The idea for a website about public pools was born, appropriately, at a bar on a hot summer night. Some friends and I were lamenting the hot weather and how we didn’t know anyone that had a swimming pool. After a few rounds, one of us had the realization that cities have swimming pools – public ones – that are open to all.

We began sharing memories about going to the public pool as a kid; how we got water up our nose, learned how to swim, the smell of sunscreen mixed with chlorine, and our worst sunburn. Then we decided we needed to visit one now. We made plans and before we knew it, the next 100-degree weekend afternoon was spent splashing, bobbing, and lounging at the pool.

This website started as a way to share our experience with others. After each visit, one of us posted a write-up and shared with friends. It was a fun summer, but as cooler weather came back, our visits stopped.

The site languished, but I was newly inspired to start lap swimming again. A few years later, I was swimming at the Glassell Park Swimming pool and halfway through a set when I suddenly remembered the Dunked in Public website. I decided to resuscitate it to use as a workout journal, and it served that purpose from 2016 – 2018.

In early 2018, I decided to make the site bigger, better, and more relevant to others. In addition to workouts, Dunked in Public provides information on public pools, gear information, and personal stories from swimmers, like you.

If you have any questions, tips, or just want to have a conversation about swimming, drop a line, follow the site on social media, or sign up for our occasional newsletter.

Happy laps!