THE EXTREMES OF SWIMMING: THE LARGEST, BIGGEST, AND DEEPEST POOLS IN THE WORLD
Have you ever wondered why competitive swimming pools are always the same length? While standardization is key for racing, the world of swimming is filled with extraordinary pools that defy the norm.
Sometimes, it's good to shift your focus from perfect technique and just relax and have fun. This article will take you on a trivia tour to the extremes of the aquatic world, from the sandy beaches of Chile to the grassy banks of England and the deep waters of Dubai.
Dive Into: The Extremes of the Swimming World
- The Largest Pool: A 1km Lap in Chile
- The Biggest Swimmer: A Giant on the Thames
- The Deepest Pool: The Battle for the Bottom
- The Highest Pool: Swimming in the Clouds
- The Oldest Pool: A 5,000-Year-Old Bath
- The Coldest Pool: Racing in a Frozen Lake
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Largest Pool: A 1km Lap in Chile
The largest swimming pool in the world is over 1 kilometer long and is located at the San Alfonso del Mar resort at Algarrobo, on Chile's southern coast.
Imagine doing a 1-lap warmup in a 1km pool! It's the perfect place to train for open water races. There are no walls to break your rhythm, no waves, and no fear of deep water or fish biting your legs. For a swim this long, you'd definitely want to bring a Swim Safety Buoy to store your gear.
And after a hard workout under the Chilean sun, you could enjoy a world-famous Chilean "completo" hot dog. Delicious!
The Biggest Swimmer: A Giant on the Thames
What would be the largest pool without the largest swimmer? Back in 2007, a massive statue of a swimmer was installed on the south bank of the Thames in London.
The statue was 10 meters long and was partially immersed in the grass, showing only the head, recovering arm, buttocks, and feet above the ground. While it was actually a temporary promotion for a TV show called London Ink, it became a fun attraction ahead of the London 2012 Olympics.
The Deepest Pool: The Battle for the Bottom
While Chile holds the record for the largest pool, the battle for the deepest pool is a fierce and ongoing race.
For a long time, the record was held by the Y-40 Deep Joy pool in Padua, Italy, at an impressive 42 meters (138 ft) deep.
🎥 Watch: Y-40 Deep Joy in Italy
Then, the record was broken by Deepspot in Mszczonow, Poland, which plunged to 45 meters (148 ft) and features underwater caves and Mayan ruins for divers.
🎥 Watch: Deepspot in Poland
However, the current official Guinness World Record holder is Deep Dive Dubai in the UAE. Opened in 2021, this incredible facility is 60 meters (197 ft) deep and contains a stunning, post-apocalyptic "sunken city" for divers to explore.
And the race isn't over. The Blue Abyss project, a 50-meter deep pool planned for the UK, is still in development, aiming to be the world's premier commercial astronaut and deep-sea training center.
The Highest Pool: Swimming in the Clouds
While Chile has the largest pool and Dubai has the deepest, the record for the highest is a dizzying feat of engineering. The world's highest swimming pool is located on the 118th floor of the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Hong Kong.
Situated at a staggering 484 meters (1,588 feet) above the ground, this infinity pool offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city's skyline. The ceiling is made of 140 LCD screens that can display images, making a swim there a truly surreal experience.
The Oldest Pool: A 5,000-Year-Old Bath
While modern pools are marvels of engineering, the concept is ancient. The world's oldest known public swimming pool is the "Great Bath" at the archaeological site of Mohenjo-Daro in Pakistan.
Built around 5,000 years ago during the Indus Valley Civilization, this meticulously constructed brick pool was likely used for religious ceremonies. It's a stunning reminder of humanity's ancient connection to water.
The Coldest Pool: Racing in a Frozen Lake
On the other end of the spectrum is the ultimate test of cold endurance. For the International Ice Swimming Association (IISA) World Championships, the "pool" is a 25-meter race course cut directly into the ice of a frozen lake.
By rule, the water temperature must be 5°C (41°F) or colder. Athletes from around the world compete in these frigid conditions, showcasing the extreme limits of human performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the largest swimming pool in the world?
The world's largest swimming pool by area is at the San Alfonso del Mar resort in Algarrobo, Chile. At over 1 kilometer long, it's a perfect (and stunning) training ground for open water swimmers.
Where is the deepest swimming pool in the world?
The current record holder for the world's deepest swimming pool is Deep Dive Dubai in the UAE. It is an incredible 60 meters (197 ft) deep and features a sunken city for divers to explore.
What was the largest swimmer statue?
In 2007, a massive 10-meter long statue of a swimmer was temporarily installed in the grass on the south bank of the Thames in London to promote a TV show. The statue was partially submerged in the grass, showing only the head, arms, and legs.
Why aren't all swimming pools the same length?
While competitive pools are standardized at 25 or 50 meters, recreational and specialty pools come in all shapes and sizes, from massive lagoon-style pools to incredibly deep pools built specifically for dive training.
What is a 'completo'?
A 'completo' is a famous and beloved type of Chilean hot dog, known for being loaded with a variety of delicious toppings. It's the perfect post-swim meal after a lap in the world's largest pool!
Where is the highest swimming pool in the world?
The world's highest swimming pool is on the 118th floor of the Ritz-Carlton in Hong Kong, located 484 meters (1,588 feet) above the ground. It's an infinity pool with stunning city views.
Where is the world's oldest swimming pool?
The oldest known public swimming pool is the 'Great Bath' at the archaeological site of Mohenjo-Daro in modern-day Pakistan. It was built approximately 5,000 years ago during the Indus Valley Civilization.
What is the coldest temperature for a swimming competition?
In official 'ice swimming' competitions sanctioned by the International Ice Swimming Association (IISA), the water temperature must be 5°C (41°F) or colder. The pools are often cut directly into frozen lakes.
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