Retreat swimming pool reopened
The Retreat swimming pool reopened its doors to the public last Thursday, October 17, after several months of upgrades, just in time for summer.
The City welcomed regulars back to the indoor pool, which was closed in June for repairs and maintenance which saw an overhaul of the filtration system, refurbishment and installation of new heating units, construction of a new baby pool, repairs to the main pool and the replacement of outdated valves on the pool deck.
Mayoral committee member for community services and health, Patricia van der Ross, said it has been a long haul, but hopes the upgrades will provide an improved user experience.
“Our swimming pool operations draw significant interest from the public each year, and for good reason – they are among our most popular recreational facilities. Our Recreation and Parks Department is working to get as many facilities as possible summer-ready, and we ask the public to please bear with us while arrangements are finalised.”
She encouraged the public to help keep these facilities in tip-top shape, for everyone’s benefit.
There are four indoor swimming pools around the metropole with Strand set to reopen in early December and plans are in place to start opening community swimming pools in a staggered approach from mid-November.
The reopening of the Retreat indoor swimming pool is a welcome development for the community, giving residents a revitalised space to relax and enjoy, said ward councillor Shanen Rossouw.
“We look forward to seeing it become a hub of activity once again and encourage everyone to make the most of it.”
The facility will be open seven days a week, including public holidays, between 10am and 5pm.
For more information about swimming pool programmes, including learn-to-swim sessions for youth, water aerobics for adults and other water safety activities, contact the facility officer directly on 021 814 1201.
Meanwhile, work on the Sea Point swimming pool is progressing well to address a sinkhole caused by a collapsed water line that was detected in early September.
All pools have been drained and cleaned to facilitate the next phase of inspections and repairs and excavation work will begin in the coming weeks to further assess the condition of the pipeline. The full extent of the defects can only be confirmed after excavation is completed and a second assessment will be done but reopening of the facility can’t be confirmed just yet, the City said.