Key takeaways
- College pools aren’t just for athletes—many of them double as relaxing spots, with lazy rivers, hot tubs, and lounging areas.
- When visiting campuses, check out the recreation facilities, as they might help you decide which school feels like the best fit.
- From coast to coast, colleges across the country are making a splash—and we’ve rounded up 10 of the best and what makes their pools stand out, including:
- University of Akron
- University of Missouri-Columbia
- University of Texas at Austin
- Texas Tech University
- Nova Southeastern University
- University of Iowa
- High Point University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Pepperdine University
- Stanford University
Love to swim? Whether you’re racing the clock, part of the dive team, or looking to exercise after class, a campus pool can make college life even better. Most colleges and universities have swimming facilities right on campus—and they aren’t just for college athletes. From Olympic-sized pools and diving towers to resort-style pools and open swim hours, having a nice pool on campus can make all the difference for some students and athletes. If swimming is a part of your life, you’ll definitely want to consider these best college swimming facilities.
College with amazing swimming facilities
From ocean views and lazy rivers to pools that have hosted the Olympics, let’s dive into 10 schools and their standout pools.
1. UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
Courtesy of the University of Akron Student Recreation & Wellness Services
At the University of Akron, there are plenty of choices for relaxing in the water or hitting the laps. Here’s why this school’s swimming facility stands out:
- The Ocasek Natatorium: This $6.5 million complex is home to an Olympic-sized competition pool and diving well with three- and five-meter platforms.
- The Student Recreation and Wellness Center: Looking to relax? Here you’ll find a leisure pool, a lazy river, and a 30-person hot tub—great for post-exam relaxation.
- Programs offered: Akron also offers swim lessons, certification and fitness courses, and triathlon training programs to the public. Over the course of a year, the university will host 50 or more events for college, high school, and other specific age groups.
2. UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI—COLUMBIA
Flickr user CameliaTWU
Missouri may be landlocked, but an oasis is still in sight at the University of Missouri. Whether you’re looking to train or relax, the Mizzou Aquatic Center has it all. Here’s why this school’s swimming facility stands out:
- The Tiger Grotto: Featuring a lazy river and resort-style pools, you might forget you’re actually on campus and not on vacation.
- 50-meter competition pool: This facility also includes advanced training equipment, disinfection systems that provide better water quality, and a diving well.
- Built-in recovery: Hot tubs, steam room, sauna, and vortex pools make this facility the go-to spot for post-workout recovery.
3. University of Texas—Austin
Flickr user Robert Hensley
Heading south, the University of Texas at Austin is home to one of the largest college aquatic centers (as well as one of the largest fitness centers) in the United States. Here’s why this school’s swimming facility stands out:
- Gregory Gym Aquatic Complex: This facility has two indoor pools and two outdoor pools. One indoor and one outdoor pool are for doing laps, while the other two are designed for leisure.
- Plenty of amenities: Students can also enjoy an event pool, deck space, a lounge, and a 20-person outdoor spa.
- Study-friendly: Hoping to spend some time outside at the pool, but need to get some work done? No worries—you can get wireless internet as you enjoy the sun.
4. Texas Tech University
While many students think college pools are just for athletes and workouts, Texas Tech took things a step further by designing an aquatic space made for everyone. Here’s why this school’s swimming facility stands out:
- Lazy river: Lazy rivers are one of the ultimate forms of relaxation, so Texas Tech made sure to include one in its student recreation center. The river is 645 feet long, allowing students to ride in their inner tubes and wind around the facility.
- Leisure pool: This leisure pool is one of the nation’s largest, ensuring there’s always plenty of room for students to splash around and unwind. It includes features like an eight-lane lap pool, a 25-person hot tub, a drop slide, poolside snacks, and a lounging wet deck.
- Multi-use pool space: The pool also features a large shallow end with a basketball hoop, climbing wall, and room for group fitness classes.
5. Nova Southeastern University
College is stressful, and sometimes students need to get away from it all for a refreshing break. Well, at Nova Southeastern, you don’t have to leave campus to find one. Here’s why this school’s swimming facility stands out:
- Resort-style pool: What better way to relax than with waterfalls, heated pools, and a resort-style atmosphere? Nova Southeastern is treating its students well.
