[Updated: February 2020]
The Mother City is the hottest place to be this summer. You’ll find Capetonians lounging beside poolside on rooftops with their martinis, sweating in the sun and mastering the art of looking very good while doing very little. Cape Town’s swimming pools extend anywhere from beachfront to the rooftop and await you to revel in summer at full swing. In no particular order, here’s our savvy guide to keeping things cool for sunseekers and serious swimmers alike.
1. Skyline views at the Grey Hotel
Courtesy of @thegreysa via Instagram
The pool deck makes you feel on top of the world with a 360-view of the city, the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. Swim in the inviting deep blue water at the Pool Deck and Skybar while catching the last rays of sun drifting away behind the mountain top. A sunset so beautiful, you’d wish you could end every day this magical. Relax on the luxurious loungers and order an expertly-mixed cocktail.
Open: The Skybar rooftop is open from 12:00 to 23:00 (weather dependant) Closed on Mondays and winter seasons (June to August)
49 Napier St, De Waterkant, Cape Town
Call: 021 4181096, bookings@thepianobar.co.za
Sunseeker or serious swimmer? The verdict: sunseeker (and cocktail-drinker)
2. Work, swim, lounge and sip beside the Batstone Pool
Courtesy of Batstone Pool Facebook
In the heart of the city, this poolside is a revitalizing combination of luxury and convenience. Batstone pool offers remote workers and sun-worshippers an ideal atmosphere to catch up on emails in between a welcome plunge in the pool. It’s where hip Capetonians come to work and play. Step into the Napier street elevator to Level D and ride your way to an inner-city oasis. Experience first-class view of the city bowl, Table Mountain and Lion’s Head while taking a quick refreshing dip before taking on the rest of your day.
Open: Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 19:00
Call: 079 973 8368.
Take note: Inner City Ideas Cartel Members and Batstone Pool members can book loungers in advance, walk-ins cannot. Be sure to call ahead to book a lounger as space is limited.
Sunseeker or serious swimmer? The verdict: sunseeker. Best for a sneaky afternoon swim in between work or better yet your new outdoor office.
3. The new face of Seapoint Pavilion
Courtesy of @richwadhamsmith via Instagram
For many visitors to the Mother City, the Sea Point Pavilion is summer. The iconic grand dame of the Sea Point promenade frequently features at the top of the world’s best swimming pools. This is a must-visit destination for travellers seeking an authentic Cape Town experience. Behemoth tankers skim the horizon, laughter rings out over the water, and the bells of the ice cream bicycles sing as they wend their way past. The filtered seawater is fresh, and during peak season, this is the most buzzing place to be in Cape Town. Hence why you should go early if you’re looking for a serious workout. You have the choice of four changing rooms with amenities.
Sea Point Swimming Pool is open all year round.
Winter hours: 09:00 to 17:00
Summer hours: 07:00 to 19:00
Call: 021 434 3341
Sunseeker or serious swimmer? The verdict: both
4. A hidden gem: Long Street Baths
Courtesy of @russkellermann via Instagram
The dreamy murals at Long Street Public Baths will have Wes Anderson fans swooning. Many people walk past the Long Street baths without ever venturing inside. This historic gem opened in 1908 and has been the stop-and-go for lunchtime breaks and in between business meetings. Nostalgia and practicality meet in this venerable public facility. There’s a children’s pool, refreshing plunge pool and Turkish baths. You can also find a 25-metre lap pool for those looking for something more serious. It’s the best of both worlds, honestly. The Baths are open to only women or only men on certain days and can be confirmed by phone call.
Opening hours: 07:00 to 19:00 every day of the year
Call: 021 422 0100
Sunseeker or serious swimmer? The verdict: serious swimmer
5. Palatial poolside bliss
Courtesy of @belmondmountnelsonhotel via Instagram
Rumour has it that at the luxurious Belmond Mount Nelson if you book a spa treatment, you may have a shot at a swim in the palatial waters that abut the spa. The luxury treatments range from about R1,000 and visitors can enjoy complimentary use of herbal teas, plunge pools and steam baths or saunas. The blush pink buildings, elegant grounds and sophisticated loungers are calling your name.
