5 POOLS TO COOL DOWN IN THIS SUMMER

Summers in Cape Town are like no other. The days are long, the scenery is majestic and most of all, it’s super hot. The wind does offer temporary relief from the sweltering heat, but we all know the best way to cool down is a refreshing dip.

While we are lucky enough to be surrounded by beautiful beaches, the freezing Atlantic waters combine with burning hot sand may be a bit much. Luckily there are awesome pools that can do the trick. Here are six public pools for you to cool down in this summer.

1. Trafalgar Swimming Pool

Located in buzzing Woodstock, the Trafalgar Swimming Pool is in the heart of the X park. It is open from October to April, when the summer season is in full swing. The pool is a local haunt and can accommodate up to 150 people at a time. There is also a children’s pool for the little ones. There’s also plenty of grass, so you can pack a picnic and enjoy a great day out with the whole family.

A photo posted by Tamsin Ranger (@tamsinranger) on Jan 18, 2016 at 3:01am PST

OF NOTE
When Monday – Sunday 10 am – 5 pm
Where Searle Street, Woodstock
Cost Children R1.50, Adults R6
Contact +27 21 461 5060

2. Long Street Indoor Swimming Baths

In the heart of the city, at the top of Long Street, you’ll find the Long Street Public Pool. Located in a great old building, the pools will make you think of days gone by. There is 25m lap pool and a children’s pool, all located indoors – away from the piercing heat. The pool is also temperature-controlled, so you can enjoy a swim in winter. There are also Turkish bath facilities, if you are feeling up to it, that are open to men and women on different days.

A photo posted by bibibabette (@bibi_babette) on Jan 20, 2016 at 3:30am PST

OF NOTE
When Monday – Sunday 7 am – 7 pm
Where Long Street, CBD
Cost Children R11, Adults R22, Turkish baths R56
Contact +27 21 422 0100

3. Sea Point Pavillion

One of the most picturesque public pools in the city – the pool overlooks the ocean. You can watch boats sail by, catch a few rays and take plenty of pics for your Instagram. The pool is filled with filtered seawater that is fresh and clean. It is like swimming in the sea, but with none of the annoying sand. The pool is open year-round and is quite popular, so go early to get a good spot to place your towel.

A photo posted by hannah edwards ✨ (@hannahyedwards) on Aug 21, 2016 at 5:15am PDT

OF NOTE
When Monday – Sunday 7 am – 7 pm (9 am – 5 pm in Winter)
Where Sea Point Pavillion
Cost Children R11, Adults R22
Contact +27 21 434 3341

4. Muizenberg Swimming Pool

With its warmer water, Muizenburg is the place where most people go swim in the sea. That’s not to say there aren’t any pools to enjoy. The Muizenburg Pool is huge. It can accommodate 600+ people, a bonus during the peak summer seasons. If those numbers intimidate you, don’t worry. There are eight lifeguards on duty to ensure your safety. There is a 5m shallow pool for the kiddies, and an awesome water slide attached to the bigger pool. It’s a great place to spend a lazy summer day with the whole family.

A photo posted by Lara Dunwell (@laradunwell) on Dec 27, 2015 at 6:28am PST

OF NOTE
When Monday – Sunday 10 am – 5 pm
Where Beach Road, Muizenburg
Cost Children R1, Adults R6
Contact +27 21 788 1929

5. Vulindlela Swimming Pool

Mzoli’s is not the only cool place in Gugulethu. The Vulindlela Swimming offers hours of watery pleasure. There is a 38m pool and a 15m pool for kids. The whole area can accommodate 700 people at a time, so you know you are in for a festive time at the pool.

A photo posted by Cleo (@cleopatra_menzi) on Oct 20, 2016 at 2:37am PDT

OF NOTE
When Monday – Sunday 10 am – 5 pm
Where Corner of NY145 and NY117, Gugulethu
Cost Children R1.50 Adults R6
Contact +27 21 637 50 97

Photography courtesy images