Amid the scorching summer heat, overcrowded beaches and dripping air-con units, the best way to beat the humidity is to take a dip in one of Hong Kong’s many hotel pools. From infinity pools overlooking Victoria Harbour to kid-friendly water zones, these hotels offer a range of pool staycation options that will help you get the most out of your summer. Plus, book most of them with Cathay to earn bonus Asia Miles.

Public swimming pools have warned that they may close some lanes and facilities for lessons this summer because of an acute shortage of lifeguards. The union representing recreation and sports professionals said 20 out of the city’s 45 public pools had informed swimming clubs that they would not be able to operate fully this summer due to the staffing crisis. The union also said some swimming coaches had not been qualified to teach classes at pools with no lifeguards on duty, leading to fears that class cancellations could occur.

Aside from being a fun way to spend time with the family, swimming has a number of health benefits. For instance, it improves balance, strengthens the core, and increases lung capacity. It can also help to reduce stress and depression. In addition, it has been shown to boost energy levels by upping the metabolic rate. For these reasons, it is essential to keep up with your regular swimming routine to ensure good health.

The best way to do this is by joining a pool membership program. Aside from offering access to a range of swimming pools across the city, most membership programs also include free personal training sessions, group fitness classes, and yoga, among other benefits. Most pool memberships cost around HK$1,500 per month, but they can be well worth it considering the numerous health benefits.

There are 22 public swimming pools in Hong Kong operated by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. The entrance fee is HK$17 per person on weekdays and HK$15 on weekends. You can also purchase a monthly ticket for HK$300, which offers half-price admission for children and students.

Besides, there are also some hotels with pools that are great for kids and adults. These hotels are located in different parts of the city and offer various amenities to their guests. Some of them even have water slides and a water park for their young guests. The Hong Kong Ocean Park is a particularly popular choice, with its multiple water slides and fountains. This is the perfect place to take the whole family for a splashing summer vacation. There are also several other pool parks that are suitable for all ages. For example, the Hammer Hill Road pool has a pirate-ship water slide for older kids and toddlers. It is also a convenient location as it is near the MTR train station. The Tsing Yi pool, on the other hand, has a large water park with various swimming pools, including a leisure pool and a children’s pool.