Fick’s Pool

About Fick’s Pool

Although it remains somewhat of a hidden gem, Fick’s Pool in Hermanus is a fantastic little spot for a cool dip. It is located just below Marine Drive, where the ground plummets into the ocean, and the sea enters into the sheltered cove via a narrow inlet.

Fick’s Pool has a long and colourful history, with unclear origins. The most widely known and accepted story of its beginnings is that the school principal at the time when the stone wall at the pool was built (around the 1920’s or 1930’s) was Mr Fick. His family lived in one of the homes above the pool, which was then just known as a swimming hole. This was during a financially rough time, so youngsters had little more to do than watch the local fishermen and get themselves into all sorts of mischief. So, Mr Fick petitioned the Council to use the area in front of his house to create a swimming pool, which would keep children and teens busy all summer. The Council agreed and the pool was built in around 1933. Over the years, the pool was extended to 50 metres, its height raised, and a diving board added.

Since then, it has been a spot for families, or youngsters that want to meet with their friends, show off their diving skills, cool off, and enjoy romantic trysts over summer holidays.

The waves crash into the rocks here, flushing out the waters of Fick’s Pool and keeping them fresh and clean. Surrounded by rocky faces and sheltered from the wind, this is an idyllic spot to spend a hot summer’s afternoon or to do a few laps early in the morning. Fick’s Pool is in Hermanus, just a few minutes’ drive from the centre of the town. Hermanus is famous for its incredible whale-watching during the latter half of the year, when humpbacks and southern rights pass the coast and sometimes breach and lobtail for their human audience. This town is only an hour from Cape Town and all her many attractions.