Pool Hours
Monday - Thursday
5 AM - 8 PM
Friday
5 AM - 7 PM
Saturday and Sunday
8 AM - 7 PM
Pool is closed
Thursday 5:15 PM - 6 PM For Masters Swim Class
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A little bit of history...
Snuggled deep inside the Club, the swimming pool is somewhat unknown to some of The Toledo Club membership. Yet it has a long and rich history since opening in 1926. During its first 10 years of operation, the pool was the center of the club's social world. Some of the best divers and swimmers, national and Olympic champions, celebrities and movie stars have all tested the waters.
The first national aquatic event ever staged in Toledo took place at the Club: the Univerisy of Michigan vs. the Detroit Yacht Club. In what would become a trend, tickets cost $1 and included dinner and dancing in the Main Dining Room.
A year later, the Club hosted its first Olympian as four U.S. Women's champions graced the pool and demonstrated their prowess: 14 year-old Eleanor Holm, the world individual medley champion; "American's Diving Queen" Helen Meany; Agnes Geraghty, world breaststroke champion, and Martha Norelius, billed as the fastest women swimmer ever. In 1931, champion Helene Madison and Georgia Coleman showed off their talents with Ms. Madison attempting to break the 200-yard freestyle record. A 1934 exhibition by Olympic diver Kathering Rawls also featured two 4 year-old babies displaying their swimming abilities. Another 1934 exhibition headlined by diving champ Dick Degner ("The Fred Astaire of diving" and inventor of the full layout) also featured the Detroit Athletic Club's 13-year-old girls champ Halina Tomski taking on her Toledo Club rivals.
Besides celebrity and Olympic demonstrations, our pool regularly hosted National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) competitions.1935 Women's City Swimming Championship was held here.
Of all the people to jump into our pool, three individuals stand out:
Johnny Weismuller is remembered today as the most popular movie Tarzan ever. In a decade of swimming, he never lost a race on his way to winning 52 U.S. championships and 5 Olympic gold medals. Weissmuller appeared at The Toledo Club on June 19, 1931, courtesy of the LaSalle & Koch department store as part of a national tour promoting BVD swimwear.
Buster Crabbe, the Hawaii-raised champion ammassed similar swimming credentials (an NCAA title and Olympic gold metal). She appeared at the Club in 1932 as part of the Los Angeles Athletic Club Men's team, along with national long distance swimmer Tom Blankenburg and the Hawaiian sprint swimmers Miola and Manuella Kalili.
Eleanor Holm, probably the most famous swimmer ever, spent a decade reigning as America's premier female aquatic star before an Olympic scandal derailed her athletic career.
Read the full article published in our Topics Magazine in February 2012. Click here
With pool water at a carfully maintained and consistant 82-83 degrees, swimming laps have never been more relaxing. The pool is 25 yards with five lanes for lap swimming. It is 36 laps (down and back) per mile.
There are specific family swim times so members can bring the whole family to the Club and enjoy some together time at the pool, followed up by a casual dinner in the Grill.
Private and group lessons are available. We have a Swim Coach, Melissa Shaner and a Swim Instructor, Merry Austin ready to assist you. Call the Fitness Center for details.
Pool Parties
The pool is a great place for your child’s birthday party; especially in the cold winter months. Contact Charissa Marconi for information.
Contact Lynette Glorioso at 419-254-2990 or fitness@toledoclub.org
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