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Gray used to bathe when on holiday at his home in Kalk Bay, circa 1860. The pool was similar

to the Khoi / Strandlooper tidal pools used for catching fish. It was only in 1897 that substantial
changes were made when the KB-MM permitted the clearing of rock by private individuals

wishing to improve the bathing facilities here. (Figs. 2.19.)

It was not until 1911, when Charles McGhie successfully tendered to build a proper pool, that
any form of safe bathing existed. (Fig. 2.20.) Dangerous Bathing signs had for a long while been

erected at Kalk Bay Beach, and in 1907 the Municipal Engineer had called for the installation of

safety ropes. This was because of the large number of drownings due to the strong sea currents.
These ropes were installed but due to the strength of the currents did not last long.

In 1922 a new square pool, named Kalk Bay Pool, was built onto the north side of Bishop’s Pool,
substantially enlarging the area available for safe bathing, and a Kiddies’ pool was built at the

end of Bishop’s Pool. (Fig. 2.21.) During the 1930s seawalls were built to protect the beach
areas. In 1938 a sea wall was extended southwards to enclose a sand beach and a new Kiddies’

Pool was built to replace the former one that was filled in to form an apron in front of the new
pavilion. The pools and the enclosed sand areas were well maintained by the Council and were

heavily used until into the 1960s. The pools were used for recreational swimming, and for

competitive swimming events between schools from as far away as Wynberg, and by senior
clubs (Fig. 2.22.)

Bathing box construction at Kalk Bay was limited due to the lack of space and the facilities

offered by the pavilions. All had been removed by 1914 with the construction of the pavilions.

Dalebrook Pool

The Dalebrook tidal pool was the first to be built in the Kalk Bay - Muizenberg Municipal area

and started in 1903 as an illegal private undertaking by Mr. F. B. Steer of Douglas Cottage. The
irregularity was corrected by agreement with the KB-MM and Mr. Steer is credited with having

financed the project at his own expense. (However, letters to the contrary are in evidence, from

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