Public swimming pools have played an important part in developing aquatic sports in southern Africa. Municipalities have been building and maintaining pools since the early 20th century, such as the saltwater pool at Humewood Beach in 1913.
The pools were of varying dimensions, such as the 9-lane Newton Park pool and the Rachael Finlayson Beach Baths which was 100 yards long, while the Long Street indoor bath is 33,3 yards, before being converted to 25 meters. By the 1950's the pools were a mix of lengths, with 55 yards being common.
FINA had decreed that world records could only be set in 50 metre or 55-yard length pools by 1957, and by January of 1969, they only recognised records set in 50-metre pools. When Karen Muir broke two world records for the 440-yard Individual Medley in 1969, neither was ever recognised as a world record, because FINA would accept records set in 50-metre metric swimming pools.