Our team’s tip-off: 50% off cottage ...
Completely private cottages with splash pools, hot tubs and more
Public swimming pools to visit this summer
Cool off in kiddies’ splash pools, Olympic-size pools, indoor pools and more
Last Updated: Wednesday, 31 January 2024
Cape Town boasts some impressive public pools with world-class facilities, from swimming pools that meet Olympic standards for professional swimmers, to others with diving boards and splash pools for kids. Some even have playgrounds for tots that can't swim yet (remember to check out the pool’s safety rules).
ATLANTIS
The Wesfleur Swimming Pool in Atlantis features one pool for little kids and another pool for older, more experienced swimmers. The main pool is 50m long, ideal for both recreational swimming and pro training. There’s also a playground for non-swimmers, picnic areas and lifeguards on duty. Bring some money to buy a snack from the kiosk.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: R3 for kids; R9 for adults; free for pensioners
Location: Corner of Grosvenor Road and Reygersdal Road
Contact: 021 572 1624
OBSERVATORY
Soak up the summer rays in Observatory this swimming season. The facility boasts two pools: a 33m main pool to swim laps and 10m shallow pool for kids to splash around in. There’s a picnic area where you can relax, as well as spectator seating so parents can relax while keeping an eye on the kids. If you forget to pack yourself a lunch, there’s also a kiosk that sells snacks.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm daily
Cost: R3 for kids; R9 for adults; free for pensioners
View this post on Instagram
Willow Road | Observatory | 021 689 4578
LANGA
Langa Swimming Pool is big enough for crowds. There’s a main pool that’s 30m long, perfect to get some exercise or just have fun, plus a shallow pool for kids. Make sure to take some snacks or a packed lunch along, as there isn’t a kiosk.
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday, 10am – 5pm daily
Cost: R3 for kids; R9 for adults; free for pensioners
Location: Washington Street
Contact: 021 695 1044
BONTEHEUWEL
This pool has a large main pool and a splash pool for kids, plus a playground and picnic area. Lifeguards are on duty around the clock. What’s more, there’s a volleyball court if you and your mates are feeling up for a game.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: R3 for kids; R9 for adults; free for pensioners
Location: Jakkalsvlei Avenue
Contact: 021 694 1007
HANOVER PARK
Sports is the order of the day at Hanover Park Swimming Pool, with its volleyball and tennis courts, so if you’re looking for something different, this is the place to be. It also features a 33m main pool and 0,5m deep kiddies splash pool. Lifeguards are on duty to ensure everyone’s safety.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday 10am – 5pm
Cost: R3 for kids; R9 for adults; free for pensioners
Location: Surran Road
Contact: 021 692 1430
SEA POINT
The Sea Point Swimming Pool has to be one of the most popular during the peak of summertime. It has four different pools: main, diving, fun and kiddies. At 50m long, the main pool is perfect for training professionals, while the kids pool is great for safe splashing. The diving pool comes equipped with a 5m high diving board. The facility sits at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, and the water is filtered seawater. Minimum chlorine is used, and lifeguards are on duty around the clock. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the grassy areas, and get there early.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 7am – 6:45pm
Cost: R20 per child; R34,50 per adult; free for pensioners
Sea Point Pavilion | Beach Road| 021 434 3341 | Image: @ryanwarneke
MUIZENBERG
Apart from being a popular surfing spot and having a beautiful beach, Muizenberg also boasts a public pool, using its own alternative source of water. This swimming spot is home to a 22m long main pool, as well as a 5m kiddies pool that’s shallow enough to splash around in safely. Lifeguards are on duty around the clock. There are also picnic areas and slides for those who want to stay dry.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: R3 for kids; R9 for adults; free for pensioners
Beach Road | Muizenberg | +27 (0)21 788 1929 | Image: @franciscolittleimages
MNANDI
Thanks to camping facilities, braai areas and a lovely swimming pool, Mnandi Resort is a hub of activity over the festive and summer seasons. There is an enclosed water park, playground and picnic areas on the premises, offering a wide range of activities for all to enjoy. If you’d like to take a stroll along the shore, Monwabisi Beach is right next to the pool. There’s a splash pool for kids and a 30m main pool for more experienced swimmers.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: R3 for kids; R9 for adults; free for pensioners
Location: Weltevreden Road, Mitchells Plain
Contact: 021 392 5520
MANENBERG
Manenberg Swimming Pool is a popular recreational hub amongst locals. With a 33,3m main pool and a shallow splash pool for kids and picnic areas, it’s the perfect location for summer fun with family and friends. Plus, there are lifeguards on duty around the clock.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: R3 for kids; R9 for adults; free for pensioners
Location: Olifant Street
Contact: 021 637 4374
WESTRIDGE
