Many Americans have wondered, does the White House have a pool? The answer is yes — and not just one, but two pools have existed over the years. The presidential residence includes both a historic indoor pool built for therapy and a modern outdoor pool still in use today.
Table of Contents
A Brief History of the White House Pools
The story of the White House pool begins with President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the early 1930s. After contracting polio, Roosevelt relied on swimming as a form of physical therapy. In 1933, supporters raised private funds to build an indoor swimming pool inside the West Wing. It was designed so the president could exercise without leaving the White House grounds.
For decades, the indoor pool remained a quiet feature of the executive mansion. However, in 1970, President Richard Nixon decided to repurpose the space. The pool was covered over, and the area was transformed into what we now know as the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room, where journalists gather daily for press conferences. Interestingly, the original pool still exists beneath the floor — hidden, but intact.
The Outdoor Pool — A Presidential Favorite
When President Gerald R. Ford took office in 1974, he wanted a place for his family to relax and swim. In 1975, an outdoor swimming pool was constructed on the South Grounds of the White House, just behind the West Wing.
This pool measured roughly 22 by 54 feet, with a shallow end of about 3 feet and a deep end reaching 9 feet. It also came with a small cabana equipped with changing rooms, showers, and a restroom. Unlike other federal projects, this pool was funded entirely through private donations, not taxpayer money.
President Ford, known for his athletic lifestyle, often swam laps for exercise. Over the years, other presidents and their families — including the Reagans, the Bushes, and the Obamas — have all used this same pool for recreation and family gatherings.
Where Exactly Is the Pool Located?
The outdoor pool is located on the South Lawn of the White House, tucked between the West Wing and the Executive Residence. It is screened by landscaping and security fencing to ensure privacy.
Visitors on public tours of the White House do not see the pool, as it sits in a secure area off-limits to the public. The indoor pool, now beneath the Press Briefing Room, is located in the West Wing, and its structure remains preserved under the floor.
Famous Presidential Pool Moments
Over the years, the White House pool has seen its share of fun and history.
- President Gerald Ford was photographed swimming laps in 1975, soon after the pool opened.
- President Ronald Reagan enjoyed relaxing by the pool on summer afternoons with Nancy Reagan.
- President George H. W. Bush, an avid swimmer, often used the pool for morning exercise.
- President Barack Obama’s daughters, Malia and Sasha, were known to enjoy pool time during the summer.
Even though the pool is not a major part of official presidential duties, it represents a small but personal side of life inside the White House.
Other Recreational Spaces at the White House
While the pool is one of the most popular features, it’s not the only recreational facility on the grounds. Over the years, various presidents have added amenities that reflect their personalities and hobbies:
- Tennis court, later adapted to double as a basketball court
- Putting green, installed originally by Dwight D. Eisenhower
- Bowling alley, first added under Harry S. Truman and later refurbished by Richard Nixon
- Movie theater, used for private screenings
These spaces remind Americans that the White House is not just a workplace — it is also the President’s home.
Is the Pool Still in Use Today?
As of 2025, the outdoor pool remains in perfect condition and is still used by the First Family. The National Park Service maintains the grounds and ensures that the pool area remains secure and well-kept.
The indoor pool, however, continues to serve as the base structure beneath the Press Briefing Room. While technically still there, it has not been restored or reopened for swimming. It stands as a fascinating hidden piece of history beneath the daily briefings broadcast across the nation.
Quick Facts About the White House Pool
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| First Pool Built | 1933 (Indoor pool for FDR) |
| Current Pool Built | 1975 (Outdoor pool for President Ford) |
| Location | South Grounds of the White House |
| Size | 22 × 54 feet |
| Depth | 3 to 9 feet |
| Funding | Private donations |
| Additional Features | Cabana with showers and restroom |
| Public Access | Not open to the public |
| Indoor Pool Today | Covered under Press Briefing Room |
Why the White House Pool Matters
The White House pool may seem like a small detail in the grand story of American history, but it symbolizes something larger — the balance between the intense public demands of the presidency and the personal need for relaxation and health.
For Roosevelt, the pool was essential therapy. For Ford and his successors, it became a family retreat. Today, it remains a reminder that even the most powerful office in the world is still occupied by human beings who need rest, recreation, and family time.
Conclusion
So, does the White House have a pool?
Yes — it has a rich history of two pools, one indoor and one outdoor, with the outdoor pool still actively in use today. From Roosevelt’s hydrotherapy sessions to Ford’s family swims, the White House pool remains a unique and enduring part of presidential life.
What do you think about this glimpse into life behind the White House gates? Share your thoughts or stay tuned for more fascinating insights into American history!