Huge old outdoor public swimming pools like these made summertime cool for everyone 100 years ago

100 years ago, public swimming pools were vital for summer survival

The charm of vintage public swimming pools from the early 1900s transports us back to a simpler time when community and recreation went hand in hand. These pools were bustling social hubs where families and friends gathered to escape the summer heat. Let’s take a look back!

In the early 1900s, public swimming pools became a popular fixture in many American cities. After the concept of public baths faded from favor, but before post-war homeowners started putting pools in their backyards in the 50s, American municipalities opened outdoor public swimming pools.

These outdoor swimming pools, often massive in size, served as an urban version of the old swimming hole, which had long served to keep rowdy youngsters and their disheveled parents cool and out of trouble during long, hot summers before air conditioners were widely available). In fact, these pools were often accompanied by diving boards and slides for extra fun.

Communities took pride in their local pools, with many designed as architectural gems featuring ornate tile work and elegant landscaping. These early pools set the stage for the swimming culture we enjoy today.

Public pools of this era were also a significant step forward in public health. They provided a safe and clean environment for swimming, helping to reduce the spread of waterborne diseases. Municipalities invested in these facilities as part of broader efforts to improve urban living conditions. This focus on hygiene and safety was a game-changer, making swimming a widely accessible activity for people of all ages. 

We’ve collected a selection of vintage photos showcasing these old city pools, highlighting their architectural beauty and the social scenes they hosted. You’ll get a good sense of what it was like at the city pool in the olden days — long before air conditioners and electronics were available to keep us cool and entertained.

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Pool court: Victorian baths at Monmouth Beach, New Jersey (1900)

Bathing pool in the casino, Palm Beach, Florida (1905)

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Outdoor swimming pool in Onondaga Park, Syracuse, New York (1906)

From American country homes and their gardens, by John Cordis Baker

Outdoor public swimming pool, Belle Isle Park – Detroit, Michigan (c1910)

Here’s a colorized photo from America’s then-new “Motor City.” (For more on that, check out See Ford assembly lines from 100 years ago, mass-producing Model T cars.)

Steeplechase Park public swimming pool – Coney Island, New York (1912)

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Atlantic City public swimming pool in Selma, Alabama (1917)

A swimming pool for every community; Selma sets pace for the whole central south

Old Brookside Pool – Cleveland, Ohio (1922)

Circular and oval shapes are very popular for large public pools because they have plenty of shallow water, which prevents crowding.

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Huge public swimming pool: Columbus Park, Chicago (1920s)

Pools of irregular outline, like this one in Columbus Park, Chicago, can sometimes be made to harmonize with the surrounding landscape better than those of rectangular form.

The new “old swimming hole” in NYC (1920s)

“A boy is not likely to spend his time in a hot, stuffy alley shooting craps, when there is a swimming pool on the playground just around the corner.” – Jane Addams, Department of Education, New York City in the 1920s

The Roman pool, Miami Beach, Florida (1926)

Two side-by-side swimming pools were placed just a few dozen yards from the ocean. (Colorized photo)

Triangle public swimming pool – Pittsburg, Kansas (1922)

Sunset Park swimming pool – Tulsa, Oklahoma (1922)

Old-fashioned public swimming pool from the 1920s in Oak Park, Illinois

John Deere Webber Memorial Baths – Minneapolis, Minnesota (1920s)

This pool was incredibly crowded — full of kids.

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1920s city swimming pool for kids

Wardman Park public swimming pool – Washington, DC (1922)

Here’s a colorized photo of a peaceful poolside scene from the early 20s.

Huge old public swimming pool: Memphis, Tennessee (c1922)

Flanders Hotel pool – New Jersey (c1922)

MORE: See why old Atlantic City was a beautiful & popular vacation destination 100 years ago

An old public pool in Rye, New York (c1920)

A round above-ground pool in Lansing, Michigan (1922)

Fairchild Swimming Pool – Freeland PA (1920s)

This colorized vintage postcard shows the water toboggan slide, and the “kiddie corner” of the pool in the shallow end.

A round pool & bathhouse in Idora Park, Youngstown, Ohio (1922)

From the 20s: An example of good architecture in bathhouse design. Notice the excellent arrangement of lights.

Moyer Pool — Grand Junction, Colorado (1922)

A huge river-like concrete pool in Kansas City, Missouri (1922)

Eagle Springs, Kansas (1922)

McKeesport Public Swimming Pool (1922)

An old reservoir at McKeesport, Pennsylvania, was converted into a popular swimming pool.

Huge old swimming pool in Aurora, Illinois (1922)

One of the finest pools in the country at Aurora, Illinois, has clothing lockers in open courts with dressing benches between. Note the fountains delivering filtered water to the pool.

Glen Oak Park, Peoria, Illinois (1930)

Crystal Pool — Woodside Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1930s)

Big old municipal pools from the 1930s

Clairton, Pennsylvania; Shelbyville, Indiana; Sea Side Park, Virginia Beach, Virginia; Garfield Park, Indianapolis, Indiana

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 Miami, Oklahoma city pool (1940)

Old Legion city pool – Kingsport, Tennessee (1930s-1940s)

A municipal pool in one of Florida’s beautiful parks (1930s-1940s)

Lincoln Park public swimming pool, Albany, N. Y

Monte Carlo municipal pool in Asbury Park, New Jersey

Neptune Beach  in Alameda, California

Swimming pool at Palisades Amusement Park, N. J

Venetian Pool in Coral Gables, Florida (1948)

Piedmont Park bathing scene at Atlanta, Ga. (c.1930)

Pool in Sulphur Springs, Tampa, Florida circa 1930

Rock Lake swimming pool (Stop 12), St. Albans Line in Charleston, West Virginia

Swimming pool at Moore’s Park in Lansing, Michigan 

NOW SEE THIS: See old-fashioned swimsuits & what else people wore to the beach 100 years ago