We aim to make your stay as comfortable as possible during load-shedding times, so you will find provisions like torches, candles and other supplies in your holiday home. Further information, specific to your holiday home, can be found in the house guidelines at the property.

Unfortunately load-shedding is out of our control but hopefully the information below will help you get through it with grace and style.

We highly recommend that you download this very useful (free) app: EskomSePush, for Apple and Android devices. This app gives you daily updates as to when you can expect power outages.

Please also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates.

When will you experience load-shedding?

Load-shedding status is made up of 8 stages, which can change frequently depending on system load. Visit this link to see the current stage: Cape Town Load Shedding

The Cape Town area is split into zones. (Noordhoek, Kommetjie and the rest of The South Peninsula fall into Zone 8).

Each zone has scheduled load-shedding, according to the date and stage we’re in. Check the relevant stage schedule, look at the date column, and search for your zone number. The time of the outage is in the left column.

Check here to see what zone you’re in and for your schedule: Zone Map and Schedule.

How to get through load-shedding with grace and style:

Be Prepared: Load-shedding is hard to predict, as stage announcements are typically made on very short notice, so it is important to be prepared. Load-shedding power outages generally last for about 2,5 hours, and depending on what stage we’re in, you may be affected from once to 3 times a day.

Communication: Ensure that your cell phone, laptop, tablet and radio are always fully charged when power is available. This will enable you to communicate with friends and family during load-shedding.

Transport: Make sure that your vehicle always has fuel in the tank as some petrol stations are unable to pump fuel during power outages.

Cash: Keep some cash on you as ATMs cannot operate without electricity.

Security and safety: Your alarm, garage and gates should have backup batteries, and should work during load-shedding.

Lighting: Place temporary lighting such as battery-powered torches, gas lamps and candles in places where they will be easy to find in the dark.

Eating: If you do not have a gas stove, prepare meals before the power is scheduled to be switched off. Boil water in your kettle and keep it in thermos flasks for hot drinks.

Going out: Malls and most restaurants have generators, so for them it’s business as usual. Best to give smaller restaurants a quick call to find out what measures are in place during load-shedding.

Notifications: Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates on the load-shedding status.

Resources:

EskomSePush

City of Cape Town website for updates
Load-shedding map and schedule

A Stable Clean Pool: Is blue, is clear, is balanced, and has recently had a backwash.

1. The sun is your biggest enemy: If you can cover it, cover it. Nothing can grow without the sun and you save loads of water, chemicals and electricity.

2. Alkalinity and PH must be spot on: You can get a clear blue pool without it, but not for long. Check your alkalinity at least a week before guests arrive. Ensure it is around 100 ppm. The blue box tester kit is best (see image below – R100 at checkers). Do the PH separately. Both of these are fairly stable and their levels should be adjusted slowly to get them right. They both allow the chlorine to work well. Alkalinity is often forgotten by pool cleaners!

3. Chlorine: Have a floater and check the levels. Top it up if need be. It’s a big waste of chemicals if your alkalinity is not right or your pool is too acidic.

4. Backwash: At least once a week, for two weeks preceding guest arrival. This is often the main cause of problems. Save the water if you can. This is often forgotten by pool services.

Some Rules of Thumb: