The Plunge

Welcome to The Soak, stories about how we get clean!

For our first episode, we explore the history of public pools as spaces of socialization and social change in the United States. We also visit the The Plunge in Richmond, CA, and talk about the grimier side of public swimming.

Take a Deeper Dive

• For more about the evolution of public swimming pools, check out Jeff Wiltse’s book, Contested Waters: A Social History of Swimming Pools in America.
• Here’s the full oral history with Harry and Marguerite Williams “Reflections of a Longtime Black Family in Richmond” about the African-American experience in mid-20th century Richmond, CA.
• Busting myths: pee-activated dye in the pool is not a thing.