The heat of summer in Hong Kong can be brutal. Blazing sun, insufferable humidity, and torrential rain can leave you drenched from head to toe, but there are plenty of ways to cool down. You can hide out in a cosy cafe, check out new restaurants and malls, or even swim your worries away at these awesome hk pools.
There are 44 public swimming pools across the city managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Visiting one is easy and cheap: adult admission costs just HK$17 on weekdays and HK$19 on weekends and public holidays, while children under the age of 3 are free. Many of the pools have kiddie pools and water slides, too.
One of the largest pools in the city, Pao Yue Kong Swimming Pool (Jian Ni Di Cheng You Y) is split into two levels and features pools for every kind of swimmer. Do laps in the main pool, practise your diving skills in the dive pool, or take your little ones to have a splashing good time in the water slides. This pool is also a great option for families with kids moving to Hong Kong, as it hosts swim classes for kids of all ages.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious swimming experience, the Hong Kong Island branch of W Hong Kong offers a stunning rooftop pool with dazzling views of the city skyline. The pool is surrounded by lush greenery and a bar and restaurant, and you can even order a refreshing cocktail and a light meal. You can even relax in the jacuzzi if you want to take things easy.
While the main pool and leisure pools at most of the public swimming pools are open for public use, several have been closed for cleaning on different days of the week or are periodically shut down for annual maintenance or repairs. It’s best to check individual schedules on the Leisure and Cultural Services Department website before heading out.
While swimming at a public pool is an ideal way to soak up some summer sun, it’s always best to take safety precautions – particularly if you are bringing kids with you. You’ll want to make sure the lifeguards are in full working condition and are well trained, and that there is plenty of supervision on hand. You’ll be better off avoiding large crowds of swimmers as well.