Going back to at least the late 1940s, Swimming pools were a big attraction for roadside motels. Oftentimes those early motels used a swimmer or female diver motif in there roadsigns to emphasize the point. As chains like Howard Johnson's came to dominate the hospitality field, pools became commonplace if not required. Even as attractive pool areas were important selling points, they were not revenue generators and seldom used by business travelers. However for families with children, pools were a major reason for staying at one motel over another, and in Northern climates an indoor all weather heated swimming pool was the greatest treat of all!

Howard Johnson's Motor Lodges were noted for having well-manicured grounds and attractive swimming pools, and the facility at Nashville-West was no exception.