The scorching Hong Kong heat is a good excuse to hit one of the city’s 44 public swimming pools, especially those with water slides and family changing rooms. And the best part: it’s cheap as chips – adults pay just HK$17 on weekdays and HK$19 on weekends (and public holidays) with concession rates available for those above 60, between the ages of 3 and 13, or full-time students. Children under three are also free of charge.
For those who aren’t too keen on swimming laps, there’s the leisure pool area which features a fountain and four waterslides that cater to kids of all ages. The slides are particularly impressive, two of them standing at 9 metres and said to be the fastest in Hong Kong. This is the pool to visit if you’re looking for an adventure, though be prepared to be packed on weekdays and weekends.
Another popular choice is the Ma On Shan pool located on the beachfront with sea views. This spacious pool has a main pool and spectator stands that can seat 1,200 people, plus training and teaching pools as well as a toddler’s pool with whimsical water installations like mushroom- and tree-shaped fountains. There are also four waterslides to enjoy, including a pair of the highest in town that boast a speed of up to 30km/h.
Then there’s Victoria Park’s new HK$800 million pool complex which replaced older facilities and is home to an Olympic-sized pool, the biggest in the city, along with a 33m multipurpose pool and the largest spectator stand in the country capable of holding 2,500 people. You can even swim at this pool at night if you’re feeling brave.
While you’re there, why not grab a bite to eat at the poolside cafe? Or if you want to do some shopping, there’s a retail outlet connected to the pool.
There are many construction options when it comes to building a pool, each with its pros and cons. A pool installation company will help you determine what materials, shape and size will work best for your space and budget. Fiberglass and vinyl liner pools are the most popular due to their affordability, durability and relatively low maintenance costs. Concrete is more expensive but is a durable option that can be shaped into any shape you desire and can accommodate a variety of equipment such as diving boards and pumps.
Other factors that influence pool cost include how much you want to spend on landscaping, and what you’ll use the pool for, such as a hot tub or for entertainment purposes. It’s also worth noting that there will be additional costs for things such as a filtration system and backfill.
