Tougher hygiene measures will be implemented at the 36 public pools in the coming swim season, starting April 1, the Leisure & Cultural Services Department says. The measures have been drawn up by an inter-departmental steering committee to improve pool management.

Water samples will be tested on an hourly basis, and samples will be sent to recognised laboratories to ensure the water is up to the international hygiene standards.

Guidelines have been issued to staff on how to clean the pools and their surrounding areas. Six to eight pools will be closed alternately each weekday for special cleaning, and re-open at dusk.

Cleaning and checks of play equipment will be stepped up, and improvements have been made to shower baths and footbaths, allowing swimmers to thoroughly rinse their bodies before entering pool deck areas.

To promote public co-operation, Swimming Pool Ambassadors will be deployed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays to urge swimmers to follow facility rules.