This article was taken from the April 2015 issue of WIRED magazine. Be the first to read WIRED's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.
From Melbourne to New York, urban dwellers are jumping into the nearest river thanks to improved water quality. Here are five planned urban pools set to make a splash in the big city.
Thames BathsLondon
Studio Octopi's Thames Baths project proposes three freshwater pools near Temple. Octopi is trying to raise support via the hashtag #BacktheBaths -- famous fans include artist Tracey Emin.
Melbourne Surf PoolMelbourne
Proposed by local architect Damian Rogers and Arup, this heated pool will bring surfable waves up to 1.5m high to sheltered Victoria Harbour in Melbourne's Port Phillip Bay.
+ POOLNew York
Aiming for completion by summer 2016, + POOL's plans for a cross-shaped pool floating on New York's East River have already raised over $300,000 (£200,000) on Kickstarter.
FlussbadBerlin
The Flussbad project proposes planting a reed-bed filter along a derelict side-canal of Berlin's Spree River to create an outdoor swimming site the length of 15 Olympic pools.
King's Cross Pond ClubLondon
A natural bathing pond, designed by Amsterdam- and Paris-based Oooze Architects, will soon open as part of King's Cross's ongoing regeneration. Swimmers will be able to brave the water this April.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
