NYC's East River Gets a Floating Pool! Can it Really Clean the Water?

NYC's Floating Pool: A Dip in Innovation and Purification

New York City is taking a leap into the future of urban swimming with a groundbreaking floating pool project. Set to open next summer, POOL+ promises to offer safe and enjoyable swimming experiences while also purifying the East River.

This innovative pool is designed in the shape of a plus sign, with four distinct sections catering to different swimmers:

• Children's pool
• Sports games pool
• Competitive swimming pool
• Leisure pool

The pool's filtration system aims to transform river water into clean, swimmable water without the need for chemicals. Additionally, it will act as a massive purifier, cleaning a portion of the East River and making it suitable for bathing. The goal is to filter nearly 1 million gallons of water per day.

From Kickstarter to Reality

The concept of a floating pool in the East River has been in the works for over a decade. It was initially championed by a non-profit organization, who launched a Kickstarter campaign in 2013. The project was later adopted by the city in 2021. Now, after years of delays and setbacks, the dream is becoming a reality.

POOL+ is part of a larger $150 million initiative called NY SWIMS, which aims to increase access to swimming in under-served communities across the city. Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the importance of this project in providing safe swimming spaces for children and families, and in promoting equal access to the city's waterways.

A Dive into the Past

The East River, once a dumping ground for industrial waste, has slowly been undergoing a process of revitalization. This floating pool project represents a new chapter in the city's efforts to make its waterways clean and accessible. It is a testament to the city's commitment to innovation and its desire to create a more sustainable and enjoyable environment for its residents.