Swim season is in full swing at Westridge Swimming Pool, including a friendly round of tennis if you like playing. There’s a 33m pool for swimming laps or having fun with friends, plus a 12m splash pool for kids that’s only 0,4m deep. The facility also has on-duty lifeguards to ensure safe summer fun. Pack a picnic to enjoy lunch on the grass.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: R3 for kids; R9 for adults; free for pensioners
Silversands Way | 021 371 8332
GOODWOOD
On the corner of Milton and Riebeeck Roads sits Goodwood Swimming Pool, where you’ll find an Olympic-size main pool perfect for pro training, a kid’s pool for novice swimmers, and a 0,3m deep splash pool. The main pool is disability-friendly, plus there’s picnic areas and lifeguards on duty from opening to closing.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: R3 for kids; R9 for adults; free for pensioners
View this post on Instagram
Corner of Milton Road and Riebeeck Road | 021 592 5141
STRAND
Head over to Strand Indoor Swimming Pool, where the beach is mere steps to the left. It's 50m in length and heated, making it the perfect location for swim training when the weather is less than ideal. There’s a kiosk selling snacks and drinks, and spectator seating.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: R20 per child; R35 per adult; free for pensioners
View this post on Instagram
Beach Road | 021 444 2660
RETREAT
Retreat Indoor Swimming Pool comes with a main pool, kiddies splash pool and playground. Plus there are picnic areas to enjoy lunch and some drinks after a long day of playing. The pool is used by the surrounding community for recreational swimming and formal training throughout the year.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: R4 per child; R17 per adult; free for pensioners
View this post on Instagram
Corner of 7th Avenue and Concert Boulevard | 021 701 1513
ATHLONE
Athlone is home to a 33m pool that’s perfect to kick off the summer season with. Pack a picnic lunch for you and the family to enjoy on the grassy area. Plus, there are also lifeguards on duty and a first aid room on site.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: R3 per child; R9 per adult; free for pensioners
Location: Hickory Street
Contact: 021 637 6334
MITCHELLS PLAIN
Eastridge Swimming Pool offers patrons a 33,3m main pool for laps, and a kids’ pool of nine metres. There is also a first aid room in case of emergency. Pack a picnic to enjoy while you get that vital dose of Vitamin D.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: R3 per child; R9 per adult; free for pensioners
Location: Alpine Road, Eastridge
Contact: 021 397 8194
WOODSTOCK
Trafalgar Park Swimming Pool has the trifecta of summer fun: pools, a play area and a lawn to toss out your blanket and have lunch. For kids, the pool is only 0,5m deep, and for older swimmers, the main pool is 48m long (almost Olympic-size) and 1,5m deep.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: R3 per child; R9 per adult; free for pensioners
Location: Searle Street
Contact: 021 461 5060
PHILIPPI
Brown’s Farm Swimming Pool is located in Philippi and features two pools and a grassy area to relax with a picnic lunch. The main pool is 33m long and 1,5m deep, whereas the kid’s pool is just for splashing around at 0,25m deep. There’s also a playground so the kids can run around and dry off before going home.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: R3 per child; R9 per adult; free for pensionersR2 per child; R8 per adult; free for pensioners
Location: Bristol Road, Brown's Farm
Contact: 021 371 6523
KHAYELITSHA
Khayelitsha boasts an impressive 50m swimming pool. Older kids can have fun diving off the spring-board and the little ones can enjoy the kiddies splash pool. There’s also a first aid room in case of emergency. Bring some money along to buy a snack or drink at the kiosk.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: R3 per child; R9 per adult; free for pensioners
Location: Walter Sisulu Drive
Contact: 021 367 0909
LENTEGEUR
For residents of Mitchells Plain and surrounding areas, Lentegeur Swimming Pool is popular in the peak summer heat. The facility includes an Olympic-size main pool with a depth of 1,65m, a kiddies pool, as well as grassy areas and a first-aid room. It's also disability-friendly, and lifeguards are on duty from opening to closing. Be aware it can get windy at this pool, and there are no wind barriers.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: R3 per child; R9 per adult; free for pensioners
Location: Merridale Road
Contact: 084 553 3777
RUYTERWACHT
Ruyterwacht Swimming Pool has two pools, one 24,6m long and 1,55m deep, and a kiddies pool only 0,6m deep. There are grassy areas perfect for a family picnic and a kiosk that sells snacks. Lifeguards are on duty during operating hours.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday 10am – 5pm
Cost: R3 per child; R9 per adult; free for pensioners
Location: Jan van Riebeeck Street
Contact: 021 534 4875
WYNBERG
Many public facilities include the standard main pool, kiddies pool, kiosk and picnic area. Wynberg Swimming Pool takes it one step further with a playground for kids. Plus, the on-duty lifeguards ensure that everyone is safe even if Mom and Dad look away for a moment.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: Rosmead Avenue
Location: Corner of Grosvenor Road and Reygersdal Road
Contact: 021 797 0747
GUGULETHU
Besides Vulindlela’s main pool and children’s pools, the space is equipped with a first-aid room, as well as a grassy area for playing and a relaxed picnic lunch. The main pool is 1,8m deep and 38m long, and the kiddies pool is 0,5m deep.
