A hot day calls for a cooling dip at one of hongkong’s best pools. From Morrison Hill swimming pool with its mega water play area to Tseung Kwan O’s azure blue waters, there are plenty of options to choose from, although some have had their opening dates postponed due to a shortage of lifeguards. The Hong Kong Recreation and Sports Professionals General Union said 20 of the city’s 45 public pools might only partially open and private pools could also struggle to operate due to staffing problems.
Fortunately, as the coronavirus scare eases Hong Kong is starting to see some of its many outdoor pools reopen for business. The newest pool complex in Victoria Park is a huge, multi-level swimming paradise with lap pools and a diving pool as well as an indoor and outdoor water gym. There are plenty of seats, loungers (even some that are semi-submerged in the water!) and a spacious Jacuzzi tub. If you’re feeling extra chilly, there are even two ice cold plunge pools.
The new HK$800 million facility is a vast improvement on the older pools it replaced, especially in terms of seating for spectators. It boasts the largest poolside spectator stand in Hong Kong, which can accommodate 2,500 people. There’s also a large fitness centre filled with state of the art equipment and a view to die for.
Swimming isn’t just a good form of exercise, it’s also great for mental health. It reduces stress and boosts energy levels. Plus, it’s a lot of fun! It’s no wonder that the majority of Hong Kong’s residents swim regularly.
If you are thinking of moving to hongkong with children, be sure to check out the swimming pool facilities in your chosen housing development. Newer larger developments with multiple towers typically have a 50-metre outdoor pool as well as a smaller indoor pool for children. In contrast, smaller single-tower developments may only have a small outdoor pool that’s too short to swim laps but still fun for kids to splash around in and burn off some energy!
Aside from public pools, some hotels have their own. The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong, for example, has a 60-metre outdoor infinity pool where you can float and relax while your little ones run wild in the outdoor Kid-Lagoon. Open to non-hotel guests with a pass, this is a must-visit if you want a pool with a killer view.
Sadly, the number of lifeguards has been slashed in recent years by the LCSD and the lifeguards’ union has been unhappy with this decision. In 2004 and 2014, lifeguards went on strike over pay issues. As a result, many hongkong pools have protest signage on display. Hopefully the shortage will ease in the coming weeks.