Zoo Lake Swimming Bath

Photo by Johannesburg In Your Pocket
A real gem if ever there was one, the historic Zoo Lake Swimming Bath is a local favourite. Built in the 1930s the pool retains its original features and is well maintained.
Probably the most unique thing about this pool is its shape; 30 metres by 30 metres square. When it gets busy, there are no demarcated lanes per se so pick a direction and do your laps, or for fun you can always opt for a full circuit – just watch out for the teenagers practising their dive bombs near the shallow end.
In the height of summer the pool gets busy with kids, although most confine themselves to the shallow end or splash around in the neighbouring kiddies pool area. There are always two lifeguards on duty and like most public pools, the Zoo Lake Swimming Bath is unheated, so a dip is particularly bracing in spring and autumn.
Arrive early to mark out your picnic spot on the grassy area overlooking the pool or if the sun is blazing you'll find shade on the bleachers. There are no lockers in the changing rooms so take your belongings with you to leave by the side of the pool.
Note that there is no alcohol allowed on the premises, although you can bring your own snacks and soft drinks for a picnic. On weekends there's also usually an ice-cream vendor doing the rounds.
For large group bookings and information about special requirements contact the swimming pool on +27 11 646 8495 or pay them a visit and discuss any special needs directly with the site office.
Open
Open 10:00–17:45.
Comments
Johannesburg In Your Pocket
Johannesburg
Hi Nathi, the dates that different pools will be reopening vary. We checked with the caretakers at Zoo Lake Pool and we were told lifeguards will be at the pool from Mon Oct 26, 2020 meaning that from that day the public may return for social swimming as the pool will be safe :)
Nathi
Midrand
When will the pools be open for social swimming??
Johannesburg In Your Pocket
Johannesburg
Hi Cecilia, 10 of Joburg's public pools (including Zoo Lake) are now open for swimming coaches/ sport clubs (you will need to show a membership of the club or season ticket to visit). The City of Joburg unfortunately still has not confirmed yet when the pools will reopen for so-called 'social swimming', though we are hoping that it is soon! ~Johannesburg In Your Pocket team
Cecelia
Norwood
is the swimming pool been opened or has a date been issued when the pool will be open
Johannesburg In Your Pocket
Johannesburg
Hi Vanessa, The City of Joburg unfortunately has not confirmed yet if / when the pools will reopen for the summer season. There have been rumours that they are looking at a date in October, but we have heard nothing confirmed yet. We will update our readers here accordingly when we hear some good news from the city authorities ~Johannesburg In Your Pocket team
Vanessa
Jhb
Is the pool open yet? Any indication to when it will be opened?
Johannesburg In Your Pocket
Johannesburg
Hi Nosipho, public swimming pools are currently closed under Level 2 restrictions although it hoped as we get closer to summer restrictions will be eased and pools reopened. We will update the info on this website as and when we hear from the city authorities about the reopening of pools ~Johannesburg In Your Pocket
NOSIPHO
ALEXANDRA
Hey can I ask that u will be opening on the spring day at the pool
Ockie
How much is the entrance fee.?
Johannesburg In Your Pocket
Johannesburg
Hi Mokgadi, you are allowed to bring your own food to the pool, but not alcohol or sound systems. Entrance for adults costs R10, kids R7.
MOKGADI
ALEXANDRA
I WE ABLE TO BING OUR FOOD AND ALCOHOL AND MUSIC AND WHAT WAS THE PRICE FOR ADULT ENTRANCE AND KIDS
Johannesburg In Your Pocket
Johannesburg
Hi Fallon, the Zoo Lake pool will be open until the of April
Fallon
Rosebank
Hi There I need to do cold water swimming so would like to find out if there is a way I can access the pool through winter to train? Thank you
Thando
Alberton
Hi. Can we Braai by the pool?
Shaakirah
Johannesburg
Hi Does anyone know what the telephone number is for the zoo lake pools? Thank you.
Johannesburg In Your Pocket
Johannesburg
For large group bookings and information about special requirements contact the swimming pool on +27 11 646 8495 or pay them a visit and discuss any special needs directly with the site office.
Paul
Johannesburg
Are we able to bring our own food and alcohol?
Villen Badassy
Gauteng
Hi, Need to know if we can host a Christmas party for children from an orphange, we did make use of it last year as well. I cannot get through to the offices, so please can someone contact me urgently.
Johannesburg In Your Pocket
Johannesburg
Hello Themba, Please contact the swimming pool directly about use of the pool
Themba MMotaung
Dunkeld west
I would like to request to use the pool for baptism on Saturday morning 11am.the ceremony will not be more than an hour
Gugu Ndlovu
Johannesburg, Gauteng
hi the place sounds nice i have a 2 year old do you have pool for kids that age?
Johannesburg In Your Pocket
Johannesburg
Hi Pauline, The Zoo Lake pool is unheated so it really depends on how much sun it has been getting. The past week has been very hot and sunny in Johannesburg so there is every chance that the pool is refreshing yet warm by comparison!
Pauline
What is the temperature of the pool at the moment?