This floating pool, commonly referred to as a plus-shaped structure, has been in the works for over ten years. The full-scale version is planned for installation off the Lower East Side of Manhattan near Pier 35. Once completed, it will allow members of the public to swim in river water that is filtered and treated through the pool’s specialized system. The concept challenges traditional perceptions of urban rivers as off-limits and highlights the potential for clean, safe, and sustainable recreation directly in the city’s waterways.
The floating pool is not just an architectural or recreational feat; it also represents a commitment to environmental education and civic engagement. By allowing people to swim in the river—safely and without harmful chemicals—it emphasizes the importance of restoring and protecting natural resources that have historically been neglected or polluted. Those behind the project have consistently described it as an invitation for New Yorkers to get closer to their local environment and build a stronger connection with the water that surrounds their city.
The prototype recently installed in the water serves as proof that the structure can function as intended. It is a scaled-down version of the future pool but includes the same core design principles, including the ability to remain stable while floating and to support water filtration systems. These systems are key to the project’s success, as they will clean river water through layered membranes before allowing it to enter the pool, offering a safe and chemical-free swimming experience. The technology aims to meet environmental and public health standards while operating within the challenging conditions of tidal urban waters.
Organizers of the project believe this installation is a turning point in demonstrating the pool’s viability. Beyond the technical achievements, the initiative is rooted in a broader mission to make the city’s waterways more accessible and appreciated. By physically placing people in the water, the pool is intended to transform how residents and visitors think about the East River—not just as a boundary or backdrop, but as a living part of the city that can be cared for, enjoyed, and protected.
The floating pool’s location near Pier 35 was selected for its visibility, accessibility, and proximity to communities that could benefit most from increased public space and environmental engagement. The waterfront in this part of Manhattan has seen growing investment in recent years, and the addition of a river pool would continue the transformation of underused shoreline into active public destinations.
There is currently no confirmed opening date for the full-scale pool, but if all necessary approvals and permits progress smoothly, the project could be completed and open to the public by 2027. The next stages will involve continued testing of the prototype, refinement of water filtration technologies, and the development of a full construction and installation plan. Environmental reviews and government clearances remain essential parts of the process.
This initiative is one of several efforts in urban centers to bring people closer to nature in innovative ways. By turning industrial or overlooked riverfront areas into clean, active public spaces, the floating pool embodies a shift in how cities use their natural resources. It blends engineering, environmental science, and public design into a project that is both practical and symbolic.
With its latest milestone complete, the floating pool project moves from theory to practice, offering a glimpse of a future where swimming in city rivers is not just a dream but a shared civic experience. If completed as envisioned, the pool will not only be a place to cool off in summer, but also a powerful reminder that even in the heart of a dense urban environment, water can be clean, accessible, and worth protecting.
