With blazing sun and insufferable humidity, summer in Hong Kong can be pretty brutal. However, there is one way to beat the heat and stay cool – by taking a refreshing dip in some of Hong Kong’s best pools. Not only is swimming a fun activity to do with friends and loved ones, but it also has plenty of health benefits and can be a great way to unwind after a long day.
With Covid-19 starting to subside, a number of public swimming pools in the city are now fully reopening and some restrictions are being eased. In fact, as of Monday, some of Hong Kong’s most beautiful hotel pools are opening and will offer breathtaking views of the city skyline.
The pool at the Four Seasons Hong Kong is arguably the most stunning of all. It features a gorgeous infinity pool with iconic views and is the perfect place to relax, swim laps or enjoy a drink from the pool bar. The pool also has a unique hot and cold plunge pool which is great for soothing tired muscles.
The Four Seasons also has a large fitness centre that is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and a great view of the mountains. There is also a large outdoor patio with plenty of seating, a Jacuzzi tub and two ice cold plunge pools, which are fantastic for after your swim or to cool down in.
Another popular spot is the Tung Chung Swimming Pool, which was officially opened on 9 July 1977 and is the only public pool in the southern district. Its seashell-like design allows natural sunlight to flood the indoor pool and the outdoor pool offers a stunning view of the Ngong Ping cable cars. Located near Choi Hung MTR, the pool is a short walk from Diamond Hill and can be reached by bus (the 116 Bus takes around 20-30 minutes from Causeway Bay).
There are also some other good public swimming pools in the city that have reopened, such as the Pao Yue Kong Swimming Pool complex and Sha Tin Jockey Club Swimming Pool. Both of these are located in the heart of Sha Tin and both offer indoor and outdoor pools. Pao Yue Kong has an impressive 50m pool and a large diving area, while Sha Tin has three pools, including a children’s pool.
Despite the opening of many public swimming pools, there are still a number of restrictions in place, such as the requirement that all visitors wear masks and that groups larger than six people are not allowed to gather in public places. This is due to the risk of spread of infection, but the government has promised to loosen these rules as the epidemic eases.
There are also several private swimming centres that have reopened, such as Aquatica. Although most are expensive, they offer a safe and comfortable environment to cool off. However, it is worth noting that the cost of these centres may offset any savings you might make by going to a public pool.