The City of Cape Town has announced that its public swimming pools will be open daily during the holiday season; however, disruptions caused by continued loadshedding are expected.
The City’s statement included some of the measures that will be implemented for loadshedding:
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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 reopen. The summer season continues until Easter, and pools will be open, although operational times may vary.
The 16 community pools now open daily from Monday to Sunday between 10am and 5pm are Bellville, Bellville South, Bonteheuwel, Brown’s Farm, Delft, Goodwood, Hanover Park, Kensington, Khayelitsha, Lentegeur, Muizenberg, Parow North, Ruyterwacht, Trafalgar, Wesfleur (Atlantis), and Wynberg.
Retreat, Blue Downs, and Strand are open from 10am until 5pm, while Sea Point and Long Street are open from 7am until 7pm.
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 holiday period.
At Newlands Swimming Pool, two significant concerns were identified regarding the water circulation and chlorination system. This led to unforeseen delays in the opening as scheduled.
To date, the chlorination system and water circulation are being tested to ensure compliant PH levels. Even though the plant room has historical significance, it is planned to fix and improve the chlorination system and the whole plant room in the future.
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 or infiltration.
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 loadshedding on swimming pools:
Please be aware that depending on how bad the loadshedding is in their area, the building’s management may have to change the planned opening times.
Electricity is needed at a swimming pool to keep the plant room functional. It is the control centre for the circulation of water and the distribution of chemicals, which maintains water quality standards.
As we swim, water needs to be circulated and filtered for the removal of debris such as grass, leaves, hair, and other large particles. Chemicals disinfect and purify swimming water, which is compromised by the dilution of sunscreen, oils, and other products that wash off the body and fabrics when swimming.
Municipal pools are required to test the quality of the water 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.
If loadshedding 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 before abruptly closing when water quality falls below the standard.
If loadshedding happens during operational times:
- When the water quality falls below the standard, patrons will be asked to leave.
- Patrons will 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 loadshedding
- 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 keep in mind that no tickets will be sold or new entries will be permitted at any swimming pool during load shedding when systems are down.
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.
The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross, said:
“It has been a very trying time for our Recreation and Parks Department as numerous challenges, including loadshedding 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.”
She continued, “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.”
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