Sure NYC has beaches, rooftop pools and even public pools, but what’s coming to the East River to cool off New Yorkers in year’s to come is more epic than what you can even imagine.
NYC’s first filtered floating pool, dubbed the +POOL, has been an ongoing project for many years that will now be a joint effort from both the city and state. At the start of this year, Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the installation process will begin this summer, with an expected opening date by summer 2025. More recently, the local leaders have announced their final location selection which is Pier 35.
According the press release, the three month water filtration demonstration project will kick off this month to make certain the future swimmers will be in safe and healthy conditions. It has been confirmed that the +POOL is on track to open for final testing by 2025.
So what makes the pool so special? The plus-shaped pool will filter more than 1,000,000 gallons of river water each day, using no additives or chemicals. It’s unique design will allow for reconfigurations to suit lap swimming, water sports, children’s activities, and lounging.
The project is part of the Governor’s $150 Million NY SWIMS Investment to aid pools in underserved communities. “Through innovative solutions like + POOL, we are providing children and their families with safe spaces to swim in New York City. NY SWIMS is the largest statewide investment in swimming since the New Deal, and we’re increasing access to pools while helping our kids learn how to stay safe in the water,” added Governor Hochul.
A 110 ft. x 36 ft. floating barge will bolster the filtration system consisting of an intake pump, pre-filtration, membrane filtration, UV disinfection, test pool, and cleaning system. Following its three month demonstration, data results will be used to show the public how the system will meet city and state water quality standards.
“With growing awareness of the need to protect our waterways, we welcome + POOL as a resource to reconnect our environmental justice community with the East River to address climate change. + POOL will be an accessible world class option for our neighborhood to cool off in the summer and will simultaneously connect vulnerable populations with swimming lessons and programming so future generations become water stewards in the greatest city in the world,” added local resident and swimmer Frank Avila-Goldman.