Did you know a new swimming pool was added to the White House grounds after President Ford moved in? During the Nixon administration, the existing swimming pool was converted into the Press Room, leaving the grounds without a place to practice one’s backstroke. President Ford had been an avid swimmer all of his life (see a previous blog post for photos!), and made it well known that he would miss his outdoor pool when the family moved from Alexandria to the White House.

Shortly after moving in, President Ford began receiving letters with money enclosed for a new swimming pool.  

After determining that the cost of installing a swimming pool on the White House grounds was too exorbitant given the high inflation impacting the United States, a revised proposal was developed in the spring of 1975 to bring the pool into fruition.

On July 1, 1975, the pool was ready for the inaugural dip by the President. He even got a helping hand from his daughter, Susan!

A few days later, President Ford invited the press to watch him swim laps.

President Ford was good about acknowledging those who helped bring about this addition to the White House grounds – even thanking another famous Ford from the state of Michigan!