Swimming is a healthy way to spend the day, as it can help with depression, boost energy levels and improve mood, while also providing a low-impact workout that can be done by all ages and fitness levels. It is no wonder that people across the world are jumping in to the pool at record numbers to stay cool and soak up some sun, and Hong Kong’s public pools are a great place to do just that.
In fact, there are 44 public pools in the city managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. These are mostly located on Hong Kong Island, 13 in Kowloon and 22 in the New Territories. The entrance fee for adults is HK$17 during the week and HK$19 on weekends and public holidays, while those with disabilities, above 60, students and children under three enjoy concessionary rates.
Some of the city’s best pools offer a gorgeous setting for a swim, with stunning views over the water or surrounding cityscape. For example, at the JW Marriott in Admiralty you can swim around in a heated outdoor pool while gazing over skyscrapers and enjoying a drink from the al fresco Fish Bar and Pool Lounge.
Another pool that’s perfect for families is Chai Wan’s public pool, with a large diving pool and training pool, plus a spacious indoor leisure pool and one specially designed for toddlers. The pool has a range of fun facilities for kids to splash about in, including an underwater tunnel, aqua shooters and slides.
While a number of pools are still closed due to the coronavirus, many are open with limited hours and restricted use. For this reason, it’s best to check the individual schedules on the Leisure and Cultural Services Department website before heading out. You should also note that some pools have lockers which require a coin (normally $5) to lock and unlock.
Some swimmers are not happy about the current state of the pool season, with a local swimming association saying that the limited opening times will have “catastrophic effects” on the city’s elite swimmers in years to come. This has prompted calls from lawmakers to take more progressive measures.
The government has so far only announced that 40% of 600 seasonal lifeguards have turned up for duty, suggesting it will be hard to fully reopen beaches and pools in the near future. However, it is hoped that the introduction of a two-year full-time contract will encourage more people to apply.