South Africa’s public swimming pools are vital community assets, providing recreation, relief from summer heat, and a space for sports and therapy. However, with many municipal facilities in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMBM) facing vandalism and disrepair, the remaining functional pools are under immense pressure. This raises a critical question: Are these swimming pools safe for public use?
In December 2025, ASC Public Health and Food Safety Consultants conducted a microbiological assessment of functional public swimming pools in NMBM and Jeffreys Bay. This report presents our findings, identifying which facilities are safe, which pose acute health risks, and what urgent actions are needed to protect the public.
Are the swimming pools in the NMBM area and Jeffreys Bay clean enough to swim in?
FIND THE COMPLETE REPORT HEREOverview of Recreational Facilities
The study assessed the following key public swimming pools and recreational facilities:
- Nelson Mandela Bay: New Brighton, Rosedale (Kariega), Gelvandale, Malabar, James Kleinhans (Westering), and Varsvlei (Bethelsdorp).
- Jeffreys Bay: Dolphin Beach Entertainment Water Park.
Of the twenty public pools in NMBM, only nine are currently functional due to vandalism, forcing residents to overcrowd remaining facilities or travel to nearby towns like Jeffreys Bay.
Rationale of the Study
Public concern regarding the state of NMBM pools has grown following reports of derelict facilities and maintenance blunders. Contaminated recreational water can harbour pathogenic microorganisms that lead to severe illnesses. This study was initiated to evaluate whether these facilities uphold the constitutional right to a safe environment and meet national health standards.
Study Objective
The primary objective was to assess microbiological water quality by detecting and enumerating three key indicators:
- Escherichia coli (E. coli)
- Total Coliform Count
- Standard Plate Count (SPC)
Sampling Methodology
All water samples were collected in accordance with standard operating procedures to ensure sample integrity and accuracy. Our detailed sampling process and protocols are available in the study report.
Pathogen Background
- E. coli: Its presence indicates recent faecal contamination and presents an acute health risk to bathers.
- Total Coliforms: High counts suggest insufficient disinfection or bacteria growing within the filtration system.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa: While not tested in this scope due to budget, it is a known risk in pools, causing “swimmer’s ear” and skin rashes.
Guideline Reference Values
The World Health Organization (WHO) offers broad guidelines for recreational water, including swimming pools, focusing on risk management. However, the South African drinking water standard can be used alongside the WHO guidelines.
The “Target Water Quality Ranges” are available in the report.
Swimming Pool Results
The study revealed a stark contrast in water quality, with 67% of sampled NMBM pools failing to meet safety criteria.
Comprehensive information and analysis is available in the report.
The Safe Facilities (Compliant)
- Varsvlei Swimming Pool (Bethelsdorp)
- Dolphin Beach Entertainment (Jeffreys Bay)
The High-Risk Facilities (Non-Compliant)
- James Kleinhans / Westering Pool
- Gelvandale Pool
- Malabar Pool
- Rosedale Pool (Kariega)
Analysis of Possible Influencing Factors
- Source Water Failure: Faecal contamination (sewage ingress) or pipe bursts introducing bacteria (Likelihood: VERY HIGH).
- Loss of Disinfectant: Inadequate chlorine dosing or high organic load consuming the residual (Likelihood: VERY HIGH).
- System Integrity: Biofilm sloughing within old, poorly maintained pipes (Likelihood: HIGH).
- Treatment Process: Malfunction or bypass of filtration systems at the pump station (Likelihood: HIGH).
Vulnerable Population Groups
Exposure to contaminated water can lead to gastroenteritis, skin infections, and respiratory illnesses. The following groups are at higher risk and should avoid non-compliant pools:
- Young children due to immature immune responses.
- Elderly individuals due to age-related immune degradation.
- Pregnant women at risk of systemic infections.
- Individuals with open wounds or pre-existing skin conditions.
Recommendations
In accordance with the National Health Act (No. 61 of 2003) and municipal responsibility for water
services, it is urgently recommended that the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality:
- Formally notify residents in the affected areas (Gelvandale, Westering, Malabar, and Rosedale) that the water is microbiologically unsafe and advises against recreational use until further notice.
- Immediately inspect and service all the water infrastructure supplying these areas to identify sources of contamination.
- Implement regular inspections and maintenance of pump stations and stormwater outlets.
- Flush, disinfect, and re-sample the affected systems. Isolate the contaminated sections if necessary.
- Perform rigorous daily sampling and analysis in the affected zones until consistent compliance with South African and WHO recreational water guidelines is restored for a minimum period.
- Audit the maintenance, disinfection, and monitoring protocols for the entire water supply network to prevent recurrence.
11. Conclusion
The results of this study revealed a significant and immediate public health concern in parts of the
municipal water supply. Swift, transparent, and decisive action by the responsible authorities is
required to mitigate the risk of waterborne illness and restore public confidence in the safety of
municipal water and recreational spaces. The compliant pools, Varsvlei and Jeffreys Bay,
demonstrate that effective management is achievable with proper resources and oversight.
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Key facts
- The 2025 study tested public swimming pools across Nelson Mandela Bay (New Brighton, Rosedale, Gelvandale, Malabar, James Kleinhans/Westering, Varsvlei) and Dolphin Beach Entertainment Water Park in Jeffreys Bay.
- 67% of the sampled NMBM pools failed to meet safety criteria, with only Varsvlei (Bethelsdorp) and Dolphin Beach Entertainment (Jeffreys Bay) found compliant and safe.
- The James Kleinhans/Westering, Gelvandale, Malabar and Rosedale (Kariega) pools were rated non-compliant and high-risk.
- Water samples were assessed against three microbiological parameters: E. coli, Total Coliform Count and Standard Plate Count.
- Likely causes include faecal/sewage contamination of source water and inadequate chlorine dosing (both very high likelihood), plus biofilm in old pipes and treatment malfunctions.
- The report calls on the municipality to notify affected residents, inspect and flush water infrastructure, and conduct daily sampling until consistent compliance is restored.
Frequently asked questions
Which swimming pools in Nelson Mandela Bay and Jeffreys Bay are safe to use?
According to the 2025 study, only two tested facilities were found compliant and safe: Varsvlei Swimming Pool in Bethelsdorp and Dolphin Beach Entertainment Water Park in Jeffreys Bay. The remaining sampled NMBM pools did not meet safety criteria.
Which NMBM pools failed the 2025 water quality study?
The James Kleinhans (Westering), Gelvandale, Malabar and Rosedale (Kariega) pools were rated non-compliant and high-risk. Overall, 67% of the sampled NMBM pools failed to meet safety criteria.
What made the pool water unsafe?
The study identified faecal contamination or sewage ingress into source water and loss of disinfectant from inadequate chlorine dosing as the most likely causes, both rated very high likelihood. Biofilm in old pipes and treatment process malfunctions were also flagged as high-likelihood contributing factors.
How was the pool water tested?
Water samples were assessed against three microbiological parameters: Escherichia coli (E. coli), Total Coliform Count and Standard Plate Count (SPC). These indicators are used to detect faecal contamination and overall microbial load in the water.
Who is most at risk from the contaminated pool water?
The report identifies young children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and people with open wounds or pre-existing skin conditions as facing elevated risk from exposure to the contaminated water.
What does the report recommend the municipality do?
It urges the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality to formally notify residents in affected areas, inspect and service the water infrastructure to find contamination sources, and flush, disinfect and re-sample affected systems. It also calls for rigorous daily sampling until consistent compliance is restored and an audit of maintenance and monitoring protocols.