World’s First 'Floating' Sky Pool To Open In London In May

The world’s first 'floating' sky pool with a glass bottom and views from 115ft above the streets of London is opening next month.

The transparent Sky Pool is 25 metres (82 feet) long and stretches across the 14-metre (46 feet) gap between two blocks of luxury flats in Nine Elms in south-west London, 35 metres from the ground. The pool is set to open May 19, though only residents of the building and their guests will be able to use it.

Flats at The Embassy Gardens development start at £600,000 and rise to £5 million for the penthouse suite.

The 82ft pool will hold 400 tons of water and boasts the best views of the billion-dollar US Embassy as well as the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye.

The building’s Sky Deck also includes a spa, summer bar and Orangery.

Property developers Ballymore came up with the idea for the Sky Pool several years ago, to make sufficient space for an outdoor pool.

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."

The acrylic pool, which was shipped 5,000 miles from Colorado, U.S. and put through “extensive strength testing”, is connected to each building using technology that allows it to move as the buildings settle as well as adapting for wind sway.

The pool is supported at either end by stainless steel “tubs,” allowing space for steps.

A ceremony for the opening of the pool on May 19 will see British TV host Roman Kemp live stream the event, which will feature a performance from synchronised swimming team Aquabatix.