Public swimming pools have been a central part of American culture for over a century, offering a space for people of all backgrounds to come together, cool off, and enjoy the summer. These pools were initially built with the aim of providing recreation and hygiene to urban communities, regardless of race or class. However, a complex history of segregation, suburbanization, and funding challenges has resulted in a significant decline in public pools, depriving many communities of vital recreational spaces.
In the early 20th century, public pools were bustling hubs of social interaction, boasting unique designs that catered to the delight of the masses. In major urban metros, these pools provided leisure and fun for large segments of the population. Unfortunately, as the civil rights movement sought to integrate these spaces, racial tensions escalated, and many cities officially segregated their pools. The subsequent surge of private pools and suburbanization further perpetuated the decline of public swim facilities in urban areas.
![Private pools and suburbanization began to lead to a decline in public pools after the 1960s.](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/private-swim-clubs-replacing-public-pools-1024x603.jpg)
Today, the disappearance of urban swimming culture represents a significant loss for city dwellers. Not only did these pools foster a sense of community and social cohesion, but they also provided an opportunity for children, particularly African-Americans, to learn to swim—an essential life skill. As public pools vanished, swimming disparities widened, with many low-income families and minority groups lacking access to affordable swimming opportunities.
The Problem Is Systemic From Coast To Coast
An alarming number of public pools continues to evaporate each year and the problem appears systemic all over the United States. The city of Louisville, for example, serves as a glaring example of the decline of public swim spaces. Once home to ten public swim facilities, the city now has only four and this summer only two are open. This leaves thousands of residents, predominantly Black and lower-income households, without easy access to water during sweltering summer months. Even efforts to renovate existing pools or allocate funding for YMCA passes have fallen short of the ideal solution—an indoor swimming center accessible year-round.
Long Beach, despite being known as the “Aquatic Capital of America”, faces a significant deficiency in public pool facilities. With a population of over 460,000 residents, the city only boasts three year-round public swim facilities. This scarcity of accessible and available public facilities is a stark contrast to the city’s beach-oriented reputation and highlights the lack of investment in recreational infrastructure. Of the three existing public swimming facilities in Long Beach, none are conveniently located or easily accessible via public transit. Instead, residents must rely on two high school pools that are only open part-time to the community during the summer.
The city of Boston is currently facing a significant problem with its public pools, especially during times of extreme heat. Mayor Michelle Wu’s recent declaration of a heat emergency on July 26 and 27 underscored the severity of the situation. During an oppressive heatwave, access to cooling facilities, such as city-owned pools and splash pads, becomes crucial for residents to stay safe and comfortable. However, a startling reality came to light – 10 out of the city’s 18 public swim facilities closed.
How Many Public Pools Have We Lost In The U.S.?
To put the problem into perspective, in 2009, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated there were 600,000 public pools in America. Today, the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance estimates there are 309,000 public pools currently in operation and that number continues to decline.
While some cities have managed to maintain their public swimming facilities, many have struggled to keep up with lifeguard shortages, maintenance costs, and increasing insurance expenses. A shortage of lifeguards, means pools are often forced to operate under abbreviated hours or end their swim season early. Private pools and non-profit organizations have attempted to fill the void, but they cannot fully replace the social and recreational benefits that public pools once provided.
Without proper investment and commitment from the government and communities, public pools will continue to fade from view, leaving America’s urban residents without safe and easily accessible places to swim. To reclaim public swimming as an inclusive and shared experience, a collective effort is needed to build and revitalize public swim facilities, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the sense of joy, community, and unity they once offered.