Who said it’s not worth scuba diving in a pool?
We divers, no matter how inexperienced, know all too well that the initial dives of an open water diver course in pools are nothing like the reality of open water dives. Leaving aside the added difficulties of currents and navigation in the ocean or open sea, we can all agree that there’s nothing like venturing into the sea and forgetting about land for a while as you enjoy the wonderful underwater scenery. But now, aspiring divers have the opportunity to experience a truly exotic and even fantastic dive.
In Brussels, they’ve built the world’s deepest swimming pool for sports and recreation. It’s called NEMO33, after its maximum depth (33 meters) and in homage to Captain Nemo , the protagonist of Jules Verne’s visionary book ” 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea .”
The pool was conceived and designed by John Beernaerts, a civil engineer and diving instructor, in collaboration with architect Sebastian Moreno-Vacca . It comprises several dive areas at varying depths to meet the diverse needs of divers, depending on their skill level. From the beginner area, at a depth of 4 meters, to the pit for expert divers at a depth of 33 meters (34.6 meters according to some digital depth gauges), you’ll find passageways, caves, tunnels, and air chambers; all illuminated either with natural light or with overhead spotlights that mimic sunlight and illuminate the tank even at its maximum depth. Immersed in this science fiction-like environment, the experience can be truly thrilling. Furthermore, those who are sensitive to the cold should know that the 2,500 cubic meters of water filling the tank are kept at a temperature of 30-33°C thanks to solar panels that heat it. The facility has been built with the utmost respect for the environment without neglecting visitor comfort: restaurant, changing rooms, and other amenities. So, what do you think? Are you already eager for a fantastic dive in the heart of Europe?
More information at: http://www.nemo33.com
