Hong Kong summers can be brutal. Whether it’s the blazing sun glaring down or torrential rain drenching you, the heat can leave your skin feeling sticky and uncomfortable. To beat the heat, many locals head to their nearest swimming pool where they can soak up some cool, refreshing water and a bit of Vitamin D.
However, not all swimming pools in Hong Kong are created equal. Some are more luxurious than others, with breathtaking views of the city’s skyline and scenic waters. The best hotel pools in Hong Kong are the perfect place to relax and take a dip, especially when the weather turns sour.
With a view of Victoria Harbour, Hyatt Centric’s pool is the place to be when you need to cool off and recharge. You can enjoy a cocktail and some fresh fruit while swimming in the outdoor pool or hang out at the lounge bar before and after your swim.
This pool is one of the most popular for tourists and locals alike. Located in the heart of Admiralty, this pool offers spectacular views of the city’s iconic skyline. The indoor pool is also heated so you can continue your swim even on a colder day. The hotel also has a bar and restaurant right next door so you can grab a drink and some snacks to replenish your energy after a long swim.
The pool at this Four Seasons is a must-see when visiting Hong Kong. The pool is surrounded by gorgeous trees and is a perfect spot to cool off during the hot Hong Kong summers. The pool is also a great location for photos and you can even book a cabana for a day of relaxation.
The city’s public pools will be partially closed this summer due to a shortage of lifeguards, according to the union representing swimming club instructors. The Hong Kong Recreation and Sports Professionals General Union said that 20 of the city’s 45 public pools have told swimming clubs that they can only open some of their facilities this summer, without giving a reason. The union warned that closing the pools partially could affect industry development and cause more classes to be cancelled.
While it’s still too early to know when the full number of pools will be back up and running, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department says they are working on different ways to tackle the problem. One way is to offer more flexible working hours and increase the salaries of seasonal lifeguards. Another option is to hire more permanent lifeguards, with a view to providing them with two-year contracts instead of one-month shifts.
Despite the shortage of lifeguards, most pools will reopen at some point. Those that do may offer more limited hours and may be subject to last-minute cancellations. Swimmers should check their local websites or contact the pool directly before heading out. The HKFP is urging the public to exercise caution when entering the water, particularly at poorly-maintained pools where poop and garbage have been found in the water.
