Open Season: Drakenstein Pools and Resorts are Officially Open

As we approach the summer season, Drakenstein residents and many across the province will be seeking the best safest destination to relax and cool down. Drakenstein Municipality has officially announced that its swimming pools will open on 1 October 2025, marking the start of the new swimming season, which runs until 31 March 2026.

Municipal swimming pools now open

Residents can enjoy the following facilities:

• Drakenstein Swimming Pool – Corner of Klein Drakenstein Road and Van der Stel Street, Paarl East;

• Faure Street Swimming Pool – Faure Street, Paarl;

• Mbekweni Swimming Pool – Phokeng Street, Mbekweni;

• Pentz Street Swimming Pool – Upper Pentz Street, Wellington; and

• Weltevrede Swimming Pool – Bloekom Avenue, Weltevrede, Wellington.

Drakenstein is known for experiencing hot summer seasons with plenty of festive fun to be had, and few things bring more joy than spending a day at the swimming pool with friends and family. People from Cape Town have attested in the past to choosing the swimming pools in the Drakenstein over the nearby beaches where they are located. With the opening of the pools and holidays around the corner, Drakenstein will become a vibrant hub for tourists making the rounds.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, the Municipality appointed 55 lifeguards for the season. Each lifeguard has received formal accreditation through training by the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), equipping them to respond swiftly to possible emergencies.

“The safety of all swimmers is our top priority,” said Councillor Stephen Korabie, Executive Mayor of Drakenstein Municipality. “We urge everyone to swim responsibly and ask our staff or lifeguards if they are unsure about the pool’s depth, as it varies from pool to pool.

“Parents and guardians, please keep a close eye on your children while they are in the water,” he added. 

Pool hours and entry fees

• Open daily from 10:00 to 19:00 (including weekends)

• Entry: R10 for adults (16 to 59 years), R5 for children (15 and under)

• Seniors (60+) enter free with a valid ID

Explore Drakenstein Municipality’s resorts

Whether you are planning a family outing or a peaceful day in nature, the resorts in Drakenstein offer something for everyone:

Antoniesvlei Resort (just outside Wellington)

• Braai facilities, day camping and overnight tent camping options, three swimming pools, playparks

• Open daily: 09:00 – 18:00

• Entry: R30 adults, R20 children, free for seniors (60+) with ID

• Vehicle entry: R30

• Bus groups must book in advance: Contact Roswin Pietersen at Roswin.Pietersen@drakenstein.gov.za  or 021 807 6301

Saron Resort (Saron) - Pool set to open later in October 2025

• Day camping and overnight tent camping options, three swimming pools, playparks

• Open daily: 10:00 – 18:00

• Entry: R30 adults, R20 children, free for seniors (60+) with ID

• Vehicle entry: R30

Orleans Park (Paarl East)

• Braai facilities, day camping and overnight tent camping options, splash park, playparks

• Open daily: 09:00 – 18:00

• Entry: R20 adults, R10 children, free for seniors (60+) with ID

• Vehicle entry: R30

It’s time to get the swimsuits ready and dive in. Everybody is welcome to visit the pools and resorts in Drakenstein; however, it is important for the swimming community to look out for each other and practice safe habits.