World’s Largest Pool Splashes onto the Scene
The coastal South American San Alfonso del Mar resort in Chile has taken on a whole new meaning to the idea of swimming laps in the pool.
The coastal South American San Alfonso del Mar resort in Chile has taken on a whole new meaning to the idea of swimming laps in the pool. The Guinness Book of World Records has confirmed its status as the largest pool in the world at over one kilometer (0.62 miles or 3,281 ft) long, crumbling all former records of the category including the Orthlieb pool in Casablanca, Morocco at 150 meters (492 feet) by 100 meters (328 feet). The massive Chilean artificial lagoon and swimming pool is eight hectares in size and contains an incredible 250,000 cubic meters (8,828,667 cubic feet) of water. As deep as 35 meters (115 feet), boats and kayaks are even allowed to float on its immense surface.
This colossal structure was designed by biochemist and Chilean businessman Fernando Fischmann by using technology that uses a method of carefully recycling seawater. Instead of massive tanker trucks backing up to the pool and disgorging thousands of gallons of skin-burning chlorine, the pool is equipped with 150 wall sensors. According to a recent article in Wired Magazine, the sensors release chemicals only if nearby water is determined to be unclean. The revolutionary clear water, transparent even to the deepest areas of the pool, is truly remarkable and is a necessary addition to the unprecedented design and construction of this outstanding creation.
One question continues to be on the minds of many: Why does such an enormous pool need to be on a beach next to the ocean? According to Chilean officials, the beaches of the area are notoriously dangerous for rough waves and strong rip currents. Also, the water in Chile is very cold due to currents that approach from Antarctica. If you are heading to Chile, be prepared to say goodbye to crowded hotel pools. However, at about $1.5 billion to build and about $4 million a year for maintenance (that’s about $10,958.90 a day!); I might not mind taking my business elsewhere.
