Hong Kong considers upgrades to public swimming pool facilities
Hong Kong's government has responded to legislative questions about public swimming pool facilities, confirming that electronic payment options were expanded in 2024. Officials said they will consider upgrading lockers with smart technology and improving hairdryer facilities on a case-by-case basis,
The Hong Kong government has outlined its position on upgrading public swimming pool facilities in response to a legislative question from lawmaker Chan Chun Ying. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) said it is monitoring electronic payment trends and has already expanded payment options at all 46 public swimming pool venues.
Since 30 September 2024, swimmers have been able to pay entry fees using cash, Octopus cards, Faster Payment System (FPS), Octopus Wallet, PayMe, Hong Kong and mainland China Alipay, Hong Kong and mainland China WeChat Pay, and Cloud Pay. The LCSD said the arrangements have improved efficiency and convenience, and it will continue to review payment services based on technological developments and public demand.
Regarding smart lockers, the government acknowledged that current lockers require users to bring their own five-dollar coin. The question cited examples in mainland China where radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology allows contactless locker access. The LCSD said it will consider introducing smart lockers during construction or renovation of facilities, taking into account public views, site conditions, expected usage and operational needs. Any improvements will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
On hairdryers in changing rooms, the government noted that some venues such as Kwun Tong Swimming Pool have already installed handheld models. Current facilities include fixed wall-mounted, height-adjustable wall-mounted and handheld hairdryers. The LCSD said it is monitoring usage and safety of different hairdryer designs, and will work with engineering departments to study improvement options. Any upgrades will be carried out according to established procedures based on actual wear and tear.
The government did not provide specific timelines for any of the proposed upgrades, saying improvements will be made when appropriate based on operational assessments and public feedback.
