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Zuberka | A boy playing with water in park fountain. Hot summer.
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Make a splash: Where to cool off in Joburg this summer

No beaches? No problem. Jozi’s got water parks, natural dips, and dreamy hotel pools to dive into.

Sophie Baker
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When the Highveld heat starts to shimmer off the pavements, Joburgers go hunting for one thing: water. If your group chat isn’t answering your desperate WhatsApps pleading for a pool-owner to host a braai, you’ve still got options.

From rooftop pools with skyline views to splash parks for kids and wild swims just beyond the city, here’s where to cool down when the mercury soars this summer.

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Rooftop Pools & Day Passes

Joburg might not have a beach, but it makes up for it with rooftop pools that could fool you into thinking you’re in Miami. 

The Radisson RED Rosebank’s rooftop pool is small but mighty. It’s a sleek, elevated splash spot surrounded by crimson loungers, DJ sets, and serious weekend energy. Non-guests can book day passes (check availability) that include access to the rooftop bar, towels, and that endless city view. Order a cocktail, nab a lounger, and you’ve basically got your holiday right there. 

Also in Rosebank, The Home Suite Hotels has an inviting pool deck open to non-guests (with prior booking). Over in Sandton, The Leonardo’s Aurum restaurant pool deck is open for guests dining or enjoying drinks. It’s a seriously classy way to beat the heat without leaving the city skyline.

One secret we’ll let you in on is that day guests at the iconic The Westcliff Hotel can access the pool through some of the hotel’s spa packages, which include loungers, fluffy towels, and drinks from the Pool Bar. At sunset, the city glows pink below. It’s worth every rand if you’re looking to impress someone.

If you’re after something a little more laidback and less of a party scene, The Houghton Hotel’s pool is as good as it looks on Instagram. It’s quieter than the RED crowd (i.e. it's more G&T than tequila shot and dancing) and ideal for a slow Sunday of tanning, lunch, and pretending you’re somewhere coastal.

Public Pools That Still Deliver

Not every great swim needs a day pass and a fancy martini. Public pools are still a thing out in Jozi, and you can 100% go there to enjoy splashing around without having to practice your best Chad le Clos impression.

Tucked between jacarandas and park lawns, Zoo Lake’s municipal pool has served generations of overheated locals. It’s an old-school favourite for many reasons: shady lawns, clear water, and space to actually swim lengths. It reopens each spring, freshly scrubbed and ready for the crowds.

If you’re in the south, Ellis Park Pool remains one of the city’s best-maintained Olympic-size options. It’s a great place to swim laps, but go early to avoid the midday rush and bring your own shade, as the surrounding stands heat up quickly. There’s even free coaching for kids on certain weekends, so it’s a good place to bring your budding competitive swimmers.

Families in the suburbs swear by Linden Pool for its quieter vibe and picnic-friendly grounds. Entry fees are minimal, and most pools are open from around 10 am to 5 pm during the warmer months (closed on Mondays). Bring cash, sunscreen and patience for the queues on heatwave weekends.

Water Parks for All-Day Fun

For youngsters and the young at heart, the city’s water parks are a godsend. Mzansi Theme Park (formerly known as Happy Island) is the largest, featuring slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers for when the adrenaline wears off. It’s open most days through summer, and it’s worth arriving early to claim shade. 

Closer to the West Rand, Pines Resort in Krugersdorp is a local legend for affordable family fun. Pines Resort features multiple pools, water slides, picnic lawns, and ample braai space under the trees. There’s a family-friendly buzz and a bring-everything ethos: so that means cooler boxes, chairs, and even gazebo tents. If you grew up going to Aventura or Forever resorts, it’ll feel nostalgic in the best way.

Natural Dips & Open-Water Escapes

Craving something that feels less chlorinated? Prime View Adventure & Leisure Park, located near Midrand, is just the ticket. Part playground, part open water paradise, there’s a dam for swimming and SUP sessions, an inflatable aqua park for kids, and a lakeside café for when you’ve had enough splashing. Also, there’s no judgment if the adults in the group want to tackle the inflatable obstacle course, Wipeout-style. 

Further afield, Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge near Muldersdrift offers open-water swimming in a dam surrounded by antelope and reedbeds. It’s one of the few safe, clean open-water spots in Gauteng.

If you’re game for a proper day out, Bronkhorstspruit Dam and Hartbeespoort both have designated swim zones (and plenty of restaurants nearby). Just check the conditions before diving in, as rainstorms can quickly change water quality. Pack a picnic and pick a shaded spot along the banks, or book into one of the small lodges for a full weekend of water-based lazing.

Before You Dive In

  • Always check if day passes are available, and if so, whether they need booking in advance. Many hotels limit capacity or might not accept visitors during specific periods.
  • Pack a hat, towel, sunscreen, and plenty of water; Joburg sun is no joke.
  • Bring cash for public pools, as some still don’t take cards.
  • Most public pools are closed on Mondays for maintenance.
  • For open-water swims, stick to marked safe areas and don’t swim alone.

Joburg’s summer heat might be relentless, but there’s no shortage of places to plunge, paddle or laze beside the water. Whether your vibe is rooftop glamour, cannonballs with the kids, or a quiet dam at dawn, there’s a pool out there calling your name.

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