January 18, 2024

hk pools

The telltale signs of a Hong Kong summer are crowded beaches, dripping air-con units and an almost unbearable humidity. Thankfully, many of the city’s hotels have their own pools where you can kick back and relax. From infinity pools overlooking Victoria Harbour to the best water zones for kids, we’ve rounded up the best pool staycation deals to help you escape the heat this summer.

Getting some time in the water is great for your mental health, too! Swimming reduces stress, boosts your mood and increases energy levels – all while providing a great workout. Plus, it’s a fun way to spend time with family and friends. So, next time you need a break from the heat, head to one of these hotels with their own pools.

Managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), there are 44 public swimming pools in Hong Kong, including nine on Hong Kong Island, 13 in Kowloon and 22 in the New Territories. Adult admission to a LCSD pool costs HK$17 during the week and HK$19 on weekends and public holidays, while children under three are free.

During the coronavirus restrictions, some public pools were closed for cleaning on different days of the week and periodically for annual maintenance. Check the individual facilities’ schedules on the LCSD website before you plan your visit. Most pools have lockers to store your belongings – you’ll need a coin to use them – but bring extra cash just in case; the coins are refundable and drop into a slot on the inside of the locker when you leave.

Some public pools were also closed because the water was contaminated with vomit or faeces. It was suggested that this was because mainland swimmers were taking advantage of the affordability and good water quality of Hong Kong’s swimming pools, as well as the lack of public toilets on many beaches.

While the city’s public pools are open again, it’s worth noting that only 40 per cent of its 600 seasonal lifeguards have reported for duty. This means that the full reopening of all public beaches and pools is likely to take a while. The LCSD is looking into ways to speed up the recruitment process, which will include offering two-year contracts instead of the current single-year ones.

If you’re looking for a fun way to cool off in the summer, look no further than a dip in a pool. Swimming not only offers a great workout, but it also has many mental health benefits. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to spend some quality time with loved ones. Luckily, Hong Kong has plenty of great pools to choose from.

Whether you’re looking to relax in your hotel pool or want to cool off in the city’s best rooftop pools, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are just a few of the top pools to check out in Hong Kong:

Infinity pool

Hong Kong is no stranger to iconic architectural feats, and its hotels certainly don’t disappoint when it comes to creating stunning pool areas. From the glistening infinity pool at the Rosewood, to the breathtaking waterside bar at the Four Seasons, Hong Kong’s hotels have some of the best rooftop pools around. So grab a drink, swim some laps and soak up the views – what’s not to love?

The outdoor pool at the Mandarin Oriental is a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Located on the roof of the world-famous shopping and business center, this stunning pool is surrounded by breathtaking views of the skyline. Its floor-to-ceiling windows give swimmers a perfect view of Victoria Harbour and the surrounding mountains. Plus, the pool is beautifully adorned with waterfalls and tropical fishes to make your swimming experience even more enjoyable.

At a whopping 108 meters, the pool at the Ritz-Carlton is the highest in the world. Designed by Terry Farrell, this stunning complex is housed on the 118th floor of the International Commerce Centre (ICC), Hong Kong’s tallest building. The glass and marble-lined pool is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a breathtaking view of Hong Kong Island and Victoria Harbour, while LCD screens on the walls and ceiling display images of clouds, bubbles and beach scenes.

While the pool may be high, it doesn’t come without its problems. The soaring temperatures can cause the water to get hot quickly, and there are also concerns over security and staffing. Despite these issues, the pool is still a popular place for people to cool off.

Public pools

The hottest months of the year are a great time to enjoy a leisurely swim in Hong Kong’s many beautiful public and government-run pools. Many of the city’s pools are open all year round, but during the summer, they tend to become crowded. If you want to avoid the crowds, you can try visiting one of the city’s indoor pools.

Many of the city’s pools are closed at the moment due to a shortage of lifeguards. According to a union rep, about half of the city’s 45 public pools have told swimming clubs that they cannot operate all their lanes or facilities. The union warned that this could affect the industry’s development and swimmers’ safety. Fortunately, some pools are set to reopen this week.