The deepest diving pool in the world has opened its doors to the public for the first time in Poland despite the majority of the nation's swimming complexes remaining closed amid the pandemic.
The pool is situated in the Polish town of Mszczonow, 45 kilometers from the country's capital Warsaw, and reaches a depth of 45.47 meters, overtaking the previous world record of a complex in Montegrotto Terme, northern Italy.
The complex, named Deepspot, cost $10.6 million and took two years to build. It also features artificial underwater caves and fake Mayan ruins.
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The pool holds 8,000 cubic meters of water, which is enough to fill more than three Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Unlike other swimming facilities in Poland, Deepspot has been allowed to stay open during the pandemic because it offers training courses for would-be divers.
Around a dozen customers came on the first day of business, including eight seasonal divers who all hope to become instructors.
"There are no magnificent fish or coral reefs here, so it does not replace the open water but it is definitely a very good tool for learning and training in order to then dive safely in open waters. And then it's a lot of fun, it's kindergarten for divers," said diving instructor Przemyslaw Kacprzak.
Deepspot cost $10.6m and took two years to build. It also features artificial underwater caves and fake Mayan ruins. /AFP
The facility is also being used by emergency services so they can practice for emergency situations.
"We are counting on the fact that this pool will also be used by firefighters and the army. There are many different scenarios to practice and you can also try out different equipment," said Deepspot's president, Michal Braszczynski.
The plan is to expand the complex so it includes a hotel with rooms from which guests can watch divers at a depth of 5 meters.
Video editing: Terry Wilson