- Large competition pool: Not only is the pool and diving well large, but it’s actually the largest in the state of Florida. The competition pool features three diving boards—two one-meters, and one three-meter.
- Sustainability: The entire facility is solar-powered to help the facility operate more efficiently and support the environment.
6. The University of Iowa
Photo courtesy of the University of Iowa and photographer Kun Zhang
There’s lots to do at Iowa’s Campus Recreation and Wellness Center, and the pool facilities have a lot to offer. Here’s why this school’s swimming facility stands out:
- Lap pool: For those looking for a great workout, you’ll find an indoor 20-yard lap pool.
- Resort amenities: Looking for fun and relaxation instead? This facility features a 25-person spa, lazy river, water vortex, and bouldering wall.
- Year-round comfort: This facility is kept at a balmy 84 degrees, so you can swim even in those cold Iowa winters.
7. HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY
If you’re looking for a place to work out or unwind, you don’t have to go far at High Point University. Millis Pool has everything you need. Here’s why this school’s swimming facility stands out:
- Outdoor pools: High Point University offers six (yes, six!) outdoor heated pools throughout campus, with each including a 16-person jacuzzi.
- Lap pool: The aquatics center has an eight-lane, 25-yard heated pool for open swim or intramural sports.
- Fitness classes: Try something new by signing up for a board-based water workout that builds strength and balance.
8. GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Want to swim where past Olympians once swam? You can do that at the McAuley Aquatic Center. Here’s why this school’s swimming facility stands out:
- World-class aquatic venue: This aquatic center hosted all swimming, diving, and synchronized swimming in the 1996 Olympic Games. It has also hosted NCAA swimming and diving competitions over the years.
- Versatile pool: The 50-meter, 10-lane pool has movable bulkheads and an adjustable floor for sports like water polo or group fitness classes.
- Built for athletes: If you’re looking to swim as an athlete, this pool is built for elite training and competition.
9. PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY
Attending school in California is already a dream, but what about swimming with views of Malibu? Pepperdine University has taken full advantage of its coastal setting. Here’s why this school’s swimming facility stands out:
- Outdoor pool: With year-round sunshine, there’s no need for an indoor pool. Enjoy swimming in the sunshine through all four seasons.
- Picturesque location: Located high above Malibu, this pool sits on one of the country’s most picturesque campuses, with views of the mountains of Malibu.
- Versatile facility: Not only has the U.S. National water polo team trained at this facility, but it has also hosted numerous swimming competitions throughout the years.
10. STANFORD UNIVERSITY
Attending Stanford is a dream for many, and if you’re an athlete, its outdoor swimming and diving facility is just as impressive. Here’s why this school’s swimming facility stands out:
- World-class facility: This facility is known as one of the finest outdoor swimming facilities in the world and has hosted numerous national championships and Olympic teams.
- Multiple pools: The facility features four separate pools, with the main competition pool holding over 2,000 fans.
- Maas Diving Center: This diving center has helped train divers from all over the world with a dive tower that has platforms at 1, 3, 5, 7.5, and 10 meters.
Ways to make the most of a college swimming facility
You don’t have to be an athlete to throw on your suit and go swimming! However, students who want to swim competitively may join varsity, club, or intramural swim teams. Others who want to stay in shape or swim for fun typically enjoy water fitness classes or open swim.
Some schools, like the University of Akron, even offer hot tubs and a leisure pool with a lazy river! Whatever your goal, college rec centers offer an enjoyable way to stay active and relax.
Make a splash by choosing the right school for you
These are only 10 of the coolest pools and swimming facilities you can find at colleges around the United States. If swimming is a big part of your daily routine or you just love the water, make sure you check out the swimming facilities online or in person before you apply to a college. You may even be able to hop into the water before you’re accepted or attend in the fall, depending on the school’s athletic center policies!
Interested in any of these schools (and their pools)? Check out if they’re a good fit for you with College Raptor’s FREE College Match tool!
