Neturei Karta protested against the construction of the pool where men and women would swim together. On February 13, 1958, a large demonstration took place in Mea Shearim, with around 2,000 participants, earning the pool the nickname "The Controversial Pool" in the press. Additionally, there was significant pressure on Mayor Gershon Agron from ultra-Orthodox groups opposing the construction.

In May 1958, the leadership of Agudat Yisrael attempted to buy the pool from the group of investors to ensure it operated on separate days for men and women. However, Schiff refused to sell until it was guaranteed that the kashrut certification for his hotels, the President and Orgil, which had been revoked in response to the pool's construction, would be restored. By July 1958, the pool's construction was completed, and Schiff was negotiating its sale. The pool was eventually sold to the kibbutzim Kiryat Anavim and Ramat Rachel, in collaboration with the moshav Shoresh, and opened to the public on July 28, 1958, under the management of Moshav Shoresh.

The original pool area covered the entire lot between Emek Refaim Street and HaRakevet Street. It was unique as the only 50-meter pool in Jerusalem, similar in length to an Olympic pool, with a high dive (7 meters) and its central city location. Surrounding the pool were grassy areas and a large snack bar. The pool also featured a shallow, rounded children's pool alongside the Olympic pool.In the 1980s, a commercial building with three floors, an underground parking lot, and a commercial facade along Emek Refaim Street was constructed on half of the original lot. The construction led to the demolition of the entrance building, changing rooms, and snack bar. The pool itself was preserved, renovated with new ceramic tiles, and a water slide was added. New changing rooms were built on the ground floor of the commercial building.

The Jerusalem Pool closed on October 31, 2017, following a prolonged struggle by the committee to save the pool, in favor of constructing a real estate project and a gym for the public.

On September 6, 2023, the new pool was inaugurated in a festive ceremony attended by the mayor. The community sports center "Jerusalem Pool," managed by the City Gardens Administration, spans 2,200 square meters and includes a large swimming pool of 33.3 meters, a fully equipped gym, studio rooms with over 100 diverse classes per week, a Reformer Pilates room, a functional training room, a sauna, a café by the pastry chef David Laor, a family-changing area, a towel machine for rental, and an outdoor yard with grass and a toddlers' pool. Additionally, we offer swimming classes for children, a water polo school, and various children’s activities and classes. The community sports center already has thousands of members and serves the residents of the neighborhoods and Jerusalem in general. Every member, of any age, will find what they are looking for here—competitive swimming, separate swimming sessions, water aerobics, activities, and classes.