Venetian Pool facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Venetian Pool
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Venetian Pool, the city of Coral Gables' public swimming pool.
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| Location | Coral Gables, Florida USA |
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| Area | 4 acres (16,000 m2) |
| Built | 1924 |
| Architect | Phineas Paist |
| NRHP reference No. | 81000193 |
| Added to NRHP | August 20, 1981 |
The Venetian Pool is a famous public swimming pool in Coral Gables, Florida. It was finished in 1924 and designed by Phineas Paist and Denman Fink. This special pool is known for its unique history and beautiful design. It's a popular spot for families and visitors.
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How the Venetian Pool Was Created
The Venetian Pool opened in 1924. It was first called "Venetian Casino." This amazing pool was made from an old coral rock quarry. A quarry is a place where stone is dug out of the ground. This quarry was left empty in 1921.
Who Founded the Pool?
George Merrick started the pool project. He was developing the city of Coral Gables. The city was built in a special style called Mediterranean Revival. This style used a lot of coral rock for decorations.
Designing the Unique Pool
Architect Phineas Paist and artist Denman Fink redesigned the old quarry. They turned it into the beautiful pool we see today. The pool was named after Venice, Italy, a famous city with canals. Because of this, the pool has a Venetian-style bridge and classic boat posts.
What Makes the Venetian Pool Special?
The Venetian Pool has changed over the years. At one time, there was a large island where gondolas could dock. Gondolas are long, narrow boats used in Venice. These boats were later removed from the pool.
Past Features of the Pool
A high diving platform was once built above the grand waterfall. This platform was also taken down later. In its early days, the pool was often completely drained. This was done so the Miami Symphony could perform inside it. The quarry's walls helped the music sound amazing.
Restoring the Pool's Beauty
In 2001, the pool was drained again for an orchestra concert. This celebrated Coral Gables' 75th birthday. In 1989, the pool had a big renovation. This work brought back many of its original features. The Venetian Pool was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. It is the only pool on this important list.
Exploring the Pool's Features
The pool is built in a shallow quarry. It holds about 820,000 gallons (3,100 cubic meters) of fresh water. This water comes from artesian wells every day. This makes it the largest freshwater pool in the United States.
Pool Depths and Areas
The pool's depth changes from four feet to over eight feet. The deepest parts are near the grand waterfall. There is also a two-foot deep kiddy pool. This shallow area is close to the lifeguard station. The lifeguard station is on a bridge that leads to an island. This island has two large palm trees.
Caves and Relaxation Spots
Across from the island is a grotto. A grotto is a small cave. Here, natural water-filled caves go back over twelve feet into the hillside. The pool also has a sandy area for sunbathing. There is a café area too, often used for weddings. A walking path goes all around the pool complex.
Recent Renovations
The pool had a big historical restoration in 1989. It was closed for another major renovation from September 2008 to April 2009.
How the Pool Stays Green
Some environmentalists worried about the pool's water use. The pool used a lot of fresh water every day. It was completely drained and refilled each night. This raised concerns about using too much water from Florida's aquifers. An aquifer is an underground layer of rock that holds water.
Recycling Water for the Future
In 1998, a solution was found. Now, the water is drained back into the aquifer. It goes through natural ground filtration. This means the water is recycled. This helps save the precious natural resource. It also keeps the pool water fresh and clear.
Gallery
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Entrance gate
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Entrance building with greenery
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View of pool through railings
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Mooring post and waterfall
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View of pool through entrance building
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Mooring post, island and pool
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Main buildings with pool and island
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Island with bridge
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Waterfall and pool
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Main building and greenery
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Fountain and hanging ceiling lamp
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Fountain in main building
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Interior gallery of main building
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Trellis gallery
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Door leading to water fountain in main building
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Landscaped path around pool
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Shrubbery, trees and pool
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Waterfall and main building
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General view of buildings and pool
See also
In Spanish: Venetian Pool para niños
