Trafalgar
• Blue Downs
• Eastridge
• Hanover Park
• Manenberg
• Muizenberg
• Newlands
• Retreat
• Strand indoor pool
• Wynberg

Pool hours will change after the school holidays

The 10:00 to 17:00 daily schedule is specifically linked to the school holiday period.

Once the holidays end, the City’s public swimming pools will move to reduced operating hours from 6 October.

The planned schedule is:

Wednesday to Friday: 13:00 to 17:00

Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 to 17:00

The City previously advised residents to check the operating status and hours of their local pool before setting out, particularly while maintenance and other works are ongoing.