One thing that never fails in Amsterdam, someone always has some bizarre idea for a new city activity. Fortunately for us, we get to pick and choose which one's we try out and recommend. Among the new developments for spring-summer 2011 is Bad Buiten, the floating outdoor pool on the Amstel river.

The pool is a never before attempted initiative by the city's water company Waternet. They over a heated pool (cause hey it gets cold out there) which actually floats on the Amstel River. Both adults and children are welcome, with kids paying 2.50€ and adults paying 4€. Once you're in you can swim all day and indeed, you can also sit around and have a drink poolside, as I can tell you at this time of year, many are doing.

Now of course you may have heard or seen with your own eyes, people swim in the Amstel near the city limits where the water seems cleaner. Indeed, it is a beloved way to cool off for many. But waternet is offering a somewhat cleaner experience and much more centrally located just a stone's throw away from Amstel Station. Good luck out there!