When you’re in the mood to do a few laps or just splash around, you can’t go wrong with one of Hong Kong’s many public swimming pools. Many of them are free to use, with a few exceptions. For instance, some hotel rooftop pools are only accessible to guests or cost hundreds of dollars for a day pass. Nevertheless, there are plenty of options for every budget, from luxe hotels to less-expensive apartments and townhouses.
HK pools are also popular with families and children. In fact, they are the second most popular recreation venue in Hong Kong after parks. Most of the swimming pools have a leisure pool with fountains and water slides, while some have special sections for toddlers and older children. They’re often busy on weekend afternoons and weekday evenings, but they’re worth the trip for a bit of splashy fun in the sun.
Most government-run pools are large, with one or more 50m outdoor pools and a small indoor pool. Most of them are open for three sessions a day, and they’re usually very busy on weekdays.
There are also some private and public pools at sports centres, schools and universities, as well as in shopping malls. If you want to swim at a private or commercial pool, be sure to make a reservation in advance, as these pools can get very crowded.
If you’re looking for a more modern swimming experience, check out Hotel Indigo’s impressive rooftop pool. The pool is actually glass-bottomed, so you can look down on the street below and snap a few Instagram-worthy photos. The pool is located on the 29th floor, so you’ll be literally above the city streets.
The swanky Ritz Carlton also has a pretty cool swimming pool, which is basically the 118th floor of the International Commerce Centre – the tallest skyscraper in Hong Kong. The pool is sleek and modern, with floor to ceiling windows for your viewing pleasure and mirrored ceilings. There’s even a waterfall!
Another popular spot for a dip is Bride’s Pool, which is a series of pools and waterfalls near Tai Mei Tuk. Visitors reach the crystal clear pool by hiking along a scenic, kid-friendly trail. The one-hour hike is a sweaty but worthwhile excursion, and the views of mountaintops and the sea are beautiful.
HK pools also offer a variety of recreational facilities for all ages, including tennis courts, squash courts, gymnasiums, basketball and volleyball courts, and fitness centres. Some of them are even equipped with saunas and steam baths. In addition to HK pools, there are several other types of public swimming pools, such as artificial lakes and mud pools. Some of these pools are popular with locals for their natural beauty, while others are known for their therapeutic properties. A few even have caves.