On the Plus Side, There's a Pool, or Four

It's typically bold and big-thinking, typically New York. A concept endorsed by several designers is for a "Plus Pool," a pool in the shape of a plus that would have four arms of water fed by New York river water.

Each of the four arms would be for a specific kind of swimmer. Planned are the Children's Pool, the Lap Pool, the Lounge Pool, and the Sports Pool. Of course, the owners could open up all four arms so that everyone could swim everywhere. Some marketing materials are touting the four-pool "long lap" option. But no word yet on whether pool owners are expecting giant, four-pool versions of Marco Polo.

In the vein of the rooftop pools that have appeared in the past couple of years, the Plus Pool is a novelty that just might find enough paying customers to keep it afloat. The novelty is surely enough of a draw for many of the city's annual millions of tourists.

Fundraising is driving the revenue streams, since the price tag is expected to touch $5 million. The money won't be water-logged, that's for sure: it will be put right to work.