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 10am - 5pm
Cost: R3 per child; R9 per adult; free for pensioners
Location: Vulindlela, Corner of NY145 and NY117
Contact: 021 637 5097
PAROW
Parow Valley boasts many of the same facilities as the pools already mentioned: main pool, kiddies pool and grassy areas for picnics and games. The main pool is deeper than most at 3,3m, but it’s only 25m long, making it more ideal for water sports. There's a playground, too, and lifeguards work from opening to closing to ensure safety.
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 10am - 5pm
Cost: R3 per child; R9 per adult; free for pensioners
Location: Duncan Street, Parow Valley
Contact: 021 936 8792
DURBANVILLE
Morningstar in Durbanville is on the smaller side, perfect for loungers looking for a quiet day out. The main pool is 20m long and 1,8m deep, making it more ideal for recreational swimming, rather than pro-training. The kiddies pool is the perfect size for tots to splash around in.
Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday 10am - 5pm
Cost: R3 per child; R9 per adult; free for pensioners
Location: Pikkewyn Street
Contact: 021 976 7001
PAROW NORTH
Parow North boasts three pools: a 30m main pool, a splash pool and a kid’s pool that’s only 0,6m deep. The on-duty lifeguards work from opening to closing to ensure safe relaxation and leisure. There’s a picnic area to enjoy your lunch, or you can buy a snack from the kiosk.
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 10am - 5pm
Cost: R3 per child; R9 per adult; free for pensioners
Location: De Grendel Drive, Jan Burger Sport Complex
Contact: 021 930 7695
BLUE DOWNS
Blue Downs Indoor Swimming Pool is heated year-round, allowing patrons to swim even when the weather isn't optimal. The facility comes equipped with a conference room. Plus there’s spectator seating, making it ideal for recreational swimming or casual kids water games where parents can keep a watchful eye.
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 10am - 5pm
Cost: R3 per child; R9 per adult; free for pensioners
Location: Hindle Road
Contact: 021 444 1940
LONG STREET
The Long Street Indoor Swimming Bath's comes equipped with a main pool and a kids splash pool. For those who dread the cold, since the pool is inside the water is warmer than most others in Cape Town. Lifeguards are on duty from opening to closing to ensure a safe, fun environment for all. Plus, it's the only turkish baths in Cape Town and you can buy monthly and season tickets.
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 10am - 5pm
Cost: R20 per child; R35 per adult; free for pensioners
View this post on Instagram
Corner of Long Street and Orange Street | City Centre | 021 422 0100
KENSINGTON
If you find yourself in Kensington on a hot day, the area’s public swimming pool has a main pool and a splash pool for kids, plus a grassy area to laze the day away or have a family picnic. For added safety, the pool also has lifeguards on-duty from opening to closing times.
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 10am - 5pm
Cost: R3 per child; R9 per adult; free for pensioners
Location: Dapper Street
Contact: 021 593 8312
BELVILLE
Pack a picnic, lots of sunscreen, and your sense of summer fun and head over to Bellville South public pool. There’s one for everyone: the main pool, at 50 metres in length, is great for pro training, the kiddies pool is perfect for young, novice swimmers, and the 0,3 meters deep baby pool is perfect for splashing. The main pool is even accessible to people with disabilities.
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 10am - 5pm
Cost: R3 per child; R9 per adult; free for pensioners
Location: Industrie Street, Belville South
Contact: 021 951 4879
PLEASE NOTE: All operating hours and entrance costs are subject to change
---
Try swimming in an open-water dam at the Bridge House Mile.
Braai spots, snorkelling, beaches and more in a paradise cove at Oudekraal.
Don’t break the bank with these free and cheap things to do with kids. So many things that the whole family can enjoy with our list of things to do with kids.
Summertime means beach time, so check out these tidal pools.
Take a hike through forests and mountains, then cool off in one of these rock pools.
Off-the-radar beaches: Rocky coves, hidden hamlets, isolated enclaves at these beaches in the Cape.
New idyllic summer hangout in Hermanus’s open-air restaurant, Ficks.
Want something a little more out of the way? Check out these private pools open to the public.
---
Use our events section for an up-to-date overview of what’s happening in the city, suburbs and dorpies. Join our newsletter and add us to your mobile home screen for the ultimate guide to discoveries in Cape Town.
Follow and like us on Twitter ❤ Facebook ❤ LinkedIn ❤ Instagram ❤ Pinterest for updates.
