University of Toronto's Hart House

I love the historic setting. The pool felt warm, but that might be because I swim outdoors year-round in Southern California. It’s a six-lane pool, but they had it configured for only four. The lanes are speed designated. The fast lane is supposed to be for those who can do 50 yards in 60 seconds or less; it was configured as a big double lane: swim down in one lane and come back in the other. At about 5 PM, there were two other people in the fast lane. Then they both got out and I had about 15 minutes alone before someone else got in. The other lanes had one or two people in them the whole time.

It cost about $19 Canadian for the day, plus $9 for a lock because they don't like you to have bags or stuff on the pool deck. It was a fun experience.

This is a wonderfully restored (and/or upgraded over time) pool that dates back to 1919. The pool features decently cool water, a pace clock, backstroke flags, plenty of kickboards and pull buoys, and four swimming speed lanes. On the day I was there, the fast lane was a double wide lane to allow for passing up the center. It was uncrowded to empty on a Saturday afternoon and the lifeguards told me that weekend afternoons are often that way. Lots of history in the hallways for aquatic, fitness, and city of Toronto history buffs.

It is a nice pool to swim in. Not busy compared to a lot of Y pools. Pool can have anywhere from 4-20 people in it at a time. Between 10-12 is usual.