The Western Cape may still be suffering under tough water restrictions but mense can expect some relief this summer.
The City of Cape Town says a total of 17 municipal swimming pools will be operational this December holiday until next year despite the current level 5 water restrictions in place.
Last year, only 13 of the 35 public pools were open during the summer season due to the severe water shortage.
Mayco Member for Social Services, JP Smith, said alternative water sources will be used to ensure that the water levels are kept at an operationally suitable level.
The outdoor pools in Atlantis, Bellville South, Bonteheuwel, Eastridge, Goodwood, Hanover Park, Kensington, Khayelitsha, Manenberg, Mnandi, Muizenberg and Vulindlela will be open from 1 December to 2 February from 10am to 4pm.
While the times of the indoor pools will differ, Blue Downs, Retreat and Strand have been open throughout the year from 10am to 5pm.
The Long Street baths open from 7am to 4pm. Sea Point Pavilion pool has been open since early this month from 7am to 6.30pm and will close in January.
Smith said they are busy converting four of the existing pools to also use salt water, like the Sea Point pool.
“With water restrictions still in place we are not allowed to use any drinking water to maintain the pools,” Smith says.
“So all operational swimming pools have been fitted with two 10 000-litre plastic JoJo tanks. These tanks are used to recycle and filter water in circulation back into the swimming pool.”