The world's first floating pool is opening in London this month

On 19th May, the largest free-standing acrylic pool structure in the world will be unveiled at Embassy Gardens, the prestigious riverside neighborhood in Nine Elms, London. Once installed, the aptly named Sky Pool will span 25-meters across two buildings and is entirely see-through, meaning people can glide between buildings 35 meters (115 feet) above the ground.  

The luxe community already boasts a rooftop sky deck, plush private cinema, purpose-built orange tree garden house, and an array of modern homes. However, on a hot summer's day eight years ago, developers EcoWorld Ballymore decided Embassy Gardens was missing an outdoor swimming pool. 

(Image credit: EcoWorld Ballymore)

The creative team realized the only pace large enough was between the Legacy Buildings, and so, the sky pool concept was born. The team then worked to design something transparent so swimmers could see the ground, while people standing below could still see the sky.

London-based architects Hal Currey and Arup Associates designed the structure-free rectangular pool so it seamlessly adjoins two of the three residential apartment blocks in the community. The team worked out how to prop the structure in mid-air, and keep it firmly in place, so you can swim easy if you're ever lucky enough to take a dip. 

(Image credit: EcoWorld Ballymore)

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The pool was then built in Colorado before its three-week journey across the Atlantic to Battersea. The pool's relationship with the US doesn't stop there, as the concept is oozing with hints of New York's Meatpacking District, which experiments with industrial grit and world-class architectural design. 

While both sides of the pool mirror a conventional outdoor swimming pool, the experience is far from orthodox. The floating structure offers the sensation of swimming through the sky whilst offering unspoiled views of the iconic city skyline, including the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament. 

(Image credit: EcoWorld Ballymore)

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The pool was built exclusively for Eagle Club members and residents of Embassy Gardens and their guests. So, if you do not qualify as one of the above, it's time to invest in an apartment or try and become best friends with a resident. Your plan of action is entirely up to you.