Metro delays pool re-opening, blaming chlorine supply issues

The reopening of Tshwane’s public swimming pools has once again been delayed, with the metro now promising that most facilities will be ready by mid-September.

In response, the metro issued a lengthy statement confirming that the reopening of pools had been delayed beyond the planned September 1 start of the swimming season.

Metro spokesperson, Lindela Mashigo, said the delay was caused by unforeseen supply chain challenges, specifically a hold-up in the distillation process of chlorine required by their supplier.

“Although some pools have sufficient chlorine for opening, without confirmed delivery and supply, further inconvenience may be caused,

“Public pools that have been out of operation require thorough treatment before being declared safe for recreational use. The health and safety of swimmers remain our foremost priority,” said Mashigo.

He assured residents that preparatory work had been completed, including refilling basins, repairing infrastructure, and cleaning surrounding areas, so that pools could open quickly once chlorine was delivered.

He apologised for the delay and said the metro was working closely with suppliers to speed up the process.

“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, we assure residents that the wait will be worthwhile.”

The metro now expects most pools to be open by mid-September.

Previously, the metro attributed the closure of public pools to restrictions imposed by Rand Water in October 2024.

However, Rand Water spokesperson Makenosi Maroo confirmed that those restrictions were lifted.

“Rand Water has not introduced any restrictions to the metros; however, some municipalities have decided to implement level 1 restrictions on their own.”

She added that during the restrictions, Rand Water encouraged metros to cover their swimming pools to avoid evaporation.

Tshwane did not respond to questions as to why it still has water restrictions in place.

Maroo said, “Restrictions to close pools were/are introduced by municipalities, not Rand Water.”

This statement from the water utility has angered residents, who now feel they have been misled by the metro.

The statement from the metro on pool opening comes after residents submitted yet another petition demanding urgent action, calling for a sustainable solution to keep the Hillcrest Swimming Pool and other pools open permanently.

Earlier this week, a new petition endorsed by over 3 000 residents was submitted to the metro, demanding the re-opening of the Hillcrest pool.

According to resident, Jean-Pierre Verster, the petition follows an earlier petition from May 2023, signed by 2 091 people, which successfully led to the facility’s temporary re-opening.

“The metro responded back then with gratitude and effort, but since February 2025, the pool has once again been neglected, allegedly due to supply chain problems and bureaucratic delays.”

The petition makes its case in formal and emotional language, calling Hillcrest “an irreplaceable civic asset and site of incalculable public benefit to the citizenry of Tshwane.”

It describes the pool as an Olympic-standard, FINA-compliant facility that has been home to national champions and Olympians, as well as ordinary residents who have trained, healed, learnt, and found fellowship within its waters.

“The community has once again been left bereft of a vital public space,” the document states.

“With the present petition, we do not merely seek the reopening of the Hillcrest Swimming Pool.”

The petition urges the metro to move decisively toward a sustainable future for this facility by committing to a memorandum of agreement with qualified private-sector entities within a Community Upliftment Programme framework.

It demands the following:
– The immediate refilling and re-opening of the pool
– Uninterrupted chlorine supply to ensure safety
– Engagement with investors ready to manage the facility through a public-private partnership.

They insist the campaign is not political, but rooted in community devotion.

“The undersigned include national athletes, job seekers in uniformed services, certified instructors, physical rehabilitation patients, school learners, and countless ordinary citizens united in the belief that this public pool must not be allowed to decay into obsolescence,” it reads.

Residents have also voiced their frustrations directly.

Genevieve Symonds said the closure has left families without a safe place to swim.

“The council has not bought chlorine to re-open it, despite promises.”

She said metro workers are not doing their jobs but still getting paid, while others, like coaches, are losing income.

Symonds described the situation as unfair and frustrating.

“Petitions have been submitted, but there seems to be no action,” she said.

Another resident, Herman van der Westhuizen, criticised the metro’s management of the pool, saying chlorine shortages have kept the water green for three months.

“They fixed a leak, but the pool remains closed.”

He added that residents submitted a petition last week, but there has been no response from the council.

“Residents created the petition due to the council’s ignorance.”

He explained that the pool is the only 50m swimming pool in the area, affecting swimming clubs and local athletes.

Van der Westhuizen said he feels the metro is not managing it well, and a private operator might be needed.

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