Hong Kong Pools
Whether you’re a water-baby or just looking to cool off, Hong Kong has 44 public swimming pools to choose from. Many offer facilities like kiddie pools and water slides, which make for a fun day out for the whole family. Adult admission is HK$17 during the week and HK$19 on weekends (and public holidays), while those with disabilities, are over 60 or between the ages of 3 and 13 can enjoy concession rates. Children under three can swim for free!
The Kowloon Park Swimming Complex was built as part of a wider redevelopment of the former Urban Council and opened on 12 September 1989. Its special free-form designs and water toys were intended to appeal to people who no longer saw swimming as just a form of exercise. The pool also houses the largest indoor swimming pool spectator stand in the city, seating 2,500.
Another great option is the Tai Wan Shan Swimming Pool, a little hidden gem in the middle of Happy Valley, Causeway Bay and Wan Chai. It has a few different pools, but its main draw is the huge outdoor pool, which overlooks Victoria Harbour and has spectacular views.
It has a leisure pool area with small slides and fountains, plus a round stepping pool for kids, as well as the usual training and Olympic pools. You can even rent a raft or kayak for some added adventure.
If you’re feeling a bit more luxe, head to the Cordis Hong Kong rooftop pool. It’s one of the most beautiful in the city, with spectacular views over the Hong Kong skyline and Victoria Harbour. There’s also a jacuzzi, surrounded deck and cabanas for some relaxation time. You can sign up for their annual wellness membership, which includes full access to the pool.
Then there’s the new HK$800 million facility at Victoria Park, which was completed in 2012 and is a welcome addition to the city’s pool collection. It features a 50 by 25 metre main pool, an eight-lane diving pool, and a large swimming pool spectator stand. The new hk pools also feature the latest water conservation technology, including solar panels and a water recycling system that reuses up to 75 percent of its waste water.
If you’re a frequent visitor to the hk pools, you may have noticed that they can get pretty crowded during peak hours. This is because they’re managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, which sets limits on how many swimmers can use each pool at a time. This rule has come under fire from local swimmers who claim that the restrictions are not only unnecessary but also disproportionate to other forms of public safety. The LCSD has also slashed lifeguard numbers in recent years, leading to protests from some of the city’s lifeguards.