In the summer, Hong Kong’s heat and humidity can be oppressive, and there is nothing more refreshing than a dip in the pool. Luckily, the city is full of fabulous pools. There are public swimming pools, pools in residential complexes, pools at member’s clubs (and, of course, the ultimate pool – the ocean). But when you’re looking for a place to cool off and relax, there are few better choices than a stunning hotel pool with a view.
Many hotels have a pool that is a work of art, and they are often the focal point of the hotel’s grounds. They are surrounded by lush greenery, and the pool itself can offer a tranquil ambiance that is perfect for relaxation. Many of these hotels also have great dining and drinking options on the premises, and their pools are the ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a relaxing drink.
Most hotel pools have a large area for swimming, and they are a great way to relax after a day of sightseeing or shopping in the city. Depending on the hotel, there may also be other amenities like a jacuzzi or sauna. Many of these pools are open all year round, and many have a variety of pool activities available.
There are 44 public swimming pools in Hong Kong, and most have facilities for children to make the visit even more fun. Typically, admission is $19 per person during the week, and $24 on weekends and public holidays. Most pools have one or more 50m swimming pools, and they also have a shallow pool for children. Lockers are provided for swimmers, and you can either insert a refundable coin into a locker or use your own padlock.
Another great option is a trip to one of the many public rock pools in Hong Kong. These are often used as a refuge environment for intertidal species and show strong diurnal and seasonal physico-chemical variations. In addition to water temperature, salinity and pH also fluctuate, but the extremes of these variables are less pronounced in supratidal pools compared to intertidal ones.
Besides being a great place to swim, many of these rock pools are also popular recreational sites for locals. Many of them are built in scenic areas, and they provide a great opportunity to get some exercise while enjoying nature’s beauty. Some of these locations are even known for their views of the Victoria Harbour or Kowloon Bay.
While most of the rocky pools in Hong Kong are not suitable for snorkeling or scuba diving, there are some that can be explored by swimming. For those who would like to try their hand at scuba diving, there are several training facilities in the city that offer courses and certification. These facilities are operated by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, and they can be found throughout the city. They also offer a variety of other recreational and leisure services for the public.