The Mohonk Mountain House‘s beautiful 20-yard pool may fall short of the length needed for my consideration, but it scores big as the site of my nephew’s first swim. We were up there last week in celebration of his grandma’s big birthday, and little O. liked his first dip so much that he went back for more the next day. His aunt is very proud!
We did two laps, me using a diagonal egg-beater kick to hold O. up on my chest, taking in the natural light and snowy views at either end. Look at his impressive concentration as he absorbs this amazing experience. We also enjoyed blowing bubbles with suitable sound effects, splashing the gutter, and finding the sunny spot. I feel certain that this won’t be his last pool as a zero-year-old.
I also have to commend him on his venue selection. Aside from lacking five yards, this is a very tasteful, mid-2000s addition to the historic New Paltz resort, which previously had lake swimming only. Timber framing and muted tiles and lounge chairs give it a natural feel, and you can’t beat the views toward the Catskills from the large window banks on three sides. Plus, swim diapers are available free of charge. We scared the other patrons away had both pool and locker rooms to ourselves for this special occasion.
In case you swim so much that you lose your mental faculties, a helpful sign reminds you how to open the door to exit the pool deck. With our guest stay expiring, we made our exit, eager for more shared pool time.
40 Pools 
Mohonk is one of my favorite places on earth. I notice you didn’t do your usual cost of swimming calculation here, because it’s gotten so astronomical! It has doubled in the past decade or so.
PS I think the mountains are not Catskills but Shawangunks.
I’m not technically counting this as a pool, since it’s too short and I didn’t do a real swim. Fortunately, grandma footed the bill, so I am blissfully oblivious. You are right that the facility is in the Gunks, however I’m pretty sure that the view from the pool is of the Catskills.
[…] and bathing suit. His coordination and strength have improved markedly in the short time since his last swim, and once again he made his aunt very […]