Articles

The Hidden Pool at the White House

Posted by Clint Combs on July 22, 2010 at 9:30am

The White House has two swimming pools. The most noticeable one is behind the West Wing surrounded by trees and featuring a changing cabana. This pool was built during the Ford administration. President Ford’s
son used it for scuba lessons. Barbara Bush also loved this pool, though it is
reported that she once saw a rat swimming in it.

But there is an older pool in the White House that is not so easily to find. It was built in 1933 during FDR’s tenure and used for his therapy swims. It was later used by Truman, who reportedly swam with his glasses on and by JFK who used it nearly twice a day.

President Nixon had this original pool drained and a floor laid over it. That floor serves as the floor of the White House briefing room. The pool itself, however, remains intact.

--Based on the article, “The president’s other pool,” by Peter Grier in The Christian Science Monitor, July 19, 2010.

history, pool, pools, president, presidential, therapy

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Comments

Richard A. Martin August 18, 2010 at 5:41am

If the industry wants good PR, it should consider this an opportunity and network to have the facility inspected to ascertain what may be required (work/resources) to return this pool to viability. This would bolster the benefits of activity, relaxation, exercise, etc. related to aquatic activity. The Obamas have kids, so it would be great for them of course. From a political standpoint beware of trying to charge for services. This one has to be a donation by industry staff to 'restore the pool' to its rightful and intended condition. Otherwise some may accuse of reckless govt. spending. A thorough engineering review of the existing facility will be required, evaluation of the tank/piping for leaks. Proper installation and use of NSF/ANSI Standard 50 Certified equipment would be a must ie modern Automatic Controller, UV, filtration, suction fittings, pool alarm, pool cover, chemical feed systems, etc could make this a show case of re-use and green-ness all to benefit wholesome family activities and show that the pool industry has people that care to preserve our resources
and promote aquatic activity and healthy living.
Sincerely,
Richard A. Martin
Business Manager
Recreational Water
NSF International
martin@nsf.org
www.nsf.org/info/pools
Merry Wise July 27, 2010 at 5:39pm

I had heard about this pool and that is fascinating information. I would think it would be nice to put it back in service. I've read that JFK didn't always use it "alone" when Jackie was away from the White House!
PoolDraw July 23, 2010 at 8:57am

would it be 'easy' to make the pool functional? in a more robust economy of course ! seems a shame to not have it in use.