42. The Big Pool

Location: Northeast corner of Elizabeth and North Street, Saugatuck
Date: 1927-1935

In 1927, it was said to be the largest swimming pool in Michigan and the second largest in the United States. Saugatuck’s Big Pool was built by Robert Marriott, a Chicago-based summer resident of Saugatuck. The Commerical Record newspaper described the Big Pool as “oval in shape, 200 ft. by 125 ft. with a walk entirely surrounding the pool. At the perimeter the water will be 18 inches deep and gradually slope toward the center (like a saucer) to 4 ft. 6 inches where a life rope will be placed. Inside of the life rope the depth rapidly increases to 9 ft. with a diving platform and diving tower in the deep portions.” The article did not mention the Spanish style bathhouse and the impressive water slide.

Unfortunately, filtering all that water made the venture too expensive to operate during a Depression. The pool closed in 1935 and was filled in construction debris and dredging spoils. For decades it was an empty lot. In the early 2020s, a family that purchased the lot were surprised to discover a concrete saucer where they planned to build the foundation of their home. After some delays, the house was built.