There are swimming pools and then there is this swimming pool. Located at the San Alfonso del Mar Resort in Algarroba, Chile, it is the size of 6,000 standard pools combined, and officially the world's largest pool!

The man-made salt-water lagoon which cost over $1.5 billion U.S. Dollars to build, is more than 1,000 yards long, covers 20 acres and holds more than 66 million gallons of water. Since it is almost impossible to swim across it, guests at the resort often use kayaks or small boats to go from one end to the other.

The brainchild of Chilean biochemist and businessman, Fernando Fischmann, the pool took five years to build and is operated using the latest technology. The water is drawn from the Pacific Ocean next to the pool and constantly circulated by computer-controlled suction and filtration systems, resulting in a crystal clear pool, at all times. The sun heats it up to a comfortable 78 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius).

While the location of the pool right next the ocean is a little strange, the ocean on the Chilean Coastline is very rough and unsuitable for swimming. Besides, it provides water for the pool, without causing any damage to the ocean or wasting other resources.

Since it's opened in early 2008, the pool and the resort have become an instant hit with both tourists and the local people of Chile.

sources: spulch.blogspot.com,dailymail.co.uk