Hong Kong swimming pools are an integral component of public infrastructure and are available to all citizens at an affordable rate (weekdays are HK$17; weekend prices increase slightly), making them available for water sports activities, lessons in swimming and aqua fitness programming among many other things.
City residents have access to more than 30 indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, in addition to many private club-operated facilities. Swimming pools usually open from 15 April through the end of October with some temporarily closing for maintenance for up to three weeks at any one time during the year; it is wise to call ahead before visiting to confirm details before making plans to swim in one.
Concerns have been expressed over whether the city of Baltimore is adequately prepared to deal with summer heat waves, with only 40 lifeguards and over 20 swimming instructors currently in its employ – though promises were made by city leaders to hire additional staff before season began. Unfortunately, union representatives fear this may not be feasible given current budget restrictions.
Some pools in Hong Kong have either closed completely or partially opened this summer due to staff shortages and the absence of lifeguards, according to Hong Kong Recreation and Sports Professionals General Union. 20 of 45 pools told their respective swimming clubs they cannot operate all lanes or facilities this season – with 20 outlining they cannot open all lanes or facilities this summer due to staff shortages – the union cautioning that opening only some facilities would negatively impact industry growth as well as swimming instruction.
Unrelatedly, on June 9 dozens of monkeys were seen swimming in a private club pool in Hong Kong, prompting management to shut it down for cleaning. A minute-long video from that incident only recently went public, prompting outrage from animal rights activists and prompting management apologies from the club management.
This 1.5-meter deep pool attracts swimmers from all around the world, as well as spectators wishing to observe from above. There are several seats and tables set up so visitors can sit back and take in all that the scene has to offer.
Apart from its main pool, this facility also includes wading pools and training pools as well as four hot tubs, a sauna and gym/exercise rooms for people to use for exercise purposes.
The Sheung Wan MTR station is just a short walk away, while parking can also be found nearby. Admission prices to the pool vary between weekdays (HK$17) and weekends (HK$19), or free for people aged 13-60 years old. Monthly and annual passes are also available as are family packages which include one adult and two children for just HK$220! Additional facilities at the pool include showers, changing rooms and lockers as well as small shops/snack bars as well as showers/changing rooms/lockers/showers/lockers etc.