City of Tshwane Residents will have to wait longer for pool fun as public swimming pools won't open for Spring Day due to chlorine delivery delays.
Image: Thobile Mathonsi/Independent Newspapers
The City of Tshwane's public swimming pools will not be hosting Spring Day celebrations on September 1, dashing the hopes of many residents looking forward to a splashy start to the season.
Municipal spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the delay in chlorine delivery by their service provider has impacted the pools' readiness for opening.
He said the opening of the city's public swimming pools, initially set for September 1, 2025, has been postponed due to unexpected supply chain issues.
“While the city had been preparing to mark Spring Day with the reopening of facilities, the delay in chlorine delivery by the service provider has temporarily affected readiness,” he said.
The delay, he said, is due to the time required for the distillation process of the chlorine.
“Although some pools have sufficient chlorine for opening, without the confirmed delivery and supply of chlorine, further inconvenience may be caused. In this manner, the city wishes to ensure uninterrupted service once the pools open,” he said.
According to him, the health and safety of swimmers remain the city’s foremost priority.
“Public pools that have been out of operation require thorough treatment before being declared safe for recreational use. By ensuring that pool water is fully disinfected, the city is safeguarding residents against any potential health risks. This careful approach demonstrates our commitment to delivering a safe and enjoyable experience for all,” he said.
He said despite the delay the city has made significant progress in preparing its pools for opening, including refilling the basins, repairing infrastructure, and upgrading the surrounding facilities.
“These efforts mean that once the chlorine delivery is finalised, pools will be ready for swift opening with minimal further delay. The city continues to engage closely with the supplier to expedite the process,” he said.
The city will closely monitor water consumption at the pools, in line with its commitment to manage water demand in partnership with Rand Water.
Mashigo said: “We understand the enthusiasm and anticipation of residents who look forward to enjoying public swimming pools as part of the summer season. While the delay is regrettable, the city values the patience and cooperation of the community. We assure residents that the wait will be worthwhile, as our focus is on ensuring a safe, clean, and refreshing environment for all users.”
He apologised for the unexpected delay and assured that efforts are underway to open most pools by mid-September 2025, with work proceeding around the clock.
rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za