Hong Kong is an island city surrounded by water, yet many of its children cannot swim due to limited availability and growing demand for swimming lessons – with lengthy wait lists forming among those hoping to learn the skill, while parents who can afford private schools might enroll their child there instead.
With such high density, public pools in dense cities such as Shanghai are often packed. While the government is trying to increase public swim lessons, many residents still need one and have been waiting. Since Shanghai uses a lottery system for selecting candidates for swim lessons, those selected may face up to an annual waitlist before finally receiving one.
Many newer condominiums in Hong Kong feature pool facilities. This provides children with a place to splash around, meet neighbors and burn off extra energy during summer’s scorching temperatures and humid environment. Larger developments with multiple towers may boast 50-meter outdoor pools while single tower developments may only feature smaller outdoor pools.
City officials in recent years have opened several innovative and beautiful public swimming pools. One such is Tung Chun Swimming Pool, featuring ceiling and wall LED screens displaying soothing illustrations of tree canopies, coral reefs, and other natural scenes – as well as an outdoor Jacuzzi for an unforgettable swimming experience.
Hotel Indigo boasts an attractive indoor pool that will take your breath away, with its transparent bottom protrusion from the wall to allow passersby to watch swimmers and lappers without being blocked by buildings. Relax during the day; come nighttime, it becomes truly magnificent when Hong Kong’s glittering lights reflect back onto its LED displays overhead.
Other city pools boast unique charms. For instance, Ma On Shan pool sits seafront and overlooks Tolo Harbour while Pao Yue-Kong complex offers numerous pools – main pool that overlooks ocean; training/teaching pools; toddler’s pool featuring mushroom/tree shaped fountains as well as four of Hong Kong’s fastest waterslides!
If you want the ultimate rooftop pool Hong Kong experience, visit the W Hotel on its 76th-floor roof pool – known as the highest rooftop pool worldwide and known for its breathtaking views, deckchairs for lounging and cocktail bar. Hotel guests may swim here year-round while outsiders are welcome during pool parties held during summer months.