The swimming pool was officially re-opened after the completion of four project phases and an investment of over R28 million.
Nearly five years after Newlands Swimming Pool closed its doors at the end of the season in 2017, the facility has been restored to pristine form and is accessible to the public seven days a week from today.
Operations will be from 10:00 to 17:00 daily, limited to a capacity of 600, until further safety compliance certificates are in place to accommodate maximum capacity.
The facility opens towards the end of the 2021/2022 summer season when most community pools are preparing to close for repairs and maintenance.
As a result, a management decision has been made to extend Newlands’ operational period to the end of May 2022.
Current tariffs are R32 for adults and R18 for children daily. There is no charge for persons with disabilities and pensioners.
‘The reopening of Newlands swimming pool is a major milestone. It is an iconic facility, and we are very pleased that the public can now return to enjoy what’s on offer, whether it is just a day by the pool, or to enjoy competitive swimming galas. I want to thank our patrons for their patience during what was a very arduous process. I also want to thank the project management team for getting over the line, in spite of the many challenges, like the delays brought about by the Covid-19 lockdown regulations. I call on Capetonians to come and enjoy the facility before we close for winter,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.
When the swimming pool initially closed, Cape Town was experiencing a severe drought. Routine water top-ups were suspended, which revealed the extent of the damage to the infrastructure causing water loss.
An extensive assessment of the pool’s basins and pipework was conducted, using cameras to trace the asbestos and cast iron piping underground.
A structural investigation report was finalised in 2018 and both capital funding and repairs and maintenance budgets were sourced to complete the upgrades required.
Construction then began in late 2019, temporarily interrupted by hard lockdown periods due to Covid-19.
This included:
Phase I – removal of all asbestos pipes, repairing of leaking pool basins, re-tiling, paving, waterproofing and resealing control joints in the main, diving and baby pools.
Phase II – Electrical upgrades to the main facility building and external lights, as well as a major refurbishment of the grandstand area
Phase III – Servicing of filtration room, connecting new pipes, paving facility entrance and maintenance of ablutions and commentators box
Some parts of the facility were carefully serviced without replacement due to their heritage status, including the plant room and the commentators box.
The event to mark the official reopening was well attended by dignitaries, professional swimmers and representatives from community swimming clubs.
The first patrons to enjoy a dip in the pool were the Cape Town Aquatics synchronised swimming team, who performed multiple sequences in celebration of the event.