A 168,000-gallon pool shaped like the Lone Star State, The Texas Pool has been an oasis in the scorching Plano summer heat since 1961. For decades, aspiring members camped overnight outside its doors in the hopes of securing access to its cool, salt waters and abundance of recreational facilities. Today, families still flock to the pool, seeking refuge from the sun during open swim sessions, swimming camps, and swim lessons throughout the week. Against a backdrop of a Texas flag mural, swimmers of all ages shoot down water slides, leap off a diving board, and compete in recreational games of water volleyball. In the nearby picnic area, smoke rises from barbecue grills that speckle rows of picnic tables, and sunbathers stretch out on lawn chairs.