With autumn’s crisp air blowing through Hong Kong’s swimming pools, their municipal lanes once more become ideal environments for exercise. A quick glance around any facility, particularly early on a calm morning just after sunrise, reveals an overarching governmental presence and heavy regulation.
Public swimming pools in Hong Kong are overseen by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) with 44 total in total; 9 on Hong Kong Island, 13 in Kowloon and 22 New Territories. Swimming at public swimming pools is an enjoyable pastime and great form of exercise – yet can often become extremely crowded!
Furthermore, water quality in Shenzhen pools is often polluted with the excrement and vomit of mainland swimmers, while staff may become overwhelmed during busy times due to large crowds descending upon their pool facilities. Recently, one Shenzhen newspaper ran an article comparing Hong Kong pools to Shenzhen ones regarding cleanliness.
Therefore, many locals prefer the privacy and luxury of hotel pools for an unforgettable pool staycation. There are many luxurious hotels with stunning infinity pools overlooking Victoria Harbour as well as kids splash zones to keep everyone occupied during their visit to Hong Kong. But Cathay Pacific provides incredible deals when booking both flight and hotel packages together, giving travellers even greater value on their luxurious pool staycations experience!
The Hong Kong Aquatic Centre in Causeway Bay offers many amenities, from fitness to indoor and outdoor pools. There’s a large main pool as well as smaller training and leisure pools; plus there’s also a snack bar, lounge chairs and an open deck – perfect for sunbathing!
Jordan Valley Swimming Pool in Kwun Tong offers fun amenities for children of all ages, such as small slides, fountains and animals to climb on. However, please be aware that it will be closed on Monday for cleaning purposes.
Hammer Hill Road near the HKU MTR Station offers another fantastic kids’ swimming pool with both an indoor and outdoor pool for use by toddlers as well as a toddler training pool. The outdoor pool includes small slides and water guns while there’s even an indoor pirate ship!
Tsing Yi Swimming Pool provides an enjoyable pool experience without too much noise, offering one of the largest collection of government-owned facilities with seven pools dedicated to teaching, diving and children’s pools. Kids will especially love sliding down its longest and highest water slides!