Ned Merrill, an affluent middle-aged man, appears unexpectedly at a friend's pool in suburban Connecticut. Exuding confidence and vigor, Ned declares his plan to "swim" home by traversing the series of swimming pools in his affluent neighborhood. Each pool represents a stop on his journey, where he reconnects with old friends, acquaintances, and past lovers, evoking varying memories and emotions. As he visits each pool, fragments of his life and personality are gradually revealed through interactions and conversations, painting a picture that is both enchanting and increasingly disturbing.

Throughout his journey, Ned is faced with a range of responses from the people he encounters—some welcome him warmly, while others are less receptive, hinting at underlying issues in his past. These interactions begin to expose cracks in the idyllic facade Ned presents, revealing deeper truths about his relationships, financial situation, and mental state. What starts as a whimsical and somewhat surreal adventure eventually takes on a more somber tone, as the realities of Ned's life became clearer through the lens of those he meets. The story builds up to a poignant and reflective climax that invites the audience to reconsider the nature of success, stability, and the passage of time.