London’s Sky Pool: A New Elevated Swimming Experience

London is taking swimming to new heights. A new see-through pool suspended 115 feet in the air between two apartment buildings will open on May 19, according to The Daily Mail.

About the Sky Pool

Called the Sky Pool, this aerial wonder – floating about 10 stories high – is part of the Embassy Gardens, a mixed-use community from EcoWorld Ballymore. It’s located next to the U.S. Embassy in the Nine Elms neighborhood of London, not far from the Thames River.

Specifications and Experience

About 82 feet long, 16 feet wide, and 10 feet deep, the acrylic pool was built in a factory in Colorado and carefully moved across the Atlantic for installation. Those taking a dip will enjoy stunning views of the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye.

However, this exclusive experience won’t be open to the public. As part of the housing complex, it will be limited to the residents of its approximately 2,000 homes and apartments, as CNN reported.

Additional Amenities

The Eg:le Club pool area, which is safely positioned on a solid rooftop, also features a spa, bar, and orangery. For those who prefer a terrace view, an aerial walkway between the two buildings sits adjacent to the pool.

Design Inspiration

The idea originated organically. In 2013, the construction team was assessing where to place the complex’s pool when they discovered that the only available space was between the two Legacy Buildings. Consequently, the concept evolved, leading to the creation of a sky pool that allows swimmers to see the ground below while individuals beneath can gaze up at the sky.

Engineering Marvel

Working alongside architects Hal Currey and Arup Associates and structural engineer Eckersley O’Callaghan, they meticulously planned to suspend the pool between the buildings, which measures approximately 45 feet apart. Moreover, the designers incorporated five modes of lighting to enhance the mystical atmosphere of the pool.

As Sean Mulryan from Ballymore stated, “The vision for the Sky Pool stemmed from a desire to push the boundaries in the capability of construction and engineering.”

Delayed Opening and Future Projects

The Sky Pool was initially slated to open last summer, but it faced delays due to the pandemic. The livestreamed opening ceremony will be hosted by radio and TV personality Roman Kemp, featuring a performance by the Aquabatix synchronized swimming team.

Another exciting London oasis in the sky is also in development: The Infinity London, which will feature a 360-degree rooftop infinity pool atop a 55-story building.