Enquire at Librisa Spa, Mount Nelson for more info.
Call: 021 483 1550
76 Orange Street
Sunseeker or serious swimmer? The verdict: both
Love the water and swimming activities?
Read our adventure guide to scuba diving in Cape Town.
6. Summer fun at Vulindlela Swimming Pool
It’s not just the Cape Town CBD which has great swimming facilities, Vulindlela Swimming Pool is located in Gugulethu and has a 38-metre main pool and 15-metre children’s pool. The pool area can accommodate 700 patrons at one time, but there are only 15 parking bays available. It, therefore, provides the perfect opportunity for a fun family day. Summer days are a haze of cheers, dive bombs and happy swimmers.
Corner of NY145 and NY117, Gugulethu
Call: 021 637 5097
Sunseeker or serious swimmer? The verdict: both
7. Sunset from The Cape Milner Hotel
Courtesy of The Cape Milner Hotel Facebook
Enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of Table Mountain from a comfortable poolside lounger. The pool at the Cape Milner Hotel is open for the public and more of a refreshing plunge so save the laps for another day. Dine and dive in style with the romantic atmosphere when the sunsets. Bonus tip: Be sure to order the delicious battered fish of steak to accommodate your scenic views.
Call 021 426 1101 for more info
Sunseeker or serious swimmer? The verdict: definite sunseeker
8. Good vibes at Newlands Swimming Pool
Courtesy of @lenaschuth via Instagram
Looking for a spot to do some swim-training in a relaxed environment? Newlands Swimming Pool is spacious with a sizable grass area, spectator stand and kiosk. There are a 50-metre main pool and 15-metre children’s pool for an enjoyable experience. You may even be lucky enough to see some goslings taking a dip with you on occasion! This is a pleasant spot to pass a pleasant afternoon and also fit some proper exercise in.
Open: Newlands Swimming Pool is currently closed due to extensive renovations
Main Road, Newlands
Call: 021 674 4197
Sunseeker or serious swimmer? The verdict: both
9. The Glen Boutique Hotel
Courtesy of @dutoitvanzyl via Instagram
Exchange the rooftop views for a more modern environment. A set of turquoise pools, Dionysian cocktails, fashionable swimwear for sale and a cosmopolitan atmosphere makes The Glen Boutique Hotel a top choice for summer. Although you feel like you’re Miami, you can find this happening summer spot in uber-hip Sea Point.
Call: 021 439 0086
Open: All year round from 08:00 to 21:00 every day.
3 The Glen Road
Sunseeker or serious swimmer? The verdict: sunseeker, swimwear shopper & cocktail drinker
10. The coolest spot in Woodstock
Courtesy of @jasonjappresence via Instagram
Verdant green Trafalgar Swimming Pool provides respite from the creative buzz of Woodstock. The pool reopened its gate on 10 January 2020 with upgrades to accommodate up to 750 patrons. Trafalgar opens for the summer season each October, closing in winter in April. The entrance is affordable with ample space to spread out on the grass for picnics. Most importantly, swimmers have 48 metres to burn through each leg or 22 metres in the case of the children’s pool.
Opening and closing times: 10:00 to 17:00
Searle Street, Woodstock
Call: 021 461 5060
Sunseeker or serious swimmer? The verdict: serious swimmer
With the array of picture-perfect swimming pools decorated all around the city, you are bound to be the coolest Capetonian in town. Whether you prefer a quick dive between errands or a luxurious relax after a long day, Cape Town has you covered.
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Disclaimer!
All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Travelstart will not be held liable for loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of out-dated or incorrectly noted information. All prices are subject to change unless stated otherwise.