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We love making a splash in the 8 best swimming pools in Cape Town!
Cape Town is packed with places to beat the summer heat. There are natural and man-made tidal pools, swimming facilities, and water parks to visit during this season.
I visited them all and got sunburned in the process, but I didn’t care; it was worth it! If you love this season like me, get your bathing suit ready and head to these top swimming pools in Cape Town!
Sea Point Pavilion
Media From: carinabruwer
Address: Lower, Beach Rd, Sea Point
Phone: +27 218 141 052
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Tuesday to Sunday – 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Website: https://www.capetown.gov.za/
Admission Fee:
- Adult – R33
- Children – R19
- Pensioners – Free
The Seapoint Pavilion is a swimming pool that offers unparalleled scenery—a view over the Atlantic Ocean, Table Mountain, and Robben Island.
Plus, it uses filtered seawater, offering a unique swimming experience. When I tried it, it felt different compared to a chlorinated one—softer on the skin and easier to float.
And with its 50-meter Olympic-sized pool, you can practice doing laps (except that it can get crowded sometimes).
There’s also a diving pool and a fun pool, great for recreational activities. Kids are safe in the kiddie pool, as it only goes up to 0.4 meters deep, allowing them to splash and swim without any risks.
Plus, there are water sports like water polo and beach volleyball tournaments you can participate in or watch while lounging by the pool.
| Tips: To have a less crowded experience, visit the pool early in the morning. After your swim, take a stroll along the Sea Point Promenade to enjoy the fresh ocean breeze and watch the waves crashing against the rocks. It’s invigorating and soothing. |
Long Street Baths
Media From: tiaa007
Address: Long St, Gardens
Phone: +27 214 004 269
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Website: https://www.capetown.gov.za/
Admission Fee:
- Adult – R35
- Children – R20
- Pensioners – Free
Long Street Baths is a historic indoor swimming pool facility that has been around since 1908. It features a 25-meter heated pool and a kiddie pool housed in a charming Victorian-style building.
And while it cannot beat the scenic beauty of Sea Point Pavilion, I like that it isn’t crowded, allowing me to swim freely. Plus, the kiddie pool entertains my children while I do some laps.
Its heated pool makes it comfortable to swim—both for recreational and training purposes. For those looking to train, heated pools allow their muscles to warm up and build up stamina.
Plus, there’s a massage area, adding another layer of relaxation to your experience.
| Tips: If you’re visiting to relax, check the schedule for sauna and steam room access. They alternate days for men and women. After your swim, enjoy a cup of coffee from Vida e Caffè. They offer espresso-based drinks that can replenish your energy. |
Camps Bay Tidal Pool
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Address: Bakoven
Phone: +27 214 440 421
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – Open 24 Hours
Website: https://www.capetown.gov.za/
Admission Fee: Free
Camps Bay Tidal Pool is a man-made tidal pool that offers a safe and peaceful spot for swimmers to enjoy the ocean without strong currents or waves.
Plus, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles mountain range—free of charge!
The pool also works for a relaxing swim or doing laps. It’s one of my favorite spots because I can plunge into cold water without needing state-of-the-art cold plunge tubs or cold therapy machines!
It’s near a white sand beach too, where you can visit, relax, and enjoy the scenery.
| Tip: Visit in the late afternoon so you can swim as the sun dips below the ocean. It sets directly in front of the pool! |
Muizenberg Swimming Pool
Media From: madeleine.gerhart
Address: Beach Rd, Muizenberg
Phone: +27 214 275 096
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Friday to Saturday – 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: http://www.capetown.gov.za/
Admission Fee:
- Adult – R9
- Children – R3
- Pensioners – Free
Muizenberg Swimming Pool is another saltwater pool near the famous Muizenberg Beach. It features a 22-meter main pool and a 5-meter kiddie pool. Plus, its water slide adds thrills to the experience as it empties into the main pool.
While it doesn’t directly face the ocean, you’ll be amazed that it creates an illusion where you’re swimming directly into the sea. And since it’s near the beach, you can go surfing, get tanned, or enjoy a picnic with family and friends.
