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Header image courtesy of Kerry Hotel Hong Kong
Our city’s public swimming pools are officially open for business, and with summer bringing us soaring temperatures and humidity beyond our wildest dreams, now’s the ideal time to take a dip. With this and social distancing measures in mind, we check out the coolest public pools around Hong Kong—as well as some hotel favourites—to keep you cool this season.
Note: Some public pools may have sections that are seasonally closed for maintenance or may adhere to Covid-19 restrictions. Check ahead to avoid disappointment.
With a total of 43 state-owned-and-operated public pools splashed across Hong Kong, an afternoon of water-based fun is never far away. Hong Kong’s public pools are perfect for family outings, busting out some lengths, or relaxing with friends. Changing rooms are provided but don’t forget to pack your own towel. Plus, each public pool is closed one day each week for cleaning, so click on the links below to avoid disappointment.
One for the young (and young at heart), Jordan Valley Swimming Pool boasts an exciting array of water slides, spray cannons, and animal floaties. Much more than a swimming pool, Jordan Valley is verging on a water park. If you’re just looking to relax and not get splashed in the face while soaking up some sun, there are plenty of opportunities to take a calm dip away from the action and excitement in one of the four other pools.
Jordan Valley Swimming Pool, 6 Choi Ha Road, Ngau Tau Kok | (+852) 2305 5919
If size is what you’re looking for, then Pao Yue Kong Swimming Pool is the one for you. A whopping eight pools comprise this Aberdeen complex, including one for kids and another for toddlers, which means there’s plenty of room to splash around.
Regular buses run from Central and Causeway Bay, and the main pools are perfect for swimming some lengths and getting in shape for summer. There are plenty of slides and water cannons to keep the kids entertained, too.
Pao Yue Kong Swimming Pool, 2 Shum Wan Road, Wong Chuk Hang | (+852) 2553 3617
With a main pool, a teaching pool, and a leisure pool, the Sai Kung Swimming Pool caters to swimmers of all ages and abilities. A firm favourite for those living in the New Territories, this colourful summer hangout deserves a visit. Get down there early to bag yourself a sun lounger on the first-floor sun deck. Trust us, the view over the waterfront is well worth getting out of bed for.
Sai Kung Swimming Pool, Wai Man Road, Sai Kung | (+852) 2792 7285
For those who aren’t fazed by winter temperatures, the outdoor Tseung Kwan O Swimming Pool stays open all year round. Just around the corner from Po Lam MTR station, there are also plenty of eateries in the neighbourhood to fill rumbling tummies after an active day. From diving pools to leisure pools, and training pools to toddlers’ pools, this complex is the perfect place to work on your technique, whatever your age.
Tseung Kwan O Swimming Pool, 9 Wan Lung Road, Tseung Kwan O | (+852) 2706 6767
Yearning for some bigger water slide action? Perfect for slightly older kids who have far outgrown the infant play area, Tsing Yi Swimming Pool has a more exciting selection to try out. The larger main pool is ideal for more serious swimmers wanting to squeeze in a summer workout, especially as it's just five minutes walk away from Tsing Yi MTR Station.
Tsing Yi Swimming Pool, 51 Tsing King Road, Tsing Yi | (+852) 2435 6407
If lounging by the pool with a cocktail in hand is your idea of heaven, then you might want to check out the luxury hotels that provide day passes. With a selection of perks included, such as use of the sauna and gym facilities, these more expensive price tags are definitely worth it for an ultimate day of summer relaxation.
If a stunning view is what you’re looking for, then the Kerry Hotel is the place to be. Day passes will not only grant you access to the heavenly infinity pool overlooking Victoria Harbour, but also the 24-hour gym, sauna, jacuzzi, and steam rooms (if open).
Located in a quieter part of town by Hung Hom Bay, you can truly escape the hustle and bustle of the city at this dreamy spot—not without a cocktail in hand, of course! Day passes, available from 9 am to 6 pm, cost $550 on weekdays and $750 on weekends.
Kerry Hotel, 38 Hung Luen Road, Hung Hom Bay, Whampoa | (+852) 2252 5888
At 211 metres above Victoria Harbour with one of the best views in the city, there’s no doubt that a day at the W Hong Kong will put a smile on your face. Open to non-hotel guests between 6 am and 10 pm, you can lounge around in the water or get up and active with some lengths in the pool. Choose between two passes—the weekday pass ($750) and the deluxe pass ($988)—which come with either a glass of poolside wine or two glasses of Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label champagne, but make sure to book your pass online in advance!
W Hong Kong, Elements, 1 Austin Road West, West Kowloon | (+852) 3717 2222
If swimming laps against gorgeous harbour views is up your street, then The Ritz-Carlton has a deal that’s hard to turn down (even if it is on the more expensive side compared to other pools on this list). Get yourself up to the hundred-and-eighteenth floor between 6 am and 10 pm to take a dip in their indoor infinity pool. Day passes cost $750 per person for a 90-minute slot and are available all week. Book ahead to avoid disappointment!
The Ritz-Carlton, International Commerce Centre (ICC), 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui | (+852) 2263 2263
Sophie is always on the lookout for a great story and her next big adventure and loves nothing more than discovering the city’s hidden gems—and most delicious cocktails. When she’s not exploring new places, she’s off travelling and ticking countries off her bucket list.
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