If you’re a swimmer, then you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more stunning swimming pool than Hong Kong. With floor-to-ceiling windows, a purple ceiling that looks like the night sky and LED walls that display the illusion of coral reefs, the pool at the Ritz Carlton is truly a sight to behold. And even if you’re not a hotel guest, you can still pay for a day pass to enjoy the pool and wellness facilities.

The pool’s design is influenced by a series of natural forms, including the sea and mountains. Its shape and position are reminiscent of the fjords in Norway and Sweden, while the colour palette is inspired by the sea. The swimming pool also has a range of amenities, including a Jacuzzi, sauna and steam bath.

Those planning to spend a day at the pool will have to book ahead, as it is only open during the morning and afternoon. And even then, it’s best to get there early if you want to have enough laps in before it gets too busy.

A public consultation on a new policy for swimming pools in Hong Kong has been opened by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD). The proposed policy will allow schools and training centres to use public swimming pools as long as they provide their own lifeguards. This is to address a shortage of lifeguards and prevent water contamination from vomit or faeces, which have caused some pools to be closed.

The iconic Kowloon Park Swimming Pool, designed by Derek Walker Associates and Simon Kwan and Associates, was constructed in 1989 as part of a larger redevelopment of the park, which was funded by the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club. The design features a central circular pool with two elongated curved wings, each containing three pools of different sizes and depths. The pool is surrounded by lush trees and landscaped gardens.

There are several swimming pools at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, including one with a glass wall that provides spectacular views of Victoria Harbour and the city’s skyline. There are also a few loungers and cabanas around the pool where you can relax. Guests can also make use of the spa, fitness centre and golf course.

Despite the ongoing staff shortage, the Grand Hyatt has been able to maintain its pool operations by drawing on its reserves. It has also sought to increase hiring by offering more attractive two-year contracts. However, the lack of new recruits means that a full reopening of all public pools is unlikely this year. Only 40 per cent of the 600 seasonal lifeguards have turned up for duty so far. With only two weeks remaining of the season, a full reopening is looking less and less likely. The Grand Hyatt is also relying on a number of poolside cabanas and floatation devices to ensure safety. This is a much better option than some other hotels which have had to resort to using inflatables and other temporary measures to cope with the shortage of lifeguards.