NYC Begins Construction on First-Ever Floating Pool That Cleans the East River

New York City has officially launched construction on a one-of-a-kind floating swimming pool that will not only offer a new recreational space but also help clean the East River. Called + Pool, the innovative attraction will be located by Pier 35, just north of the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges.

Designed to process up to 1,000,000 gallons of river water daily, + Pool will use a patented non-chemical filtration system to purify water directly from the East River. Swimmers will immerse themselves in the cleaned river water, which will then be pumped back into the river, improving overall water quality.

Kara Meyer, Managing Director of + Pool, said:

“The interagency and community collaboration to bring NYC's first water-filtering floating swimming pool to life has been incredible. It demonstrates New York at its best — when the people are working together to advocate for change, evolve systems, design solutions, test concepts, and build innovations. It’s what makes New York, New York.”

The pool is modular and flexible, with configurations that allow it to be used for lap swimming, lounging, water sports, swim education, and children’s activities. A smaller, 2,000 sq ft proof-of-concept version has already been built at Bollinger Shipyard in Mississippi and will be transported to NYC in 2026 for further health inspections before the full version is deployed.

Trevor Holland, a Two Bridges resident and Founder of Friends of Pier 35, added:

“This first-of-its-kind floating pool is not only a recreational space but also a powerful step toward environmental equity and public access to clean river water. Our community is honored to host this innovation at Pier 35 and excited for the opportunities it will bring for health, education, and connection to the East River.

• Pool pays homage to a historic tradition. Floating bathhouses were once common throughout New York in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. By the 1900s, nearly 40% of New Yorkers used the 15 floating public pools in and around the harbor. These were eventually closed due to worsening water pollution.

Today, with renewed focus on climate resilience, green infrastructure, and public space access, + Pool symbolizes a fusion of innovation and history. The project has been years in the making, with citywide support and community advocacy playing a key role.

The first operational phase will undergo inspection by health agencies, and if successful, the full 9,000 sq ft plus-shaped pool will open soon after. It represents a major step in reclaiming New York’s waterfront for public use, offering residents and tourists a new way to enjoy the river while also making it cleaner for future generations.

Originally reported by Ted Thornhill in Independent. Co.