UK-based pool manufacturer Compass Pools has unveiled its design concept for a 360-degree infinity pool to be installed on top of a 55-storey skyscraper in London, United Kingdom. 

Developed as the "world's first 360-degree infinity pool", the new pool is made from cast acrylic rather than glass, as this material transmits light at a similar wavelength to water so that the pool will look perfectly clear.

Named Infinity Pool, the pool doesn't have a deck or railing, and it allows swimmers to watch London's skyline within an illuminated swimming pool. 

"Death defying swimming pools are set to become the newest architectural trend in central London, allowing visitors to float over 200 metres above the capital’s skyline," said  Compass Pool in its project description.

The concept, also referred to by the Greek lemniscate symbol (∞), features a 600,000-litre pool built right on top of a 55-storey building. Designers at Compass Pools made the floor of the pool transparent, allowing visitors to see the swimmers and sky above.

Swimmers will be able to access the pool through a rotating spiral staircase based on the door of a submarine, rising from the pool floor when someone wants to get in or out. Other advanced technical features include a built-in anemometer to monitor the wind speed.

"This is linked to a computer-controlled building management system to ensure the pool stays at the right temperature and water doesn’t get blown down to the streets below," the designers added.

Boasting an innovative twist on renewable energy, the pool’s heating system will use waste energy from the air condition system for the building. The hot gas that is produced as a by-product of creating cold air in the building will run through a heat exchanger to heat the water for the pool.

The pool is also fitted with a full spectrum of lights which will give the building the appearance of a sparkling jewel-topped torch at night.

"Architects often come to us to design roof top infinity pools, but rarely do we get a say in the building design because the pool is usually an afterthought," said Alex Kemsley, Compass Pool’s swimming pool designer and technical director. 

"But on this project, we actually started with the pool design and essentially said, ‘how do we put a building underneath this?. When we designed the pool, we wanted an uninterrupted view, both above and below the water."

"Swimming in the SkyPool at The Shard, it’s quite a weird feeling to have helicopters flying past at your level, but this pool takes it a step further."

"Pop your goggles on and with a 360-degree view of London from 220m up, it really will be something else – but it’s definitely not one for the acrophobic!."

Infinity London will start construction as early as 2020 if all the partners and contractors are confirmed. Set to be built on top of a a 55-story skyscraper, the upper levels will have a five-star international hotel and will be used by the guests. However, Infinity London’s exact location is yet to be confirmed - it still remains as a concept to move forward.

All images courtesy of Compass Pools

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