Ever since the reopening of the Strand Indoor Pool earlier this year following a nine-month closure the community continues to voice its disappointment, as the cold water renders the facility largely unusable in winter and the ongoing expenditure on staff unjustifiable.
This has raised questions about the efficacy of the prolonged closure for most of last year (“Indoor pool in Strand reopened”, DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, 29 January).
Concerned resident Denise Letts voiced the community’s frustration.
“We were led to believe the pool was being fully repaired… This is not just a matter of just swimming; it’s a matter of public trust.”
The extended closure was primarily to address heating issues, yet the problem persists prompting residents to question why the pool was reopened in its current state. “We have been told all the equipment to heat the pool is there waiting to be installed and fixed, yet nothing is done,” Letts highlighted, adding that currently only “about three people are brave enough to enter the pool”.
Furthermore, female patrons have started a petition to raise concerns around the temperature of the water in the showers. These reportedly provide only cold water, requiring multiple showers to be run simultaneously to achieve any warmth, which is seen as indicative of poor maintenance.
The City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department acknowledged the concerns, attributing the slow progress to an “incremental, phased approach” for repairs.
It said the project, “encompassing heating and major electrical works, was set for completion by the end of June 2025, with HVAC system works to follow”.
Regarding the on-site heating equipment, the department cited overall project timelines for installation, clarifying the operational budget which covers essential expenses, including staff salaries, ensuring the facility remains “functional and accessible to various organisations and community bodies” despite the cold water.
“Staff remain employed and on duty, maintaining the facility even during periods when the pool is not fully usable due to the water temperature.”
Addressing complaints about the showers, the department said: “The department is aware of the community’s concerns and can confirm that the showers are fully operational and do not require multiple showers to be run simultaneously in order to produce warm water. The design of the facility places the geysers on the upper level of the building. As a result there is a short delay, typically less than a minute, for the hot water to travel through the system and reach the downstairs showers.
“This is a normal function of the building’s plumbing infrastructure and not an indication of a fault or failure.”
In response to fears that raising concerns may lead to another lengthy closure without meaningful improvement, it said: “The City remains committed to maintaining a safe, clean and functional environment for all users and on-site teams continue to monitor the facility to ensure systems are running efficiently and address any concerns there may be.”
