When you think of Hong Kong, shopping and dim sum are probably the first things that come to mind. However, this Asian metropolis is also known for its great swimming, especially at a few of the city’s picturesque pools. From the world’s highest pool to a natural infinity pond on a mountainside, here are some of Hong Kong’s best places to cool off.
At 484 meters above sea level at the 118th floor of the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Kowloon, this is the world’s highest pool. It offers breathtaking views and is a wonderful place to relax and unwind after a long day in the office.
Aside from the amazing view, this is a great place to swim and exercise, thanks to its many lanes and comfortable seating areas. The only drawback is that it can be quite crowded at times, so if you’re planning to visit, you might want to get there early.
In addition to the stunning view, this pool also has a few different facilities for its guests, such as a sauna and steam room. It’s a great place to bring the whole family to enjoy some summer fun and relaxation.
While the lion’s share of public swimming pools are located on the Hong Kong Island, there are plenty more throughout the city and the outlying islands. For instance, the Tai Wan Shan Swimming Pool is an eight-lane facility overlooking Victoria Harbour that’s great for a family outing.
Another great option is the Wan Chai Sports Complex. It’s a large outdoor complex that houses four different swimming pools and two diving boards. It’s the perfect place to go for a day of swimming and relaxing, and it’s free to use!
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) manages 44 public swimming pools across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. They’re responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, and filtering the water as well as keeping the pools safe for swimmers. LCSD has a team of lifeguards who are trained to monitor the safety of the pools and make sure swimmers follow pool rules.
In the past, swimming pool closures due to contamination by vomit and feces have been relatively rare, but this year they’ve reached record levels. The majority of the closures were caused by a staff shortage.
The LCSD said it has taken steps to address the problem, including offering modest salary increases and recruiting lifeguards on non-civil service contracts. However, a union spokesman warned that these measures wouldn’t help unless the government revamped its lifeguard pay structure and paved a path for career advancement in the private sector. In addition, he suggested the city consider hiring more qualified coaches to teach swimming classes at some of its pools. He added that the government will continue to closely monitor the situation as it unfolds. In the meantime, the spokesman advised people to wash their hands thoroughly after using the restroom and avoid consuming raw seafood or uncooked vegetables.