Hong Kong Pools
When you think of Hong Kong, shopping and dim sum might come to mind, but pools? Maybe not. But, surprisingly enough, the city is home to some truly stunning swimming holes, from a sky-high infinity pool at Kerry Hotel to a natural pond on the mountainside. Whether you’re looking to swim some laps or just relax with a drink, here are Hong Kong’s best pools.
The Kowloon Park Swimming Pool is a large public pool complex located in the heart of Hong Kong’s Kowloon district. It is operated by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD). The pool was completed in 1989 as part of a major redevelopment of Kowloon Park. It was designed by Derek Walker of the United Kingdom and Hong Kong firm Simon Kwan and Associates. It is one of the few pools in Hong Kong to offer a variety of pools for swimmers of all levels of ability. The LCSD has a number of rules that must be followed by all patrons to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the pool. For example, it is against the law to bring food or drinks into the pool, to swim in wet clothing, or to use soap in the pool. In addition, it is not allowed to swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs. During the summer of 2008, a number of LCSD pools were closed due to the contamination of their water with vomit and feces. This was caused by the influx of mainland Chinese tourists who, following a newspaper report in Shenzhen that lauded Hong Kong’s affordable and good-quality swimming facilities, had flooded into the city in search of a place to swim.
It is recommended that you check the LCSD website before visiting the pool to confirm opening hours and to read their pool rules and regulations. The website also contains a useful map of the location.
The entrance fee for adults on weekdays is HK$17 and it is HK$9 for students, children aged 3 to 13 years old, or persons aged 60 and over. There are lockers available, but you must bring your own lock to secure your belongings. The pool is open year-round except on Christmas Day, January 1, and Chinese New Year’s Day. The LCSD recommends that you purchase your tickets in advance, as this will ensure your entry into the pool. You must have the ticket with you to enter the pool, and it will be invalid if you have not paid your admission or locker fees. You will not be refunded in the event of a cancellation. Licensed private pools and swimming training institutions may apply to hire the pool during a public swimming period, but they must ensure a lifeguard is present. Currently, only 45 of the city’s 1,371 pools are licensed to operate outside public swimming hours. This arrangement is expected to continue this summer.