Hong Kong Pools
Pools can be expensive, so it’s important to consider all of the costs involved before making a purchase. Some factors that can affect the final cost of a pool include size, installation, and features. For example, a swimming pool built on a slope may require a retaining wall to keep dirt from sliding into the water. Talking to a professional about these factors during the planning process can help you budget appropriately.
The city has 44 public swimming pools that are open year-round, many with facilities like slide and splash pad to make a visit fun for the whole family. In addition, there are dozens of parks with their own wading pools and kids’ playgrounds. Adult admission is HK$17 on weekdays, HK$19 on weekends and holidays, and children under three are free. If you plan to use a public pool frequently, it’s worth getting a monthly ticket.
Swimming pools are a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to cool off, but they can also pose a health risk. The LCSD has taken steps to reduce the spread of coronavirus by restricting access to some pools, closing others on different days of the week, and regularly conducting cleaning and maintenance on all its pools.
In recent years, a number of older pools have been replaced with new facilities. Victoria Park is one of the largest swimming pool complexes in Hong Kong, with a 50 by 25 metre main pool, a multi-purpose pool, and an indoor pool that can accommodate up to 2,500 spectators. The newest facility in Wan Chai is also impressive, with an octagonal shape that includes a wave-making machine and a lazy river.
Another unique experience is swimming at Hotel Indigo’s rooftop pool, located 211 metres above ground level. The hotel’s WET deck is renowned for stylish (and occasionally wild) poolside parties in summer, and the pool itself is covered in 144 LED screens that display soothing illustrations of tree canopies and coral reefs. Non-hotel guests can buy a day pass to enjoy the pool and Jacuzzi.
The best swimming pools are well-maintained and cleaned regularly, with water quality tested regularly to ensure that it’s safe to swim in. However, the LCSD’s recent cuts to lifeguard staff have resulted in some swimming pools posting warning signs and having restricted hours. Those who plan to swim at a public pool should check the individual schedules on the LCSD’s website before heading out.