See these old-fashioned indoor swimming pools, bathing pools & plunge baths
A hundred-plus years ago, only the very wealthy had their own “bathing pools,” so pools open to the public in the pre-air-conditioning era were very popular.
But it wasn’t just about cooling off. Swimming — especially when it came to the more expansive venues — was an important social activity. As you can see in these photos, while many people went in the water, many others were content to sit back and watch the action as they conversed with others seated nearby.
Below, take a look at 12 beautiful old indoor swimming pools from days gone by!
1. Interior of the Plunge – Ocean Park, California (c1905)
2. Hot Springs, South Dakota — Largest plunge bath in the US as of 1891
An interior view of this huge swimming pool, with bathers and spectators standing beside the pool.
3. Broadwater Natatorium (indoor pool) in Helena, Montana (1916)
4. Alcazar Hotel’s indoor swimming pool, St Augustine, Florida (c1905)
When this pool was built, it was the largest indoor swimming pool in the world. It has since been turned into a restaurant, and looks much like it does here… minus the water.
5. The old Redondo Beach Bath House, California (c1910)
ALSO SEE: Old-fashioned swimsuits & what else people wore to the beach 100 years ago
6. Swimming pool at The Park Central, New York (1900)
7. The New Greenbrier pool, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia (1900)
ALSO SEE: 52 beautiful vintage in-ground swimming pool designs
8. Pittsburgh Natatorium – Pennsylvania (1900s)
9. Large indoor swimming pool in Charlevoix, Michigan (1900)
The ceiling beams are reflected in the glass-smooth pool water. On the top level balcony are changing rooms and beach chairs.
10. Old swimming pools at the Sutro Baths in San Francisco
Here are two of several enormous indoor swimming pools at the Sutro Baths, filled with seawater from the Pacific Ocean. (Check out the balconies full of spectators!)
11. North Beach Bath House Santa Monica – An old indoor swimming venue (c1900)
12. Interior Natatorium in Santa Cruz, California (c1910)
NOW SEE THIS! Huge old outdoor public swimming pools like these made summertime cool for everyone 100 years ago