You may think those Olympic sized swimming pools on TV during the summer games are impressive. At about 50 feet by 25 feet, these pools are more than twice the size of your standard in-ground swimming pool, which is usually around 12 feet by 24 feet. But, even the Olympic pool pales in stature to the mother of all swimming pools found at the San Alfonso del Mar resort in Chile.

This vast pool, which was recently recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest pool in the world, lies beside the Pacific Ocean in Chile. The pool measures an incredible 1,000 meters in length, covers an astounding 20 acres, has an enormous 115 ft deep end. Not surprisingly, the pool takes quite a bit of water to fill it. In fact, it holds a total of 66 million gallons of water. The seawater pool is drawing crowds from all over, if for no other reason than its massive size.

The second largest pool in the world is found in Morocco. Called the Orthlieb, but nicknamed the Big Splash, this pool is substantially smaller and measures only 150 yards long and 100 yards wide.

How do you go about constructing and maintaining the world's largest pool? With a lot of hard work! This vast pool took five years to build and cost nearly one billion Euros (over 1.5 billion US dollars using today's exchange rates) to complete. In addition, in order to keep the pool clean and in good working condition, it requires an estimated two million Euros (over 3 million US dollars by today's exchange rates) per year.

Biochemist Fernando Fischmann, who works for Crystal Lagoons Corporation, helped in the design of this monster pool. He said the pool required the use of advanced engineering, which allowed the company to create "an impressive artificial paradise." He continued to say "As long as we have access to unlimited seawater, we can make it work without any harmful effects to the ocean." As such, many environmentalists are pleased with the results of this large pool, which provides people with a form of entertainment and refreshment without wreaking havoc on the earth.

Since its construction, the enormous man-made lagoon has been attracting both locals and tourists to the San Alfonso Del Mar resort at Algarrobo, which lies on Chile's southern coastline. The pool relies on a computer operated suction and filtration system to keep the water fresh and clear.

The water used to fill the pool is constantly pumped in from the Pacific Ocean, which can be found right next door to the pool, and it is later released back into the sea at the other end of the pool. Since the pool is still smaller than the sea, the sun is able to warm the water to about nine degrees above that of the neighboring sea and maintains a 26 degree Celsius temperature (almost 79 degrees Fahrenheit).

Children and adults alike who stay at the San Alfonso del Mar resort have access to the vast pool. The water is said to be so clear that you can see right to the bottom even on the deep end. In addition, it is so large in size and so deep at its far end that it is navigable in small boats.

his large man-made lagoon is the main attraction for the resort it calls home. Surrounded by white sandy beaches and beautiful palm trees, the resort was already a beautiful place to visit before the construction of the pool. The climate of the area is also quite favorable, providing a great deal of sunshine and opportunities for outdoor fun.

The fun is not dependent on the weather at San Alfonso, however, as the resort also has the only indoor beach in South America. This beach features heated sand, waterfalls, jet massages and bubble beds.

The resort also has large balcony apartments with between two and five bedrooms in each room. It also features an attractive interior design, maid service, and more. Spacious and luxurious, the resort is the perfect place for relaxation any time of year and in any weather.

There are also numerous activities for the entire family to enjoy. If you get tired of swimming in the seawater lagoon, you can enjoy the spa treatments, sports, clubs, fine dining, gym, snorkeling, and water playgrounds that are also found at the resort. The vast seawater lagoon is the beautiful centerpiece to a resort unlike any other. Truly innovative in its technology, it has managed to create a paradise that isn't limited by Mother Nature or by the imagination.