Swimming Pool History In The USA

The World’s First Swimming Pool

When ancient builders designed the world’s first known pool more than 5,000 years ago, they built large. The Great Bath of Mohenjo-daro (in present-day Pakistan) was approximately 39 ft. by 23 ft and almost 8 ft. deep. Swimmers or bathers walked down into the water on one of two wide staircases.

It seems there have always been two types of pool people. There are those who actually want to get wet and those who choose to participate, more or less, while remaining dry. This ancient pool had a narrow brick ledge or walkway, similar to terraced decks that allowed onlookers to move from one part of the pool to another without getting wet.

The walls and floor were watertight, constructed of tightly fitting bricks plastered with gypsum and natural tar. A number of rooms were located near one side of the pool, perhaps intended as dressing rooms. A nearby well may have provided the water.

Modern swimmers would have felt at home in this wonderful pool, but in ancient times, scholars believe the pool was probably restricted to kings, high priests and others of high rank for ceremonial uses. Perhaps being submerged in the water symbolized purification and well-being. Whatever the intended purpose, this 5,000 year old pool was an engineering marvel, representing a tremendous cost in manpower and resources.

Teaching School Boys to Swim in Ancient Rome

Bathing pools were common throughout the ancient world, especially in Greece and Rome. The Romans, however, built the first pools designed for swimming about 2,000 years ago. As swimming was considered an important skill for young boys, many boys learned to stroke and kick in these early pools, just as kids learn to swim today. Some of these ancient swimming pools were even heated.

The First Modern Swimming Pools

Until the 1800s, pools were few in number and restricted to those in the highest ranks of society. By 1837, London had six indoor pools, complete with diving boards. The birth of the modern Olympic Games in 1896 spurred the popularity of pools. Swimming was one of the sports included in the original Olympics in ancient Greece and was included in the 1896 Olympics. The popularity of the swimming races inspired many of those who could afford it to build pools in their local communities and at their homes.Swimming Pools Come to America

Boston was home to America’s first pool, according to the book Contested Waters: A Social History of Swimming in America. The Cabot Street Bath wasn’t built for the rich and famous. It was built for the use of the people in a poor neighborhood where most people lived in homes without any type of bathing facilities.

Five of America’s Most Famous Swimming Pools

Swimming pools run the gamut from a plastic kiddy pool to the type of gorgeous, dramatic pool that deserves to have movie stars relaxing poolside. Five of America’s most beautiful and historic pools deserve a mention. Americans may not have invented pools, but American designers definitely took pools to the next level and beyond.

Berkeley City Club

If you plan on a visit to Berkeley, California, plan on spending a night or two at the Berkeley City Club. This fabulous, stunning pool is unlike any hotel pool you’ll ever see. It’s a fairy-tale delight to the senses with soaring arches, wonderful windows and beautiful tiles. If you want to look rather than swim, you’ll enjoy the observation deck.

Richmond Plunge

The Richmond Plunge, officially known as the Richmond Municipal Natatorium, was built in Richmond, California, in 1926. This huge 160 by 60 ft. pool boasts wonderful clerestory windows and tile murals. Unfortunately, the pool was literally loved to death, closing in 2001. Fortunately for Plunge lovers, the pool was restored and once again opened for happy swimmers.

Neptune Pool

This exquisite pool, located on the palatial estate of William Randolph Hearst in San Simeon, California, is simply breathtaking. You can imagine a Roman emperor enjoying the ocean-view setting, marble pavilions, huge size of the pool, numerous fountains and sculptures and an ancient temple.