Graaff’s Pool: Sea Point bathing spot with a secret history

Explore the layered history of Sea Point's Bordeaux Pool, from a private bathing enclosure to a public space reflecting Cape Town's past.

Bordeaux Pool, a tiny tidal pool in Sea Point, holds a rich history spanning 120 years. Locals call it "the gully," officials named it "Graaf's Bathing Enclosure," and maps show "Bordeaux Pool." This little rectangle of ocean, built in 1903, has seen many changes and stories. It's a place where the past and present meet, telling tales of the sea and the people who loved it.

What is the history of Bordeaux Pool in Sea Point?

Bordeaux Pool, also known as "the gully" or "Graaf's Bathing Enclosure," is a small, historic tidal pool in Sea Point, Cape Town. Originally built in 1903, it has accumulated multiple names and stories over its 120-year history, reflecting its evolving significance to locals and authorities alike.

Edge upon Edge: How One Small Pool Got Four Different Names

Sea Point’s Atlantic rim is a palimpsest of boundaries that refuse to stay still.
Spring tides shove the high-water line a few strides forward, then yank it back; the 1887 seawall still carries the pencil marks of engineers who trusted trams more than waves; an old dune ridge once marked by Khoi herders now lies beneath joggers’ GPS watches.
wedged inside this moving mosaic sits a pocket-sized rectangle of ocean no larger than two adjoining suburban stands, cuffed by honey-coloured sandstone, slippery kelp and a knee-high parapet that looks designed to hide stories rather than block spray.

Cartographers print the words “Bordeaux Pool” in discreet sans-serif.
Grandparents who grew up smelling tidal iodine call the same spot “the gully” and will draw you a mud-map on the back of a supermarket slip.
Heritage bureaucrats file it under “Graaf’s Bathing Enclosure, 1903”, a label that fits the paperwork yet misses the salt on your tongue.
All three tags are true; none tells the whole tale.

To understand why a puddle of seawater collected so many labels, you have to start with October 1902, when bubonic panic had just emptied the city to not to his hands, and then abandoned suitcases, in 42 %0) - 5*

What is Bordeaux Pool?

Bordeaux Pool is a small, historic tidal pool located in Sea Point, Cape Town. It's a rectangular section of the ocean, approximately 50 meters in size, enclosed by sandstone and a low parapet.

How old is Bordeaux Pool?

Bordeaux Pool was built in 1903, making it over 120 years old. It has been a significant landmark in Sea Point for more than a century.

What are the different names for Bordeaux Pool?

Bordeaux Pool is known by several names. Maps and official documents refer to it as "Bordeaux Pool," locals affectionately call it "the gully," and formally it is designated as "Graaf's Bathing Enclosure."

Why does Bordeaux Pool have so many different names?

The multiple names reflect its long history and varied significance to different groups. "Bordeaux Pool" is its cartographic name, "the gully" is a local, informal term, and "Graaf's Bathing Enclosure" is its historical administrative designation from its construction in 1903, possibly named after a prominent figure or family of the time.

What is the historical significance of Bordeaux Pool?

Built in 1903, Bordeaux Pool holds 120 years of stories, witnessing the evolution of Sea Point and its community. It's a place where the past and present converge, reflecting the dynamic nature of the Atlantic coastline and the people who have interacted with it over generations.

Is Bordeaux Pool still accessible to the public today?

While the provided text doesn't explicitly state current accessibility, tidal pools like Bordeaux Pool in popular coastal areas such as Sea Point are generally maintained and remain accessible to the public for swimming and recreation, often serving as cherished local spots for generations.