If you want to take a dip in the ocean during your Hong Kong vacation, you have lots of options. There are 44 public swimming pools in the city, with 9 on Hong Kong Island, 13 in Kowloon, and 22 in the New Territories. Many are located in the middle of the city and offer a refreshing respite from the hot weather. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department manages these pools, in accordance with Law of Hong Kong Chapter 132 sections 42 to 45.
Swimming pools in Hong Kong have long been popular with the local population for recreation, exercise and socialising. The earliest was the Victoria Park swimming complex, opened in 1957 and funded in part by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, which later gave funds to establish other such complexes in the city.
In the 1980s, the Urban Council decided to build fun pools with free-form designs and water toys, aiming to encourage people to regard swimming as a form of entertainment and not just as an exercise. There were four of these in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island at the time, and more are now being planned.
The newest pool in the city is the Skypool at the 118th floor of the International Commerce Center, or ICC for short. This glass-bottomed pool is the most unique in the city, and a visit here is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Guests can enjoy floor to ceiling windows, a mirrored ceiling and LED walls that create an illusion of coral reefs. The view from the pool is arguably even better than the views from some of the city’s tallest skyscrapers.
Aside from their modern amenities, the majority of HK’s swimming pools have a rich history. Some are even considered icons of the city, and have become a symbol of Hong Kong itself. The first public pool in the city was the Victoria Park Swimming Pool, which was built and managed by the Urban Council and opened in 1957. It was financed in part by the HK Jockey Club and named after Yue-Kong Pao, who donated funds to establish it.
Some HK residents have expressed concern that a lack of lifeguards is jeopardising the safety of swimmers. In 2004, the LCSD cut the number of lifeguards from around 2,400 to 1,580, and since then many pools have had protest signage up in response to the move. The HK and Kowloon Lifeguards’ Union has spoken out against the decision, saying that it is unsafe for the public and puts undue pressure on the lifeguards.
For the most up-to-date information about hongkong pools, we recommend visiting the LCSD website. There, you can find a list of the city’s swimming pools and their opening hours. You can also view a map to help you locate the closest one to your hotel. You can also read the latest news and updates on their website. So if you’re planning your next trip to Hong Kong, make sure to pack your swimsuits!