Hong Kong Pools – The Best Places to Cool Off in the Heat
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Swimming pools in Hong Kong are more than just places to cool off; they’re a crucial part of its history and culture. Offering some of the best views around, swimming pools provide a relaxing place for families and friends alike to unwind together.
With Hong Kong’s oppressive summer heat and humidity, nothing beats taking a dip into one of these gorgeous Hong Kong pools to cool off and unwind from the day’s hustle and bustle. Not only are they great places for cooling off but many also provide breathtaking cityscape views unmatched elsewhere in town.
At the Four Seasons Hotel Victoria Harbour, their spectacular pool is the ideal spot for lap swimming while taking in stunning Victoria Harbour views. Boasting elegant marble columns and water fountains, as well as lounge chairs, sauna, steam bath, Jacuzzi facilities, you can purchase a day pass ($500/adult and $250/child) that allows access to these facilities as well as others in the hotel.
This stunning outdoor pool is a must-visit for anyone wanting to soak up some sun while taking in Hong Kong’s skyline view. As the highest rooftop pool in the world, this breathtaking site truly takes your breath away. Boasting an impressive glass wall perfect for selfies as well as exciting activities such as zipline rides, water slides and an aqua tunnel; its beauty truly speaks for itself.
Hotel guests have free access to the Ritz pool while non-hotel guests must pay HK$500 for four hours of use. But its incredible design and location alone make the price worth paying: its serenity, sophistication, and clever LED screens depicting clouds on the ceiling make for an amazing swimming experience day or night; Hong Kong Island lights twinkle behind you as you swim along.
While many may view Hong Kong’s public swimming pools as overrated, they actually represent an affordable way of exercising in a safe environment. Hong Kong’s Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) manages 44 public swimming pools; nine are situated on Hong Kong Island, 13 in Kowloon and 22 within the New Territories.
The LCSD also oversees the city’s beaches, outdoor pools and indoor/outdoor sports centres. Their facilities are considered among the finest in Asia, and water quality in Shanghai remains top tier. Unfortunately, recent staff shortages have raised questions regarding some public pools’ cleanliness; many were shut due to vomit or faeces contamination at record levels despite this remaining open for business as normal with promises from LCSD to remedy this situation in due time.