I finally found my pool: it is the Olympic-sized pool at the University of Illinois ARC. I was able to (finally!) get a pass since I’m an alumni of the U of I. It was a bit of a hassle since I had to take care of it during the business day but it was well worth it to swim in this pool!
I was previously swimming at the YMCA. It’s pool is gorgeous too — but only 25 yards. My biggest complaint about that pool was that swimmers insisted on splitting lanes and refused to circle swim. It seemed like every other time I went swimming, there was some issue.
I absolutely love swimming at U of I. If you are in the Champaign-Urbana area and are looking for a new pool home (and you are an alum!) then I would check it out. The outdoor pool closes this weekend but there is also an Olympic-sized indoor pool that I cannot wait to try.