The gloomy weather on Thursday morning meant less competition at newly reopened hongkong pools. The reopening was delayed by a week due to the strike, but many swimming pools in the city have opened again for business.
Some public swimming pools are operating only partially because of the staff shortage. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department warned people to check online or contact their venue before heading there. A spokesman said that most of the reopened swimming pools have a full range of facilities and are safe to use.
At a hotel in Kowloon, you’ll find a pool with a view of the city skyline. WET at the W Hotel is one of the most spectacular pools in town, surrounded by skyscrapers and looking out over Victoria Harbour. The outdoor pool is heated, and there are lounge chairs for guests to relax and enjoy the view. The hotel also offers a number of packages with pool access, so you can get in and out without any hassle.
The pool at Kerry Park is open year round, but it’s most popular during the summer. It has a shallow end for children, as well as a Jacuzzi and a water slide. You can also get a meal from the cafeteria, or grab a drink from the bar. The pool is free to use for hotel guests, but it’s a bit pricey for locals. The pool is also very small, so it can be crowded during the weekends and holidays.
During the summer, most indoor and outdoor pools in Hong Kong are open from 15th April until the end of October. Rates for adults are HK$17 on weekdays and HK$19 on weekends, with discounted rates for students and those aged 60 and above. Some pools are open for three weeks during the winter for maintenance.
Nearly half of Hong Kong’s public pools plan to close lanes and facilities reserved for swimming instruction this summer, sparking fears of class cancellations. The Hong Kong Recreation and Sports Professionals General Union said 20 out of 45 public pools had told swimming clubs that they cannot operate all facilities, but did not give any reason. Opening partially will affect industry development and affect swimmers, the union said.
Located in the heart of the city, Victoria Park has a number of recreational facilities, including an indoor swimming pool. The pool is surrounded by trees and plants, making it a relaxing place to swim. It is also open to the public, so you can take a stroll and admire the scenery after your swim.
The only downside to the Victoria Park pool is that it can be crowded during the weekends and holiday periods. During these times, it is best to visit early in the morning or after sunset to avoid the crowds. It’s also a good idea to bring a book or your laptop so that you can read while you’re at the pool. You can even take a break and go for a walk in the nearby Botanical Gardens.