When the blazing sun and insufferable humidity of Hong Kong summer hits, all you want to do is plunge into some cool, refreshing water. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of public swimming pools to help you beat the heat – and many are open to visitors of all ages.
With 44 public pools across the city, there’s sure to be one nearby where you can soak up some rays and go for a swim. And it’s pretty cheap too, with adult admission costing just HK$17 during the week and HK$19 at weekends (and public holidays). Children under three get in free.
Many of the city’s hk pools offer facilities for kids, including water slides and play areas, which are great for parents looking for some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle. Several have whirlpools and saunas, too. And many are pet-friendly, so you can bring your pup along for a splash in the water.
The city’s public swimming pools are also known for their beautiful architecture and historic features, some dating back to the British colonial era. These include the Pao Yue-Kong Swimming Pool complex and the Sha Tin Jockey Club Swimming Pool, which both feature a stunning art deco exterior.
Other hk pools are more modern and feature a variety of fun activities like waterslides, diving boards and a lazy river. Some are even set in stunning locations with amazing views of the city, such as the 76th floor WET pool at the W Hong Kong hotel or the rooftop pool at The Arca.
Besides the initial purchase price, the cost of an inground pool can vary greatly depending on its size and features. For instance, larger pools are more expensive to install and require more chemicals and energy to operate. Also, the addition of extras like waterfalls and grottoes, spa additions, colored lighting, automation, and travertine coping can add significantly to the overall cost of your pool.
Some neighborhoods immediately pop out on the map as having a high population density and low access to a swimming pool. These include Fordham Heights, which has 13 city-owned sites that meet the criteria; and Elmhurst and Corona in Queens, with 18 sites each. In Brooklyn, Flatbush and Little Caribbean have nine locations each, while Manhattan and Staten Island don’t have any sites that meet the criteria.
The majority of the hk pools are open during most of the year, but they’re closed for cleaning on different days of the week and periodically for maintenance. Check the Leisure and Cultural Services Department website for the latest updates on opening hours before heading to your favorite pool.
Most hk pools also offer lockers for you to store your belongings while you’re swimming. They require a coin, usually $5, to use; and the lockers will drop your coin back into a slot when you’re done. So, it’s a good idea to bring one along just in case.