The sweltering summer heat in Hong Kong can make you want to hide under the covers with an ice-cold bath and a book. Luckily, Hong Kong has plenty of swimming pools to cool you down. And some of them even offer breathtaking views!
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department manages 44 public swimming pools across the city. Most of them are located in the New Territories but two are on Hong Kong Island and one is in Kowloon. The cheapest adult admission to a pool is HK$17 during the week and HK$19 on weekends and public holidays. Kids are free.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing place to swim laps or an action-packed day with the family, hk pools have it all. Some of them have playgrounds, water slides, and other facilities to keep everyone entertained. Plus, if you’re feeling hangry after your swim, many of these pools have snack bars to fill your bellies.
While the coronavirus restrictions have ended, some public pools are still closed on different days of the week and some are shut down periodically for cleaning or annual maintenance. So check with the pool’s website before you head out.
If you’re a resident, you can also get discounted admission to the pool by getting a monthly ticket — it’s only HK$150 for adults and half price for students and children 3 to 13 years old. You can find more information on the LCSD website.
Another great feature of many hk pools is that they have changing rooms with showers, lockers, and other amenities. But you’ll need to bring a coin — normally $5 — for the lockers. The coin will drop into a slot on the inside of the locker and you can retrieve your belongings later.
The water in most hk pools is treated with chlorinated lime but you can also find saltwater and chlorine-free pools in some locations. Saltwater pools are often preferred by people who want to avoid the stench of chlorine and don’t have an allergy or sensitive skin, but be aware that these pools may have more algae than other types.
If you prefer to float, most hk pools have rafts you can rent out for use in the pool. They’re made of extra-thick PVC that’s phthalate, lead, and BPA-free and can stand up to some serious roughhousing by swimmers. However, you should know that they can be punctured if your kids or friends are particularly unruly in the water.
For the most fun, you’ll want to visit a pool with a variety of play structures for kids. Some pools have a small slide, water cannons, and other playground toys. There are also some larger, more thrilling slides and other water activities that can be found in a few of the bigger, better-equipped pools. These pools are best for older kids or families with a range of ages.