Summer’s fast approaching and what better way for you to beat the heat than a relaxing dip in the pools Hong Kong has to offer? In addition to being a fun way to spend the afternoon, swimming has many physical and mental benefits. It a great activity to do with your beloved, but it’s also perfect to spend quality solo time.
Swimming is a great recreational activity for people of all ages. It is a low-impact workout while being a great way to unwind from all the stresses of daily life. Plus, it’s a life-saving skill – you never know when it will come in handy!
In this article, we’ll go over all the benefits of swimming, and then provide you with a list of places you can cool-off in Hong Kong heat.
Benefit #1: It strengthens your muscles and makes them more flexible
Water is about 784 times as dense as air and therefore provides resistance to help you strengthen your muscles. It’s like working out with weights but much more effective as being submerged ensures even resistance across your body. This means that you’ll be working out all your muscles while you swim, as opposed to having to target specific ones when you work out at home or in the gym. Plus, as you use a lot of your body’s muscles at the same time and make larger movements with your arms and legs, it helps you stretch and improve your flexibility.
Benefit #2: It aids weight loss
Swimming is a cardiovascular activity, meaning that it gets your heart pumping and make you burn a lot of calories. In fact, swimming properly for just half an hour can burn up to 250 calories, and you’ll leave your workout feeling refreshed and energized instead of sweaty and tired. Plus, anyone can reap weight-loss benefits from swimming! Whether you’re young or old, fit or just starting to exercise for the first time, etc. Even if you’re recovering from an injury, pregnant, or a new mum, you’ll be able to swim easily, as you set your own pace and intensity.
Benefit #3: It’s a low impact workout
Low impact workouts refer to those that are more gentle on the joints. To that extent swimming is particularly useful for those who are older, recovering from an injury, or have joint issues that make it difficult for them to participate in high impact workouts. Water supports up to 90% of your body’s weight, so you don’t have to expend energy on supporting yourself and can focus simply on flowing into the water. Plus, you’ll feel the wear and tear on your body a lot less as compared to workouts done on land.
Benefit #4: It’s good for your lung health
When your face is submerged underwater, your body quickly adapts to the lack of oxygen and learns to take in more fresh air with every breath while simultaneously expelling more carbon dioxide. In fact, swimmers tend to have better tidal volumes when compared to other types of athletes, such as runners. This will help you maintain a lower resting heart rate and lower blood pressure in the long run. Indoor swimming is also a great activity for those who have lung issues, such as asthma. The levels of moisture in an indoor pool make it easier for asthmatic people to breathe compared to a gym. Swimming can also improve asthma symptoms when done regularly.
Benefit #5: It makes you feel happier and more energized
Swimming reduces stress and has a positive effect on depression and other such mental health conditions. After all, it is a relaxing way to exercise! It also boosts your energy levels! Try swimming just three times a week and you will feel genuinely more energized due to a higher metabolic rate.
Hotel Pools in Hong Kong
It’s clear that swimming has a positive effect on both body, mind and general wellness. Now, let’s look at where you can swim in Hong Kong. First, we’ll look at hotel pools.
#1: Harbour Grand Hong Kong
Stretching 27 meters and providing a gorgeous view of Victoria Harbour, the pool at Harbour Grand is the perfect place for you to work out in peace and relaxation. Plus, they have a spacious Jacuzzi for you to treat yourself and lounge in after your workout.
Opening hours: Daily, 6:30AM – 9PM
Address: Harbour Grand Hong Kong, 3/F, 23 Oil Street, North Point, Hong Kong
Price: HK$300 on weekdays and HK$400 on weekends. A monthly pass costs HK$1875 including gym, sauna as well as other perks.
#2: Island Shangri-La, Central
Open year-round with heating in the winter, the pool at Shangri-La in Central is perfect for those who need their own space to work out in as they only accept a limited number of guests. Be sure to call a couple of hours before you plan to head down to secure your spot!
Opening hours: Daily, 6AM – 10PM
Address: Island Shangri-La, Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2877 3838
Price: HK$900 per 60-minute sessions, HK$4,000 for five sessions and $53,300 for an annual membership that allows you access to their other facilities.
#3: Le Meridien, Cyberport
With a whirlpool to take the physical stress off your muscles after your workout, the gorgeous pool at Le Meridien is sure to help you relax and unwind from all your mental stresses too. Plus, you get to enjoy spectacular views of South Hong Kong’s verdant hills.
