One of the distinctive features of Ernest Hemingway's house in Key West is the swimming pool. The pool is famous for its association with Hemingway's unique taste and lifestyle. Here are some key details about the pool at the Hemingway Home and Museum:

1. **Design:** The pool at Hemingway's house is not a typical rectangular shape. It is more irregular and has a somewhat unusual design, reflecting Hemingway's preference for things that were a bit different.

2. **Built for a Penny:** Legend has it that Hemingway had the pool installed in 1938 for around $20,000, a significant amount during that time. However, the story goes that the workers who built the pool were allowed to use it on Sundays if they completed the construction for only a penny.

3. **Home to Polydactyl Cats:** The pool area is home to the famous polydactyl cats, descendants of Hemingway's original cat, Snow White, which was a gift from a ship's captain. The cats are known for having six toes and are a unique and charming feature of the Hemingway Home.

4. **Historical Landmark:** The Hemingway Home and Museum, including the pool, is a designated U.S. National Historic Landmark.

Visitors to the museum can explore the house and its grounds, including the pool area, as part of guided tours offered by the museum. The pool, along with the surrounding gardens and the house itself, provides insight into the life and personality of one of America's most celebrated writers.