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    Muizenberg Swimming Pool
    Photograph: City of Cape Town | Muizenberg Swimming Pool
    Photograph: City of Cape Town

    The best public pools in Cape Town

    The Mother City is set for soaring summer temperatures. Luckily, there are sparkling public swimming pools across the city, with entry from as little as R9 per adult!

    Richard Holmes
    Written by Richard Holmes
    Local expert, Cape Town
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    Cape Town may have some of the best beaches in South Africa, but there are days when the sea is simply too cold or too wild, and not even a tidal pool will do to cool off. That’s when the city’s many public swimming pools come into their own.

    The City of Cape Town operates a network of municipal pools across the metro, ranging from neighbourhood pools perfect for kids to have a quick dip, through to proper training pools. And, of course, there’s the fabulous Sea Point Pavilion. Most operate seasonally, while a handful of indoor pools stay open through the colder months. Best of all, they’re cheap as chips! Some pools offer adult access for as little as R9, and are free for pensioners and young kids.

    Opening dates and hours change regularly, particularly outside the peak summer season and school holidays, so it’s worth checking the City of Cape Town’s official swimming-pool page before making a special trip. But when the mercury spikes and you want to cool off, you’ll want to grab the cozzie and head for one of these!

    Five Cape Town favourites...

    Sea Point Swimming Pool

    Sea Point Swimming Pool
    Sea Point Swimming Pool
    Photograph: City of Cape Town

    Set beside the Atlantic, with waves often crashing onto the paving, Sea Point Swimming Pool is one of Cape Town’s landmark public swimming facilities. The saltwater complex has four pools: a 50-metre main pool, a five-metre-deep diving pool, a recreational pool and a children’s pool. There are grassed areas for picnics, along with changing rooms, showers and kiosks. The pool can get very busy in peak season and on public holidays, with long queues forming before opening.

    Opening hours are generally noon - 7pm on Mondays and 7am - 7pm Tuesday to Sunday. Entry is R39 for adults and R23 for children; pensioners enter free. Sea Point is cashless.

    Sea Point Pavilion, Lower Beach Road, Sea Point

    Long Street Indoor Swimming Pool

    Long Street Indoor Swimming Pool
    Long Street Indoor Swimming Pool
    Photograph: City of Cape Town

    First opened in 1908, Long Street Baths is one of Cape Town’s most distinctive public swimming pools, with original period architecture and a heated 25-metre indoor pool. The main pool is up to 2.8 metres deep in parts, with a separate children’s pool, changing rooms and showers. Tuesdays include a women-only swimming session from 10am to 2pm, (shortened during school holidays).

    Opening hours are typically 7am - 7pm daily. Entry is R40 for adults and R23 for children; pensioners enter free.

    Long Street, Cape Town City Centre

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    Newlands Swimming Pool

    Newlands Swimming Pool
    Newlands Swimming Pool
    Photograph: City of Cape Town

    Set beneath the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Newlands is one of Cape Town’s largest outdoor swimming complexes. The main 50-metre pool is joined by a 25-metre diving pool, reaching five metres deep, and a 15-metre kiddies’ pool. Facilities include spectator seating, changing rooms, showers and picnic areas on grassy lawns.

    The pool reopened in 2022 after a R28-million refurbishment that included new pipework, repairs to the pools, retiling and waterproofing, electrical upgrades and restoration of the grandstand. 

    Peak-season opening hours are 10am–6pm daily. Entry is R9 for adults, R3 for children aged 3–15, and free for under-twos and pensioners. Opening hours change seasonally, so check the latest pool schedule before visiting.

    Corner Main and Sans Souci roads, Newlands

    Retreat Indoor Swimming Pool

    Retreat Indoor Swimming Pool
    Retreat Indoor Swimming Pool
    Photograph: City of Cape Town

    The Retreat Indoor Swimming Pool serves swimmers, schools, clubs and learn-to-swim programmes in the southern suburbs. The main indoor pool measures 30 by 20 metres and reaches 1.2 metres deep. There is also a shallow children’s pool, changing rooms, showers, a playground and picnic areas.

    Opening hours are generally 7am - 7pm daily. Entry is R20 for adults and R4 for children; pensioners enter free.

    Cnr 7th Avenue and Concert Boulevard, Retreat

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    Strand Indoor Swimming Pool

    Strand Indoor Swimming Pool
    Strand Indoor Swimming Pool
    Photograph: City of Cape Town

    Strand Indoor Swimming Pool sits just off Beach Road and boasts a full-length 50-metre indoor pool. The complex also has a 12-metre children’s pool, spectator seating, showers, changing rooms, disability access and a kiosk. Dedicated pensioner swimming sessions operate in the mornings: 8am - 10am weekdays, 8am - 9am weekends.

    Opening hours are usually 8am - 5pm daily. Entry is R40 for adults and R23 for children; pensioners enter free.

    Beach Road, Strand

    More pools for a plunge in Cape Town

    More pools in the Southern Suburbs

    More pools in the Southern Suburbs
    More pools in the Southern Suburbs
    Photograph: City of Cape Town

    In the south, Muizenberg Swimming Pool sits just back from the beachfront, while Observatory Swimming Pool offers an accessible neighbourhood option closer to the city. Trafalgar Swimming Pool, on Searle Street in Woodstock, is another convenient choice on the edge of the City Bowl. Newlands Swimming Pool offers one of the best-value dips in the city: just R9 to access two pools and grassy picnic lawns.

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    Pool safety

    Pool safety
    Pool safety
    Photograph: City of Cape Town

    Ensure a safe day out by following some simple safety precautions at Cape Town’s public pools:

    Keep young children within close reach around the water, including shallow and children’s pools.

    Non-swimmers and inexperienced swimmers should remain in suitable depths and alert a lifeguard if assistance is needed.

    Check depth markings before entering the water or diving. Walk around wet pool surrounds, keep clear of diving areas and avoid rough play.

    Lifeguards supervise the facility, but children still require active adult supervision at all times.

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    Know the rules

    Know the rules
    Know the rules
    Photograph: City of Cape Town

    Be sure to stick to the city’s rules and regulations for public swimming facilities

    Children under seven must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.

    Proper swimming costumes are required.

    Glass containers, pets, inflatable mattresses and tubes, balls, Frisbees and underwater diving equipment are not permitted. Running, pushing, ducking, bombing and rough play are prohibited.

    Diving boards may only be used by one person at a time, and swimmers must stay clear of the water immediately beneath them.

    Individual facilities may have additional rules. Always follow instructions from lifeguards and pool staff.

    Picnics are allowed at many pools, but glass, tents and pets are prohibited. Alcohol is also strictly forbidden.

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