Four of Cape Town’s public swimming pools to close
· The South African
After days of sweltering heat across Cape Town, some residents hoping to cool off may soon have fewer options.
The City has announced that four of its public swimming pools will shut their gates on Monday, 23 February. This is for repairs and upgrades aimed at improving swimming facilities long-term.
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Why now?
The closures form part of the City’s ongoing infrastructure programme, which focuses on maintaining safe and reliable community swimming pools. Officials say the work is necessary to extend the lifespan of facilities that serve thousands of visitors each year.
From Monday, 23 February 2026, four pools will close for the remainder of the current swimming season while maintenance work takes place.
The affected facilities are:
- Manenberg Swimming Pool
- Goodwood Swimming Pool
- Lentegeur Swimming Pool
- Langa Swimming Pool
Two other pools – Delft and Bellville South – have already been closed earlier as part of the same programme.
The Sea Point Pavillion will remain open for the rest of the summer season. Image: CoCTUpgrades gather pace
The City’s Recreation and Parks Department says the closures are tied to its five-year swimming pool strategy, which is now halfway through implementation. The plan focuses on repairs, infrastructure improvements, and long-term sustainability across the metro’s 37 public pools.
Over the past three financial years, approximately R113.5 million has been invested in upgrades and maintenance projects.
Mayco Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham, said public pools play an important role beyond recreation.
“Our swimming pools are vital, multi-functional community hubs that promote health, safety and a sense of community,” she said.
“These are facilities that are well-used and are more than just a place to cool off, but we need to ensure they remain in good condition and are maintained.”
Officials added that detailed work plans and timelines will be shared once final site assessments are completed.
Beat the heat: Remaining swimming pool operating hours
Despite the closures, 30 public pools will remain open until 22 March 2026 under adjusted operating hours:
- Monday – Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00
During the school holidays, from 23 March to 6 April, pools will operate daily before closing for the season on 7 April.
Residents are encouraged to plan visits accordingly while maintenance work continues.
View the updated schedule here.