As Hong Kong heats up with summer’s arrival, sweaty people and air-con units begin to spread heat throughout the city. But don’t despair: Hong Kong offers many picture-perfect pools to cool off in, from its world’s highest pool to a natural infinity pond on a mountainside – these are some of the best spots in which to take a swim!
As lifeguard shortages persist, public swimming pools will only partially open and around 500 licensed private pools may not operate according to schedule this month, according to Recreation and Sports Professionals General Union (HKRSPGU). It reported its members were not satisfied with modest salary increases for temporary lifeguards employed at residential buildings and hotels with higher pay than available from government services; and that recruit efforts had resulted in increasing lifeguard salaries as well as waiving exam fees while giving more opportunities for upgrades into permanent positions. However, department officials defended recruitment efforts by saying increased salaries as well as waiving exam fees so lifeguards could upgrade into permanent positions sooner.
On Thursday despite staff shortages, public and private pools were already filled to capacity. Kennedy Town Swimming Pool saw long lines of swimmers waiting over an hour just to enter; The LCSD strongly advises visitors to visit their preferred pool’s website to confirm opening hours and stay updated before heading towards the water.
LCSD also cautioned visitors that any pool contaminated with vomit or feces might be closed, urging them to immediately report these incidents to them. A spokesperson from their department noted an increase in such cases since the pandemic started, though it remains unknown exactly how many were caused by mainland swimmers bringing infection into Hong Kong waters.
Victoria Park features not only indoor and outdoor pools but also a water sports centre with two 25m training pools and one 33m teaching pool – popular among watersport enthusiasts thanks to its large capacity and state-of-the-art facilities – popular among water sports enthusiasts as a training and teaching pool respectively. Furthermore, this venue also provides various swimming lessons tailored specifically for each participant.
W Hong Kong offers an exquisite rooftop pool experience on the 76th floor of its skyscraper, known as its W Everyday Pass or its WET Everyday Deluxe Pass that gives access to both its rooftop pool and Victoria Harbour views. Plus, for added luxury sign up for an annual wellness membership and enjoy benefits such as free wellness consultations and spa credit – prices begin from HK$65,000 per person or HK$120,000 for couples! Furthermore, this pool is open to non-hotel guests.