Swimming is a great way to cool down in the summer heat, but it’s also a low-impact activity that improves your health. It increases your heart health, releases stress from the body, boosts energy and builds endurance and muscle strength. Add a bit of fresh air and you’re also boosting your vitamin D level.
There are a number of pools in Hong Kong that you can use to cool off, and they range from small, unobtrusive facilities to huge, glitzy resort-style pools complete with water slides. Some are open to the general public, but many are only accessible to hotel guests.
Asaya – Set on the sixth floor of ultra-luxury hotel Rosewood Hong Kong, Asaya’s 25-metre outdoor pool offers a peaceful spot to lounge by and soak up the sun this summer. The pool is exclusively for hotel guests and includes a deck where you can lounge around and enjoy the view of the city from day to night.
Tai Wan Shan – Located on the southeastern side of Kowloon Island, Tai Wan Shan boasts an incredible 150-degree sea view, making it a perfect spot to take in the scenery while cooling off. The facility has three teaching and leisure pools, as well as a diving pool and an Olympic-size swimming pool.
YMCA of Hong Kong – A member of the YMCA can get access to all its facilities at a great price. The membership includes a day pass to the gym, swimming pool and fitness classes. You can also get access to other facilities in the YMCA for an additional cost.
Tsing Yi – One of the most popular of all Hong Kong’s pools, Tsing Yi has a main pool, two teaching pools and a toddlers’ pool as well as large water slides. The pool is open from 6:30am to 10pm, with breaks at 12-1pm and 6:00-7:00pm. It is closed for cleaning on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Golden Bay – This pool is set in a quiet pocket between Happy Valley, Causeway Bay and Wan Chai and is a great option if you prefer a quieter swim. It has an indoor and outdoor pool, as well as a toddlers’ pool and a snack bar.
The pool is open from 6:30am to 10pm, but the main pool and leisure pool are closed on Tuesdays for cleaning. The pool is also closed on weekends and public holidays.
W – As a designated quarantine hotel, the W Hong Kong isn’t an ideal spot to splash about, but it does have an incredible rooftop pool where you can relax and take in views of the city. The pool is also a great place to go at dusk to watch the sunset.
HK Pools – If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, try one of Hong Kong’s 45 public swimming pools (check out our full list here). Just be sure to check their opening schedule and don’t go on a pool’s cleaning day.
