With the heatwave and humid conditions, a pool can be a real godsend. Whether you want to splash around, sit back and relax or join a wellness class, Hong Kong’s pools are the ideal place to beat the heat.

Many of the city’s 44 public swimming pools are family-friendly, offering splash-worthy water slides and fun features like a leisure pool area and fountains to keep kids entertained. Plus, admission is cheap and cheerful – adults pay HK$17 on weekdays and HK$19 at weekends and public holidays, while concession rates are available for those aged 60 or above, between 3-13 years old or full-time students.

However, due to the coronavirus restrictions, a number of pools are still closed and opening hours vary. Check the Leisure and Cultural Services Department website for more information.

The Sai Kung Public Pool is a good option for families with children. In addition to lap pools, it offers an area for water slides (including some suitable for younger children) and a toddler pool with mushroom-and tree-shaped fountains. There’s even a family changing room, although some of the pool rules may be a little off-putting. For example, the rules say shirts must be clean and white, while foam flotation devices are forbidden.

There’s also the Ma On Shan Swimming Pool, overlooking Tolo Harbour. This huge complex has a main pool as well as a training and teaching pool, with spectator stands that hold 1,200 people. For kids, there are three pools with a range of fun features such as water slides (including a 9-metre waterslide), floating mini aquatic animals and water-squirting dolphins.

Other popular pools include the Jordan Valley Pool, which is a great choice for preschool and kindergarten-aged children. There’s a large leisure pool and a small toddler pool, and the water slides here are especially fun – including a slide that drops swimmers right into a waterfall. You’ll also find a fun little play structure with water-squirting dolphins and sharks.

Building a pool in your own home can cost a pretty penny, depending on how big you go and how much prep work is required to dig the hole. There are also other costs to consider, such as sand and cement for the base and any extras like lighting or landscaping. However, you should ask your builder what you can splurge on now and what needs to be pushed down the line a bit so that you can start enjoying your new pool sooner rather than later.