Venetian Pool

The Venetian Pool, located in Coral Gables, opened in 1924, repurposing a former coral rock quarry into a public swimming facility. It draws around 820,000 gallons of spring water daily from an artesian well, making it the largest freshwater pool in the United States. It’s also the only public pool listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The pool’s design embraces Mediterranean Revival motifs—loggias, bridges, grottoes, waterfalls, and lookout towers reflect the style, while local coral rock structures retain a subtropical connection. Depths vary from 2 feet (children’s area) to over 8 feet near the waterfall, and the complex includes a sandy sunning zone, a surrounding walkway, and historical architectural elements.

George Merrick, the developer behind Coral Gables, commissioned architect Phineas Paist and artist Denman Fink to transform the abandoned quarry into a swimming resort named the “Venetian Casino.” Early features included gondolas, performances by swing bands, and orchestras playing on the drained pool floor during special events.

Originally, the pool was drained and refilled nightly—a process that raised concerns about aquifer impact. A retrofit completed in 1989 now filters and returns water to the aquifer, maintaining spring-fed clarity in a more resource-conscious way.

Admission (non-residents): Typically around $21 for adults and $16 for children (summer); lower rates apply off-season, with discounts for Coral Gables residents.

Hours: Vary seasonally—often open mid-morning to late afternoon. Closed in December and January for maintenance.

Rules: Children must be at least 3 years old and 38 inches tall. Floatation devices allowed only in designated areas; external coolers, alcohol, and glass prohibited.