The City of Cape Town’s popular Long Street Swimming Pool is open again after being closed for repairs and maintenance. Read more below:
‘The City’s Recreation and Parks Department is happy to reopen the Long Street Swimming Pool after its closure of more than a year. The pool was operational before the lockdown, but had to close after inclement weather ripped off roof sheets. We used the closure to enact further repairs and upgrades. This historic gem dates back to 1908 and we’re aware of its popularity among locals and visitors,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
Repairs and maintenance that took place include:
• Replacement of the rusted steel piping with new UPVC class 16 pipes from plant room to filters
• Repair and service of steel filter tanks
• Repair on heating units
• Repair on 1.1 Kw pumps for heating units
• Repair to damaged roof
• Replacement of filter media with new glass media
• Electrical assessment
The pool is open, but work that still needs to be completed includes:
• Replacement of electrical Distribution Board for heating units
• Complete electrical work in accordance to assessment result
‘We spent more than R1,1 million on the work done so far as it required specialist knowledge and skills. Long Street is one of a few pools which operate all year and is well used by recreational and professional bathers, swimming clubs and various schools, and activities and programmes such as under water hockey and water aerobics take place. We are pleased that many of these activities can now resume with the observation of Covid-19 regulations,’ said Councillor Badroodien.
The facility has a number of staff on duty and this includes lifeguards who patrol and ensure the safety of everyone using the pool.
‘Long Street Swimming Pool has a long, proud and colourful heritage. It was once known as the slipper baths because residents from so many of the surrounding apartment complexes walked over to the facility in their slippers to have a shower. It is encouraging to know that it will once again be well used,’ added Councillor Badroodien.
The pool will be open daily from 07:00 until 15:45. The pool will be open for women only on Tuesdays from 10:00 until 14:00.
Visitors are reminded that the following is not allowed at the pool:
• Alcohol
• Firearms
• Animals
• Use of soap
• Glass containers
• Balls or frisbee games
• Underwater diving equipment
• Inflatable mattresses and tubes
• Playing of music
• The preparation of food
Source: City Of Cape Town