Any Hong Konger can tell you that this high-rise city is hot all year round (except for one and a half months of delayed winter). When the mercury rises, a refreshing swim at the best hongkong pools is a must. There are 22 public swimming pools in the territory operated by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, with a general entrance fee of HK$17 on weekdays and HK$19 on weekends. People with disabilities, those aged 60 or over, children between the ages of 3 – 13, and full-time students can enter for a discounted rate.
The earliest swimming pool complexes in the territory were built in the 1960s and 1970s. Many were funded, in part or whole, by the Jockey Club. Typical of these was the Tsuen Wan Swimming Pool complex, opened in 1975, which features a large 50-metre pool and changing rooms located mostly underneath a grandstand.
The pools are a popular hangout for locals and visitors alike. The busiest times are after school and into the evening. Getting a locker can be tricky during these periods, so early arrival is advised.
Many swimming pools in the territory are also popular with mainland visitors, particularly during the summer months. Apparently the cheap entrance fees and the good facilities are attractive to the many Chinese tourists who visit Hong Kong. However, water quality in some of these swimming pools is not as good as the standard set by the LCSD. The water may be contaminated with vomit and faeces. A report in a Shenzhen newspaper highlighted this issue and prompted the LCSD to increase monitoring of the waters at its pools.
A new generation of pool operators are trying to shake up the industry. They are building facilities that provide more fun, excitement and entertainment to swimmers who no longer see swimming as a mere form of exercise. They are also introducing innovative technology to boost efficiency and enhance safety. One such pool is the YMCA Bridges Street Centre in central Hong Kong, which features a large indoor pool and an outdoor free-form pool with water toys.
Dark liquidity concerns remain prominent in the markets, and the issue was discussed again at a meeting of the Legislative Council last week and among market participants. Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) chairman K C Chan cited figures indicating that trades executed in dark pools accounted for around 1.5% of total turnover on the exchange during the past six months.
While some HK pools have been affected by the staff shortage, other have seen more investment in their facilities and technology. The Victoria Park pool, for example, was rebuilt in 2014 and boasts the most advanced filtration system in the city, which allows the water to be recirculated up to four times per day. The pool’s unique seashell-like design also enhances ventilation and lets natural light flood the pool, making it a great option for those seeking to soak up the sun while taking in the stunning views of the Victoria Harbour.