The Observatory, Newlands and Trafalgar municipal pools have all reopened after undergoing maintenance.

The Observatory pool, which is more than 80 years old, reopened last month after extensive repairs.

It was meant to open on Wednesday December 18 but did not as water quality had not met the required safety standards for bathing, said mayoral committee member for community services and health Patricia van der Ross.

”Once these requirements were met, the pool officially opened on Saturday December 21,” she said.

The pool closed in 2021 because of structural defects. Repairs were delayed due to two appeals received for the swimming pool tender, which was concluded in 2023 (“Pools stay closed for summer,” Thursday January 19 2023).

The scope of work included design upgrades to the pipe and scum channels, excavation and earthworks. Both the main and baby pools had structural refurbishments, including new tiles. The plant room was fully repaired, replacing pumps, motors and valves and upgrades were made to the chlorination, dosing and filtration systems. Testing and commissioning followed the completion of these tasks.

Ward 57 councillor Yusuf Mohamed said the reopening of the pool was a welcome development.

“I understand how much residents have missed this vital recreational space, especially during the warmer months. The pool is more than just a place to swim, it’s a hub for community connection, health, and well-being. I want to commend the City for the efforts made to complete the necessary upgrades and maintenance to ensure the facility is safe, clean, and fully functional for public use,” he said.

“I encourage everyone to take full advantage of the pool, whether it’s for exercise, family outings, or simply enjoying the vibrant community atmosphere. Let’s also work together to keep the space clean, safe, and welcoming for all.”

The Trafalgar pool reopened on Monday December 9 following maintenance that included the replacement of broken tiles in the main pool, fibre lining and epoxy coating of the baby pool, and filtration plant maintenance for both the main and baby pools, said Ms Van der Ross.

Newlands pool also reopened in December after work that included repairs to all the circulation pumps, new motors for the circulation pumps, new valves, replacement of the children’s pool pump, unblocking of the sweeper line, installation of variable speed drives to the circulation pumps, replacement of manhole covers and repairs to the brick paving.

The pools will be open daily until Friday January 31, on weekends only from Saturday February 1 to Sunday March 30 and again daily from Monday March 31 to Monday April 21. For operating hours contact the respective facilities.