Durban Finally Gets Its Pool Back for Summer After eThekwini Reopens Umlazi Swimming Pool
- The eThekwini Municipality officially reopened the refurbished Umlazi BB Swimming Pool in Durban on 16 October 2026
- The 50-metre pool underwent a three-phase rehabilitation project that began in May 2025, with a new children's pool added to the precinct
- Durban residents reacted with mixed feelings, with many calling for other neglected pools to receive the same attention
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Source: Getty Images
The eThekwini Municipality has reopened the Umlazi BB Swimming Pool in Durban, bringing the long-awaited facility back to life just as the summer season begins. The 50-metre public pool was officially unveiled on Friday, 16 October 2026, following a three-phase rehabilitation project that addressed significant structural damage throughout the facility.
Work on the pool began in May 2025. Beyond restoring the main pool, the municipality added a dedicated children's pool designed to support water safety education and youth swimming development. A new multi-sport combi precinct was also built alongside the pool, offering facilities for basketball, netball, tennis, and indoor soccer.
Umlazi BB joins eThekwini's pool network
The reopening was led by Cllr Zama Sokhabase, Chairperson of Community Services, and Ward 84 Councillor Msizi Mabaso. Municipal leaders said the precinct was designed to give young athletes across multiple sporting codes access to recreational infrastructure and a space to develop their talents ahead of the festive season.
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The revamped facility now forms part of eThekwini's network of 43 operational public swimming pools across the metro.
Durban residents react with mixed views
Not everyone was celebrating online on a Facebook post. Many Durban residents welcomed the news but used the opportunity to raise concerns about other neglected facilities across the city.
@Michelle Nicol wrote:
"We could swim in the potholes. Oh wait, the Southern Aqueduct is still broken."
@Belinda Grant said:
"Kings Park pool first please."
@Sun Salt Wave Chaser added:
"We want Kings Park swimming pool up and running again."
@Walter Dylan commented:
"Yeah, but has allowed other pools and communities without decent pools for years."
@Avinash Jagannath questioned: "With water supply infrastructure destroyed I wonder how they will continue filling it when necessary."
@Siva Padayachee was more pointed:
"Refurbishing neglected facilities is not a great achievement. Opening and closing times, when most people cannot use the pools. Pools are overstaffed."
@Marie Laing offered a hopeful note:
"Please maintain and look after it for others to enjoy as well."
Source: Getty Images
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Source: Briefly News
