The City has secured enough chemicals to open municipal pools daily between 23 December 2022 and 15 January 2023. This is to ensure that children can enjoy every day of the holidays before schools re-open. The summer season continues until Easter and pools will be open, although operational times may vary.
The 16 community pools now opening daily from Monday to Sunday between 10:00 and 17:00 are Bellville, Bellville South, Bonteheuwel, Brown’s Farm, Delft, Goodwood, Hanover Park, Kensington, Khayelitsha, Lentegeur, Muizenberg, Parow North, Ruyterwacht, Trafalgar, Wesfleur (Atlantis) and Wynberg.
The four indoor swimming pools and Sea Point are also operational.
Retreat, Blue Downs and Strand open from 10:00 until 17:00, while Sea Point and Long Street are open from 07:00 until 19:00.
Eight swimming pools are temporarily closed due to structural, mechanical and electrical faults. Work continues at Athlone, Langa, Manenberg, Mnandi, Westridge, Parow Valley, Ravensmead and Newlands. Once repairs are completed, opening dates and times will be communicated to the public.
A number of checks and balances are put in place to ensure pool readiness prior to the peak festive period.
At Newlands Swimming Pool, two significant concerns were identified regarding the water circulation and chlorination system. This led to unforeseen delays in opening as scheduled.
To date, testing of the chlorination system and water circulation is currently in process to ensure compliant PH levels. The chlorination system and entire plant room is planned for future repairs and upgrades, notwithstanding the heritage significance of the plant room structure.
The second priority relates to constrained water circulation between the scum channel and the sump. The connection is being re-established and tested, in order to avoid any blockages in filtration.
As communicated before, the following pools will not open for the 2022/ 23 season due to major repairs needed: Eastridge, Elsies River, Emthonjeni, Morningstar, Observatory and Vulindlela.
The Impact of load-shedding on swimming pools
Please note that facility management may have to deviate from planned opening times, subject to the stage of load-shedding affecting their area.
Electricity is needed at a swimming pool to keep the plant room functional. It is the control centre for circulation of water and distribution of chemicals, which maintain water quality standards.
As we swim, water needs to be circulated and filtered for removal of debris such as grass, leaves, hair and other large particles. Chemicals disinfect and purify swimming water, compromised by the dilution of sunscreen, oils and products that wash off the body and fabrics when swimming.
Municipal pools are required to test water quality throughout the day. The City has put protocols in place to maintain health and safety standards by controlling pool capacity, managing chemical levels and ensuring adequate water circulation.
The following measures will be implemented for load-shedding:
If load-shedding takes place before opening times:
• pools may remain closed until electricity is restored in the plant room
• pools may open for a short period of time and unexpectedly have to close again when water quality falls below standard
If load-shedding happens during operational times:
• patrons will be asked to exit the water when water quality falls below standard
• patrons may be allowed to remain inside the facility, avoiding the water, provided alternative recreational space is available
• no additional costs will be incurred if patrons already inside the facility, remain there during load-shedding
• Swimming pools may close until further notice, if extended load-shedding shutdowns cause mechanical and system failures in the plant room. In addition, patrons will be asked to exit the water and leave the facility as safety is compromised.
Please note that no tickets will be sold or new entries allowed at any swimming pool during load-shedding when systems are offline.
In the event that a swimming pool is closed and patrons are asked to leave, a new ticket will need to be purchased for re-entry.
‘It has been a very trying time for our Recreation and Parks department as numerous challenges including load-shedding and the supply of chemicals have thrown many plans into disarray. Unforeseen challenges such as the ones experienced at swimming pools that were meant to be open by now have compounded the situation. The City apologises to residents for any inconvenience caused, but we have a duty to ensure that our recreational facilities are safe for public use. While we have a plan to deal with the ongoing challenges, its success rests heavily on the cooperation and understanding of our patrons. I ask that everyone does their bit to ensure that their visits to our swimming pools and all other City recreational areas are an enjoyable and safe experience,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.
Source: City Of Cape Town