At a campus as bustling as Penn State, you’d expect the indoor pools to be packed with swimmers. Surprisingly, few students take full advantage of these pristine aquatic facilities.

For me, a recent visit to both of the campus pools turned into something more than just a casual swim. Armed with a test kit and my goggles, I set out to explore not only the quiet charm of these underutilized spaces but also the science keeping their waters in check.

The first stop on my aquatic adventure was the McCoy Natatorium, a true gem tucked away next to East Halls. I had walked by this building many times before I realized the pool was inside, and from the outside, it’s a rather unassuming brick building.

Once you make it in past the check-in desk and down the steps, however, you’re greeted with really cool long hallways leading to the locker rooms.

After a quick change and rinse, I was ready to jump in. Heading out to the pool deck, I was greeted by some friendly lifeguards and staff, which added to the whole experience. Immediately, I was taken back by the high ceilings and spacious lanes. It has an old-school charm that immediately drew me in.

Though not many students seem to take advantage of it, the quiet atmosphere made it perfect for both serious swimmers and those looking to escape the campus rush. I went at 2 p.m. on a Thursday and there were only two other swimmers there.

As I dipped into the pool, I couldn’t help but appreciate the pristine water and well-maintained facility. After a few laps, I pulled out my chemical testing kit, curious to see just how well-balanced the water chemistry was — and McCoy did not disappoint.

For those inexperienced in water chemistry, there are a few things that go into testing water. The two main factors are pH levels and chlorine concentration. The pH, which measures how acidic or basic the water is, should ideally be between 7.2 and 7.8 to prevent skin irritation and equipment damage. Chlorine is essential for disinfecting the pool, killing harmful bacteria and algae, and typically ranges from one to three parts per million (ppm). Too much chlorine can cause a harsh smell and eye irritation, while too little allows bacteria to thrive.

Before I tested the water I knew it would likely be very well balanced based on the scent and clarity. The pools in the McCoy Natatorium were crystal clear and there was no bleach-like scent in the air.

Contrary to popular belief, the iconic “pool scent” is not a good thing. That smell comes from an overabundance of combined chlorine, which is chlorine that has been combined with dead skin, urine, and other human byproducts.

When chlorine combines with these things, it loses all disinfecting powers, thus allowing bacteria and disease to grow. In the case of McCoy, the air and water were fresh and well-managed. Now to the results:

Using my Taylor Series DPD testing kit I measured the following:

Chlorine = 1.0, pH = 7.4.

These are excellent results and show that the water is well-balanced per national standards. After I wrapped up my tests I headed back into the locker room to get changed and head off to the next location. Overall, I was really pleased with my experience at McCoy.

The staff was very friendly and the pool and locker room were very clean and well-kept. This coupled with the general quietness and lack of people there, was a nice getaway from our busy campus. If you like swimming, I’d recommend checking out McCoy for a dip. Now to our next location, the White Building pool.

It’s easy to miss unless you’re specifically looking for it, and unlike the McCoy Natatorium, the White Building pool has a more intimate and older feel. Walking through the halls of the aging building and past the gym, you can’t help but notice the blend of history and nostalgia in the air. It feels like stepping back in time, and while it may not be the most popular spot, the charm of the pool’s underuse makes it all the more appealing.

When I first stepped in, I realized this was going to be a much different atmosphere than McCoy. The lower ceilings and bright windows outside and to the gym made it feel a lot more vintage, which I liked. This pool is smaller, with only five more narrow lanes. Fortunately, when I went at 3 p.m. on a Thursday, there were only two other swimmers there. According to one of the lifeguards, this is considered less busy and there are usually more people swimming there.

I set my stuff down and jumped in. Similar to McCoy, the water was really pleasant and was warmer than I thought it would be. As I did my laps, I enjoyed the tile flooring in the pool and surrounding walls that made it feel like I was back in the ’70s. The ambient light from the big bay windows was nice and brightened up the place a lot. It was also funny to see straight into the gym through the window and see everyone working out, oblivious to the pool on the other side.

After my laps, I again broke out the water test kit. The results of my tests are as follows:

Chlorine = 3.0, pH = 7.4.

Just like McCoy, the White Building pool is well-balanced, and I was happy to see that the overall conditions in and around the facility were very clean. While the locker room didn’t have quite the same charm as McCoy, it made up for it with the old-school setting and refreshing water. One thing I should note is that the White Building has a hot tub next to the pool. According to the lifeguards, however, the hot tub is never turned on, which is disappointing.

If I had to change anything, I would suggest getting the hot tub going (and scrubbed out).

Wrapping up my pool adventure, I can honestly say that exploring these underutilized gems on campus was a refreshing experience — both physically and mentally.

With so few people taking advantage of the McCoy Natatorium and the White Building pool, it felt like I had my own peaceful retreat from the daily grind of campus life. As the weather turns colder, I hope more students will be inspired to dive in and enjoy these serene spaces.

Swimming indoors can be the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle, offering a quiet place to recharge. Plus, after testing the water at both locations, I was pleasantly surprised by how well-maintained the conditions are — another reason to grab your goggles and take a dip!

Hours for both locations can be found here.