A highly innovative project in New York City, + POOL, chose Ecolock to protect the underwater structure of the floating pool, for a number of excellent reasons.
What is + POOL?
The idea of a non-chlorinated water-filtering, floating swimming pool in the East River in New York City was born in 2010. The rendering provides an excellent idea of the scope of the project which has already attracted international acclaim.
The history of + POOL over the intervening 15 years demonstrates that there are some very determined people behind the project with more than their fair share of stamina, overcoming all obstacles, following a clear purpose: “Provide free and safe access to the river for swimming, educate the public on issues affecting water quality and promote water stewardship.”
In 2011, the + POOL idea was confirmed as feasible by global built environment consultancy Arup who engineered the filtration system and is one of the most innovative engineering firms in the world. In August 2024, the search for the ideal site culminated in Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams announcing Pier 35, near the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, as the site for + POOL.
A major milestone was reached at the end of July 2025 when the rectangular shell of the pilot version of the pool finally hit the water. Next it will be fitted with the filtration system, decking, etc. and will be installed at Pier 35 for a final season of testing in 2026. The organization will pursue funding, design and construction of the full plus shape design once the pilot pool is fully permitted and in operation.”
Many competent shoulders to the wheel
Engineering was placed in the hands of Seattle-based Elliott Bay Design Group. Established in 1988, EBDG is a full-service marine engineering and naval architecture firm, leaders in decarbonization, alternative fuels, and cutting-edge design practices that help maritime transportation realize a future in harmony with nature – a perfect fit for + POOL which is a very environment-conscious, sustainable, future-looking project.
EBDG is proud to partner with Adaptive Marine Solutions on the + POOL project. AMS is a world-class Canadian marine firm specializing in innovative ship and maritime design and engineering. “Together our collective expertise in design and construction modeling of a wide range of unconventional floating structures makes our team ideally suited to bring this innovative floating swimming pool to NYC’s East River,” announced EBDG just ahead of construction of the test pool at Bollinger Shipyards in Louisiana. The project showcases the companies’ commitment to creativity and pushing boundaries that go beyond traditional marine design.
Bollinger Shipyards, who recently finished construction of the pilot pool shell, is a key player in the US steel and aluminum ship and boat building industry with 78 years of experience, thirteen shipyards and forty drydocks in Louisiana and Texas.
The construction of the + POOL project is led by Sciame Construction LLC (“Where building is an art”), a NYC-based construction management firm, recognized throughout the Tri-State area as a leader for highly designed and technically sophisticated construction projects.
Protecting + POOL – Ecolock
When Bollinger finished building the shell for the first test pool this summer, it was time to paint the steel. The coating chosen for the project was Ecolock from Subsea Industries. Ecolock is a specialized marine coating designed specifically to provide lifelong corrosion protection for static offshore vessels and structures intended to remain stationary for decades with minimum maintenance. The coating, in use on a number of offshore assets, has several unique advantages: it is entirely non-toxic to the marine environment, which is particularly important for this application; its use dispenses with the need for anodes or cathodic protection, which are usually required for such applications; the coating can be cleaned in the water as needed without any harm to the coating or to the marine environment.
After considerable research, EBDG settled on Ecolock as the solution for protecting the underwater structure and this recommendation was accepted by + POOL.
Mike Complita, Principal in Charge and VP Strategic Expansion for EBDG, explains the reasoning behind the choice. “We learned about Ecolock a year or so before this project opportunity and were impressed by a number of factors that have proven to be challenges with conventional epoxy coating systems. As we began working on the + POOL project and learned more about their mission, project goals and specific needs, Ecolock, quickly rose to the top of the list as the best choice for the project. + POOL will serve the NY waterfront for 20 to 30 years or more without moving, which presents a challenge for conventional anti-fouling systems. Ecolock does not slough like conventional anti-fouling systems, and being glass-based, it eliminates harmful chemical release to the water. Also, due to its unusual proportions and permanent pile mooring, hauling the pool out to refresh coatings and replace zincs is highly impractical. Ecolock eliminates these challenges and at most will require only an occasional light cleaning in position by divers.” Mike concludes, “+ POOL is not only a community swimming pool, it filters and cleans the harbor water making it safe for users and then returns the clean water to the harbor. A hull coating system that similarly enhances, not harms, the environment is also a must.”
Ecolock comes in any color required. + POOL has chosen a beautiful deep blue for the outside of the pool.
Application
Ecolock is very easy to apply. The coating was carried out at Bollinger by USA DeBusk. Headquartered in Deer Park, Texas, USA DeBusk offers integrated surface preparation and coating services for small and large projects. They carried out a highly professional and smooth application of Ecolock to the + POOL shell. Application guidance was provided by Andi Hermans, Production Manager and, in this case, on-site inspector for Subsea Industries.
Conclusion
The mission of + POOL is to promote the preservation, restoration, and public access to natural bodies of water, while also providing top-notch free and low-cost swim instruction and environmental education for residents of New York City. The goal is to create a future where everyone can enjoy the water that surrounds them.
The pool installation in New York’s inner harbor, along with other possible locations throughout the state and beyond, will bring this vision to life. This innovative pool will have the capability to filter 1,000,000 gallons of water per day while cleaning the river. The patented filtration system consists of three layers and a final UV disinfection process, ensuring that the water meets the standards for safe swimming.
Once the full + POOL is completed, it will not be just a single pool, but rather four pools in one that create a spacious 9,000 sq. ft. plus-shaped recreational space: a kids’ pool, sports pool, lap pool, and lounge pool. Each section can be used independently to cater to different types of swimmers, or they can be combined to create an Olympic-length lap pool. With its unique design and waterfront location, + POOL is set to become an iconic piece of public infrastructure, accessible to all residents of New York City and visitors from around the world.
The shell of the pilot pool is now in the water. A major step towards completion. Construction of the pool itself is scheduled to begin early next year.”
Ecolock will make sure that the structure remains sound and corrosion free for its service life without leaching any harmful chemicals into the surrounding water.
