Whether you’re looking to improve your health or just relax in the water, swimming is one of the best exercises for you. In addition to its obvious physical benefits, like boosting your energy levels and losing weight, it also has mental health effects like reducing stress and depression. It’s no wonder that swimming is such a popular activity worldwide. So what better way to enjoy the summer sun than taking a dip in one of Hong Kong’s many pools?
The city is home to 22 public pools, all run by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. The entrance fee is HK$17 per person on weekdays and HK$19 on weekends, with concession rates available for people above 60, between the ages of 3 and 13, and full-time students.
For a more unique experience, head to the W Hotel’s Wet rooftop pool and take in the stunning city and harbour views from 211 metres above ground level. This is the highest outdoor pool in the city and, if you’re not staying at the hotel, a pass can be purchased to allow non-hotel guests to use the facility.
Another must-visit is Tai Wan Shan swimming pool, which has a staggering eight different pools to choose from. With a large number of lanes and even a separate pool designed for children, you’ll never struggle to find a spot in this busy pool. The only downside is that it’s closed on Tuesdays for cleaning.
Located in the city centre, this pool is perfect for anyone who wants to cool off in the summer heat. There’s a range of pools here, from large leisure pools to small teaching pools. Plus, there are plenty of water slides to keep the kids entertained!
While it may be smaller than some of the other pools on this list, it’s still a great place to go for a swim and enjoy the view. You can often see boats going by as you cool off in the water.
While the HKFP’s research found that most of the city’s pools have reopened, it is worth noting that the reopening of some pools was subject to delays due to the ongoing lifeguard shortage. This is an issue that the LCSD is trying to tackle, by increasing the salary of seasonal lifeguards and recruiting them on two-year contracts. Hopefully this will help alleviate the problem in time for summer!