Ok, it covers 20 acres (eight hectares), is more than 1,000 yards long, is 115 feet deep at the deep end and holds 66 million gallons of water, so it’s no surprise that this pool in Chile has been named the biggest in the world by the Guinness Book of Records.  The previous champ is in Morocco, but it’s a mere 150 yards long and 100 yards wide.  For reference, an Olympicsize pool measures 50 yards by 25 yards.  I don’t know what to say besides, how much are tickets to Chile?

This man-made saltwater lagoon, “…has been attracting huge crowds to the San Alfonso del Mar resort at Algarrobo, on Chile’s southern coast, since it opened last month. Its turquoise waters are so crystal clear that you can see the bottom even in the deep end.“

It took over five years to build and cost nearly £1billion.  It’s estimated that the annual maintenance bill will be£2million.

The saltwater pool contains 250,000 cubic metres of water and is navigable in small boats.

Children play in the clear waters of the 3,323 ft long pool.

“Chile’s monster pool uses a computer-controlled suction and filtration system to keep fresh seawater in permanent circulation, drawing it in from the ocean at one end and pumping it out at the other. The sun warms the water to 26c, nine degrees warmer than the adjoining sea. Chilean biochemist Fernando Fischmann, whose Crystal Lagoons Corporation designed the pool, said advanced engineering meant his company could build “an impressive artificial  paradise” even in inhospitable areas.

“As long as we have access to unlimited seawater, we can make it work, and it causes no damage to the ocean.”