Bay pools – the good ... and the not so good
Summer survey gives thumbs up to Humewood, Westering facilities
WATER slides, basketball hoops and fancy restaurants are just some of the amenities to be found at Port Elizabeth’s two top-rated public swimming pools – the McArthur Pool and Leisure Centre in Humewood and the James Kleynhans Swimming Pool in Westering.
The two facilities emerged as the best in the Bay during a public swimming pools summer season readiness survey conducted across Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and Despatch in the last week.
While the McArthur and James Kleynhans facilities – which also took the honours in previous surveys – again took the top two positions, the Malabar and Rosedale swimming pools were rated as the worst.
The facilities were rated and scored for their general cleanliness, ablution facilities, safety in terms of lifeguards, whether the properties were fenced and secure, and the shelter that they provided for users.
Both the top two facilities were fairly well maintained, and with a score of 26 out of a potential total of 30, McArthur and James Kleynhans showed once again why they are so popular.
McArthur, which is privately managed, has a host of activities for young and old including a water slide and jungle gym, as well as access to two restaurants from the pool area.
James Kleynhans offers visitors a skate ramp, basketball hoop and soccer posts.
It also boasts a jungle gym and braai facilities for the use of visitors.
At the other end of the spectrum, Riviera Swimming Pool in Malabar (score of 14 out of 30) and Rosedale Swimming Pool in Uitenhage (score of 15) again ended at the bottom of the list.
While small improvements have been made, problems like toilet and change room facilities at both pools still exist and need major work. More shaded areas are needed at both pools.
All municipal pools charge a standard rate of R10 for adults and R6 for children.
However, some may vary according to operator regulations.
Operating times are between 10am and 6pm at most municipal pools, with the only exception being the Newton Park Swimming Pool, which is open between 8am and 5pm during the week and 8am and noon on Saturdays.
McArthur Swimming Pool and Leisure Centre operates between 9am and 5pm out of season, and 8am and 6pm during the festive season.
The municipality had not responded to questions at the time of going to press.