City pilots extended weekday hours for community pools

City of Cape Town has announced a pilot programme that will see extended weekday operating hours at its 31 community swimming pools, Cape {town} Etc reports.

From Wednesday, 28 January 2026, until 6 April 2026, these pools will open from Wednesdays to Sundays, marking a significant change in the scheduling of these community facilities.

This pilot initiative comes after the City’s swimming pools reverted to weekend-only operations on 19 January 2026, following a busy summer season.

Traditionally, the City has opted for reduced hours during school terms due to a decline in demand. However, persistent requests from communities have prompted the City to trial midweek operations to gauge interest and sustainability.

‘We are pleased to confirm that our community pools will open from Wednesday to Sunday each week during this pilot period,’ said Councillor Francine Higham, the Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.

‘The usage results will inform future decisions on whether the facilities can operate seven days a week throughout the summer months,’

The revised operating hours from 28 January through to 22 March 2026 will be:

• Monday – Tuesday: Closed
• Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00

Following this period, community swimming pools will once again operate daily during the school holiday from 23 March until 6 April, closing the season on 7 April 2026.

However, it is important to note that six community pools will close for significant infrastructure repairs starting in early February to ensure they are fully operational for the upcoming 2026/27 summer season.

The affected pools include Manenberg, Langa, Lentegeur, Goodwood, Bellville South, and Delft. Meanwhile, the Retreat Swimming Pool has completed its repairs and reopened to the public on 23 January 2026.

Beyond these community facilities, residents can continue to enjoy access to four indoor swimming pools—Retreat, Blue Downs, Long Street, and Strand, as well as the popular Sea Point swimming pool.

The City has made substantial investments in swimming pool upgrades, totalling approximately R113.5 million over the past three financial years. This financial commitment has resulted in 36 of the City’s 37 pools being open this summer—an improvement from just 26 pools in the 2022/23 season.

Furthermore, additional funding is anticipated to enhance swimming pool facilities further, with an increased capital budget set to rise from just under R12.5 million to nearly R29.7 million this financial year.

This will benefit the pools undergoing closure for repairs, helping to ensure their readiness for future seasons.

‘Our swimming pools are more than recreational spaces; they provide safe, inclusive environments that foster physical health, mental well-being, and social connections,’ Higham emphasised.

‘For young people, these pools offer positive, supervised spaces during the summer months, while older residents find accessible opportunities to stay active,’

Article shared by Cape Town Etc

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