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Why you won't be able to swim at this new 10-story-high, see-through pool

June 01, 2021
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4 min read
skypool
Why you won't be able to swim at this new 10-story-high, see-through pool
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The world's first elevated, transparent swimming pool opened in London, spanning the gap between two large high-rise buildings that offer luxury apartments to the wealthy -- and simultaneously widening the gap between the rich and the rest of us.

Exclusive views from the heated rooftop pool include the River Thames, the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament, but not just anyone can enjoy them. Access is limited to residents of the Embassy Gardens Legacy Buildings that house the apartments, which, according to the property's website, start at £600,000 (roughly $850,000).

According to the Daily Mail, the development, which is in London's Vauxhall neighborhood, near the U.S. embassy, encompasses 2,000 apartments, a bar and restaurant, and retail and office spaces in addition to the pool.

The pool's location is the building architects' creative solution to a "but where are we going to put the pool?" problem.

The swimming facility, which is easily one of the most unique and stunning pools we've seen, sits 10 stories (115 feet) above the ground and reaches 10 feet of depth in spots. Its walls, which are 12 inches thick, hold nearly 40,000 gallons of water and are supported by an invisible steel frame that allows the structure the flexibility it needs to move slightly in high winds.

 

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The technology was designed and tested in Colorado before the components were shipped to the U.K. over the course of three weeks for assembly.

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Despite the pool's exclusivity, several groups of people were seen using it over the weekend. This has raised concerns about gatherings in the wake of COVID-19, particularly given that England's lockdown rules are set to be fully relaxed in three weeks, on June 21.

Although a travel corridor between the U.K. and the U.S. still hasn't been established, officials are pushing for it to happen this month.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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