12 amazing old indoor swimming pools that will make you want to dive right in

Bathing pool in the casino Florida Saint Augustine (1800s) Colorized by Click Americana

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See these old-fashioned indoor swimming pools, bathing pools & plunge baths

“They just don’t make ’em like that anymore.” That’s one expression that could have been coined just to express how awesome — in size, in design, in popularity — old-fashioned indoor swimming pools could be.

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)

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.

Hot Springs South Dakota - The largest plunge bath house in US - 1891


3. Broadwater Natatorium (indoor pool) in Helena, Montana (1916)

Broadwater Natatorium in Helena Montana postcard (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.

Bathing pool in the casino Florida Saint Augustine 1880s


5. The old Redondo Beach Bath House, California (c1910)

ALSO SEE: Old-fashioned swimsuits & what else people wore to the beach 100 years ago

Redondo Beach Bath House, California (c1910)


6. Swimming pool at The Park Central, New York (1900)

Swimming pool at The Park Central, New York (1900)


7. The New Greenbrier pool, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia (1900)

The New Greenbrier, swimming pool, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia (1900)

ALSO SEE: 52 beautiful vintage in-ground swimming pool designs


8. Pittsburgh Natatorium – Pennsylvania (1900s)

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.

Large indoor swimming pool in Charlevoix, Michigan (1900)


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!)

May Day at the Sutro Baths in San Francisco (1897)

Sutro Baths bathing pools - San Francisco


11. North Beach Bath House Santa Monica – An old indoor swimming venue (c1900)

North Beach Bath House Santa Monica (c1900)


12. Interior Natatorium in Santa Cruz, California (c1910)

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

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