The Six Fastest Pools

1. INDIANA U-PURDUE U AT INDIANAPOLIS
Ten world and 88 U.S. records have been set in the IUPUI pool, which has hosted 16 NCAA championships and four U.S. Olympic swim trials.

2. TEXAS
High filtration rate and oversized lane lines reduce wave action; can't argue with the Longhorns' 18 national titles; has underwater speakers and spectators' viewing windows.

3. AUBURN
Excellent gutter system absorbs waves rather than letting them rebound into swimmers.

4. TEXAS A&M
Site of the 2001 men's NCAAs, at which nine U.S. records fell and the Aggies won their first team title.

5. STANFORD
Avery Aquatic Center boasts three 50-meter pools, including the country's fastest outdoor one.

6. CLEVELAND STATE
Fastest older pool (built in 1973), it's deeper at one end; home to annual underwater jigsaw puzzle assembly contest.

—Brian Cazeneuve