Cape Town – Seventeen community pools in Cape Town are ready to welcome residents over the summer period.
Brown’s Farm and Trafalgar were the latest swimming pools to open their gates at the weekend.
The City said a total of 281 lifeguards had been placed at the various pools.
Currently, 17 community pools were open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 10am until 5pm.
Indoor swimming pools at Retreat, Blue Downs, Strand and Long Street were open daily.
“We’ve had a few challenges this season around the opening of our swimming pools, including finalising criminal clearance checks for lifeguards, which is a national process. (It is) required for staff who work directly with the public, and children in particular,” said Community Services and Health mayco member Patricia van der Ross.
Another challenge was a national shortage of chlorine gas. Van der Ross said the City was testing the viability of alternative HTH chemical products to ensure good water quality.
Pools that will remain closed for the season due to major infrastructural repairs are Eastridge, Elsiesriver, Emthonjeni, Observatory and Vulindlela.
“With school holidays around the corner and many companies closing for the festive season, the Recreation and Parks department is hard at work balancing safety protocols and infrastructural maintenance to ensure safe and accessible facilities to our communities.
“We always welcome feedback from patrons and residents on their experiences at our pools in our strive for service excellence. Please email management on [email protected] or speak to the facility officer on duty at the your local swimming pool,” said Van der Ross.
More updates about additional opening times will be available on the City’s website as the season progresses.
Cape Times