Prior to 1923, the school children would swim in Crabbe's Dam (location #176) on Deep Lead Terrace. This was before the school committee decided to construct a swimming pool.

The school teacher, Mr B F Simonsen suggested to the school committee that the pupils should be taught to swim. It was decided to construct a school swimming pool. To the east of the school grounds was a swampy area of Smith's Creek. This was location #310, the site where a large hole had been dug to construct the Smith's Creek and Bannockburn Deep Lead Dredging Company's dredge in 1900. The committee had the area tidied up and had concrete walls constructed on the eastern and southern sides. The pool was filled with water from Smith's Creek. The pupils were instructed in the art of swimming in this first pool.

Willow trees were planted around the school pool. However, the first pool was not a great success as it was difficult to keep the pool full of water due to seepage.

It was decided to build a new, all concrete swimming pool. See location #428.