NewsBite

Inside world’s first floating sky pool 35m above London

A glass pool, stretched between two buildings, 35m above London’s streets – this is either the best swim in the world, or the most terrifying.

Australian locations you can visit for that European feel

The world’s first “floating” sky pool with a glass bottom and views from 35m above the streets of London is opening next month, offering a swimming experience like no other.

Suspended between two blocks of luxury flats in Nine Elms, Battersea in southwest London, the 25m pool will be for the brave only, with uninterrupted views from the 10th floor.

Indeed, swimmers will be able to take in the sights of the billion-dollar US Embassy, Palace of Westminster and the London Eye, all while getting their laps done.

The world’s first sky pool is opening in the UK next month. Picture: Embassy Gardens
The world’s first sky pool is opening in the UK next month. Picture: Embassy Gardens
The swimming pool has a complete glass bottom. Picture: Embassy Gardens
The swimming pool has a complete glass bottom. Picture: Embassy Gardens
Perhaps one to avoid if you have a fear of heights. Picture: Embassy Gardens
Perhaps one to avoid if you have a fear of heights. Picture: Embassy Gardens

But it will come at a hefty price – swimming is limited to residents of the Embassy Gardens development with apartments beginning at $1 million, rising to close to $9 million for the penthouse suite. A rooftop bar will also be part of the attraction.

A ceremony for the opening of the pool set for on May 19 will be livestreamed and will feature a performance from synchronised swimming team Aquabatix.

The pool was shipped 8000km from Colorado, and is connected to each building using technology that allows it to move as the buildings settle, as well as adapt for wind sway.

The Sky Pool connects two luxury blocks of flats in Nine Elms, in Battersea in London. Picture: Embassy Gardens
The Sky Pool connects two luxury blocks of flats in Nine Elms, in Battersea in London. Picture: Embassy Gardens
The concept was first announced in 2019, with its opening delayed by COVID. Picture: Embassy Gardens
The concept was first announced in 2019, with its opening delayed by COVID. Picture: Embassy Gardens

According to the website, the concept was first thought up in 2013.

Developer Ballymore’s chairman Sean Mulryan previously said: “It was an idea that really stood out and that we thought was quite special.

“We didn’t know if it was possible at the time and five years ago it wouldn’t have been. It’s only because of advances in technology that we’re able to do this.”

There will also be a cocktail bar and spa on the 10th floor. Picture: Embassy Gardens
There will also be a cocktail bar and spa on the 10th floor. Picture: Embassy Gardens
Swimmers will get uninterrupted views of the London skyline. Picture: Embassy Gardens
Swimmers will get uninterrupted views of the London skyline. Picture: Embassy Gardens

Brian Eckersley, director of Eckersley O’Callaghan, Sky Pool structural engineers, said: “Once you swim off, you can look right down. It will be like flying.”

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/travel/destinations/europe/inside-worlds-first-floating-sky-pool-35m-above-london/news-story/ace818e7c7ec3e45ebc40cc8a90f1af3