The backers of the innovative floating pool project in the East River remain confident despite challenges with seaweed clogging their filter system. The +POOL initiative aims to build platforms on the estuary, using high-powered filters to clean polluted water for safe swimming. The project gained traction when Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams announced plans to fund it earlier this year.
The team encountered issues with seaweed in the waterway, affecting their filter system and mock-up pool. Despite these setbacks, they successfully eliminated harmful bacteria like E. coli in lab testing. The filter system used ultraviolet light instead of chlorine to sterilize the water.
The +POOL team also conducted an environmental assessment with underwater drones, spotting marine life like black sea bass and blue crabs in the murky riverbed. The project could be a solution for New York City if faced with prolonged droughts affecting traditional pool water sources.
The smaller test version of the pool is expected to open next summer, although no specific date has been set. +POOL Managing Director Kara Meyer acknowledges that building in New York City takes time but remains optimistic about the project’s potential to return New Yorkers to their waters.
Despite ongoing challenges, the backers of the +POOL project are committed to overcoming obstacles and bringing their vision of a floating, clean water swimming pool to fruition.
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Photo credit gothamist.com
