Hong Kong’s summer heat can be unbearable, so if you want to stay cool and enjoy some of the city’s most stunning scenes, swimming is the way to go. Thankfully, there are plenty of options for you to do so, from public swimming pools to hotel pool bars.
Unlike in the US, where most of the public pools are closed during the summer due to a lack of lifeguards, hk pools are a plethora with 44 of them under the umbrella of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD). Adults pay HK$17 on weekdays and HK$19 on weekends and bank holidays, while kids below the age of three get into the water for free.
However, despite their number, many of the pools are not exactly clean. According to LCSD, the number of pool closures for the year has reached its highest level in six years due to the contamination of water by human waste and vomit.
The problem has prompted the LCSD to introduce new water quality monitoring and sewage treatment measures at some of the most popular swimming pools in the city, including Wan Chai and Tin Shui Wai North. It has also prompted the department to hire more lifeguards, and a new pool in Wan Chai has recently opened.
Fortunately, there are many more places to swim than just the 44 public pools, as the city’s hotels have their own outdoor pools that offer some of the best views in town. The Mandarin Oriental’s gleaming rooftop pool is one of the best examples, and you can enjoy a refreshing drink from the bar right by the water.
Another option is the JW Marriott’s outdoor heated pool, which is located in the heart of Admiralty. Its surroundings make it truly spectacular, as you can swim with Hong Kong’s skyline looming over you. There’s even an al fresco Fish Bar and Pool Lounge right next to the pool so you can grab a bite to eat before or after your swim.
A third option is the Pao Yue Kong Swimming Complex, which offers an expansive variety of pools. You can swim laps in the main pool, practice your diving skills in the diving pool or let the little ones play in the outdoor kid lagoon with water shooters and slides.
If you’re staying at the Rosewood, you can even have a private pool all to yourself. Their 20-metre pool is equipped with a variety of fibre optic underwater lights and an audio system that creates some pretty awesome effects. Plus, you can kick back in a sunbed and soak up the breathtaking view of the city.
And while these hotels’ pools may not be as clean as the LCSD’s, they’re still a fantastic alternative to public pools. Plus, they tend to be a lot less crowded. So if you’re looking to swim in a pool with top-notch facilities, amazing views and the convenience of a bar service, look no further than our list of the best hk pools!