Just like the Sea Point Pavilion, the saltwater-filled pool felt softer on the skin. And with the addition of a slide, I can slide and splash around. I’ll bring my family here next time!
| Tip: Since Muizenberg is near, plan a combo outing. Begin with a swim in the pool and finish it with a walk along the iconic sandy shores. |
Newlands Swimming Pool
Media From: marcellevdwest
Address: Sans Souci Rd, Main Rd, Newlands
Phone: +27 214 442 829
Operating Hours: Friday to Sunday – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Website: https://www.capetown.gov.za/
Admission Fee:
- Adult – R9
- Children – R3
- Pensioners – Free
Newlands Swimming Pool is an indoor pool that provides a place to relax and train. It has a 50-meter main pool, a 25-meter diving pool, and a 15-meter kiddie pool catering to all ages and swimming levels.
The facility is well-kept for a 1962 swimming pool. There’s also a springboard with a nice feel to it, allowing you to comfortably practice diving. Around the pool, there are grassy areas, suitable for family picnics.
The last time I visited, the place had a few swimmers, allowing me to enjoy a quiet lap in the 50-meter main pool.
I also checked the ablution and change rooms, and I can say that the Department of Sports and Recreation really prioritised swimmers’ comfort—great shower rooms and secured lockers.
| Tip: After a swim, round up your trip with a visit to Newlands Forest, combining your swim with nature exploration. |
Muizenberg Water Slides
Media From: capetownmag
Address: 20a Beach Rd, Muizenberg
Phone: +27 824 545 023
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Friday – 1:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Saturday to Sunday – 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Website: https://www.muizenbergslides.co.za/
Admission Fee:
- 1-Hour Pass – R65
- 2-Hour Pass – R85
- Full-Day Pass – R110
If you’re looking for a thrilling swim, check out Muizenberg Water Slides. It has big, straight, and baby slides, catering to adventurous visitors and children.
And it’s located on the beachfront, giving you a stunning backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding mountain ranges.
After a thrilling side, relax in the shaded seating areas where you can watch the kids play (if you brought them along). A tuck shop is nearby if you want to grab refreshments or buy food for a picnic.
| Tip: Bring at least four people with you to enjoy discounts! A group of four only costs R400 for a full-day pass! |
Maiden’s Cove Tidal Pool
Media From: jaycabozlandscapes
Address: Clifton
Phone: +27 214 440 421
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – Open 24 Hours
Website: https://www.capetown.gov.za/
Admission: Free
Maiden’s Cove Tidal Pool is another tidal pool located between Camps Bay Beach and Clifton 4th Beach. It offers a swimming experience with stunning views of the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range, Table Mountain, and the Atlantic Ocean.
The cove has a large and a small tidal pool. Both have calm waters and shallow areas, so children can safely enjoy them. The surrounding boulders are smooth, and rock pools filled with marine life like tiny fish, crabs, and shells invite adults and kids to explore.
The natural rock barriers shielded the pool from the waves, allowing me to swim calmly. And when I got tired, the large boulders provided a sheltered space for me to relax and sunbathe.
| Tip: Visit from June to December. You’ll spot whales and dolphins near the shoreline! |
Retreat Swimming Pool
Media From: bronwynarendse
Address: 6 Joe Marks Blvd, Retreat
Phone: +27 218 141 200
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: https://www.capetown.gov.za/
Admission Fee:
- Adults – R17
- Children – R4
- Pensioners – Free
Retreat Swimming Pool is another solid choice if you’re looking for an affordable place to cool off during summer. Its cheap entrance fees allow you to either casually swim or train in its 30-meter main pool with a depth of 1.2 meters.
Children get a pool of themselves that’s only 0.2 meters deep, offering a safe space for them to swim and splash around.
Beyond swimming, the facility has grassy areas, ideal for having picnics with your family and friends. There’s also a playground that provides additional entertainment for the little ones.
Even if it gets crowded, I noticed that the changing rooms, showers, and toilets were kept clean, ensuring hygiene and convenience for swimmers.
| Tip: Avoid the sea of swimmers by timing your visit around 4 p.m. It’s less crowded since most visitors usually leave after the lunch break. |