Opening hours: Weekdays, 6:30AM – 9PM (closed to non-hotel guests during the weekend)
Address: Le Meridien, 4/F, 100 Cyberport Road, Cyberport, Hong Kong
Price: $350 per day
#4: The Conrad Hotel, Admiralty
With an outdoor heated swimming pool, a whirlpool to ease your muscles after your workout as well as access to a sauna and a steam room, The Conrad Hotel provides a wonderful experience enabling you to complete your workout and relax afterwards.
Opening hours: Daily, 6AM – 10 PM
Address: The Conrad Hotel, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong
Price: HK$400 on weekdays, HK$550 on weekends and public holidays
#5: The Mira, Kowloon
With an indoor infinity pool, you’ll be able to do your workout whether rain or shine at The Mira Hotel. Plus, you’ll also have access to their fitness center and all their spa facilities – including a sauna, whirlpool and waterbed lounge.
Opening hours: Daily, 6AM to 11PM
Address: The Mira Hong Kong, Mira Place, 118-130 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Price: HK$500 per day
Hong Kong Public Pools
Now, let’s take a look at public pools. Hong Kong has 22 public swimming pools, all of them are under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. The entrance fee is HK$17 per person on weekdays and HK$19 per person on weekends. Those who have disabilities, or are above the age of 60, between the ages of 3 – 13, or full-time students can enjoy concession rates of HK$8 per person on weekdays, and HK$9 per person on weekends. Children under the age of 3 will enjoy free entry! Below are our five favourites, but you can find an exhaustive list of public swimming pools in hong kong here.
#1: Ma On Shan
If you’re looking for a family-friendly public pool, Ma On Shan is a great choice! With several swimming pools ranging from their main pool to a training pool to three leisure pools, it’s the perfect place to cool off on a hot, sunny afternoon with your kids. It also has water slides for both children and adults, as well as a pool for toddlers.
Opening hours: Wednesday – Monday, 6:30AM – 12:00PM, 1:00PM – 6:30PM, 7:30PM – 10:00PM.
Note that they are closed from 1st November to 31st March of the following year for maintenance.
Address: 33 On Chun Street, Ma On Shan, Sha Tin.
#2: Kowloon Park
With three outdoor leisure pools complete with waterfalls, rocks and a footbridge, as well as indoor pools including the main pool, a training pool and a diving pool, Kowloon Park’s public pool is great for families and individuals alike. Plus, their pools are heated during the winter season.
Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 6:30AM – 12:00PM, 1:00PM – 5:00PM, 6:00PM – 10:00PM
Note that they are closed from 11th September to 31st October for maintenance.
Address: 22 Austin Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
#3: Hong Kong Island – Chai Wan
Enjoy gorgeous views of Hong Kong from the rooftop pools at the Hong Kong Island Chai Wan’s public pool. With two spacious kiddie pools for your children as well as a large diving pool and teaching pool for adults, you’ll easily be able to get a workout in while your kids are happily splashing away.
Opening hours: Wednesday – Monday, 6:30AM – 12:00PM, 1:00PM – 5:00PM, 6:00PM – 10:00PM.
Note that they are closed from 1st November to 31st March of the following year for maintenance.
Address: 345 San Ha Street, Chai Wan, Hong Kong.
#4: Sai Kung
Sai Kung pool has an Olympic sized pool with lanes for you to practice your swimming, as well as a free form teaching pool and a leisure pool to relax in. It also has a kid’s pool with swirling slides and other fun games to keep your little ones occupied. They also have multiple lifeguards on duty so you can exercise stress-free.
Opening hours: Thursday – Tuesday, 6:30AM – 12:00PM, 1:00PM – 6:30PM, 7:30PM – 10:00PM
Note that they are closed from 1st November to 31st March of the following year for maintenance.
Address: Wai Man Road, Sai Kung, NT.
#5: Tsing Yi
With a main pool, a teaching pool, a leisure pool and one designed especially for toddlers, the Tsing Yi swimming pool is perfect for both families and individuals. Plus, they have large water slides ideal for older kids and teenagers!
Opening hours: Friday – Wednesday, 6:30AM – 12:00PM, 1:00PM – 6:30PM, 7:30PM – 10:00PM
Note that they are closed from 1st November to 31st March of the following year for maintenance.
Address: 51 Tsing King Road, Tsing Yi.
So, there you have it – a comprehensive list of the many benefits of swimming as well as the best locations in Hong Kong to do this fun and healthy activity. Time to take the plunge and don’t forget to get your pedicure done before that!