Swimming Pools

Swimming Pools For Summer Fun In South Africa

South Africa is blessed with the type of weather that simply begs homeowners to install swimming pools. If a homeowner has children then the absence of a swimming pool can put a serious dent in their social life, while having a pool in the back or from garden opens up all sorts of possibilities for fun, not only for the children, but for adults as well. South Africans are aware of this and if you have the good fortune to fly into any destination in South Africa the  take a look out of the window as you come in to land and you will observe that almost every single suburban house has a swimming pool and townhouse complexes sometimes boast many.

The many regions of South Africa with their varying climates, as well as the myriad of different social groupings that make up the country have led to South Africa being labelled as “the world in one country”. This is of course correct; there are very few other places on the face of the planet where the visitor can be treated to so many different cultures during the course of a single trip. The weather patterns in South Africa also contribute to the label of “a world in one country”. In some places a swimming pool can be in sue throughout the year; in other parts of the country harsh winters prevent outdoor swimming pools from being used at all.

The weather in South Africa is varied, from the dry, freezing cold Highveld winters where temperatures regularly dip below 0 to the balmy semi tropical weather, ideal for year round swimming pool use that can be found in KwaZulu-Natal. The Cape Province, especially the Mother City Cape Town was called the Cape of Storms in years gone past, due to the ferocity of the gales and high seas that buffeted the coast during the winter months, in this province winter swimming is only for the very, very brave and swimming pools lie idle for the most part until summer.

Taking Care Of Your Pool

Swimming pool care in South Africa and the challenges associated with keeping a pool sparkling clean and attractive also vary by province. For instance in the Cape the vast number of trees shedding their leaves during the winter can make swimming pool care a bit of a chore if you’re not going to be faced with something resembling a swamp when summer does eventually roll round. On the Highveld magnificent summer days can be interrupted by late afternoon thunderstorms where the lightening and charged atmosphere can cause swimming pools to turn a rather fetching shade of green overnight, bringing with this change further challenges in swimming pool maintenance.

The South African culture and outdoor habits end themselves perfectly to the use of swimming pools in the summer. The habits of the outdoor barbecue, or “braai” as it is known domestically, mesh perfectly with a swimming pool culture. Sunshine, blue skies that seem to go on forever and a largely forgiving climate during the summer months make poolside entertaining an absolute must. If you live elsewhere and have the good fortune to be hosted by a South African family for a braai during the lazy days of summer you’re in for a treat, freshly cooked food, done to perfection over an open fire and accompanied by the obligatory salads have a taste that cannot be compared to any other gastronomic experience, and a swimming pool for fun and games just whets the appetite that much more.

The swimming pool culture in South Africa is alive and well and seems in no danger of disappearing anytime soon, even the lure of video games, the Internet and texting on mobile phones seems to dissipate like mist when friends and family gather around the pool for a day of fun in the sun. If ever you’re visiting this fantastic country during the summer months make sure that you mention your love of the braai and outdoor pursuits. It’ll take no more than that for your hosts to oblige.

If you would like to know more about how to make your swimming pool experience even better, then contact the experts, because swimming pools is our forte.