Chilling in Chile: Dive into the world's largest pool

Containing 250 million litres of water, the one-kilometre long pool at the San Alfonso del Mar is a mammoth lagoon
The San Alfonso del Mar resort in Algarrobo, Chile ushers you into a world where large is an understatement. A quick dip into the swimming pool at this luxury resort could transcend you into another world. Holding a record for the world's largest outdoor pool, it’s a kilometre long and is about the size of 20 Olympian pools. If you’re wondering how it manages to fill up every day, considering the amount of water required to keep this pool functional is about 250 million litres, wonder no more. The pool uses a computer-generated suction and filtration technology to pump in water from the sea which is filtered before it is pushed into the pool. This technology also ensures that this water is pumped out from the other end of the pool.


This enormous manmade lagoon, as it is often referred to as, also holds the record for being the deepest and the maximum that one can dive down would be 115 feet. So it is only natural that swimming is not all one can do here. Sailing, diving or kayaking, whether you’re trained or fancy a lesson, there’s something for everyone.



If you’re one who wants to swim during winters or on a cloudy day or if you enjoy night-time dips, this beach under a glass pyramid is one-of-a-kind in South America. With temperature control, this manmade beach has warm water, heated sand. bubble beds, waterfalls, water-jet massages and every comfort that one can imagine and beyond.



If you want to have more than a leisurely time and make your swim count by burning some calories, the pool has a year-round fitness program called Aqua Fitness. This activity allows one to get in shape by suggesting workouts that one can do in a temperature –controlled swimming pool under the supervision of a specialized instructor. The classes themselves are much more efficient and fun because of the innovative implements used.



An aerial view of the San Alfonso del Mar resort in Chile.



Guests take a boat ride in the swimming pool at the resort of San Alfonso del Mar in Algarrobo city on the southern coast of Chile, some 100 km (62 miles) west of Santiago. Acknowledged by the Guinness World Records as the world's largest swimming pool, the lagoon measures 1,013 metres (3,323 ft) in length, covers an area of eight hectares (20 acres), contains 250 million litres of water and is navigable in small boats.



If you’ve assumed that we’ve covered all the facilities this property has to offer by now, our response would be that we’ve not even begun. The resort also boasts of an enormous seawater spa, an aquarium, a 100-metre water slide with water jets and a host of other activities that redefine the very concept of 'leisure'.