Predictions from a one-dimensional pool swell model are compared with results from small-scale pool swell tests. The main elements of the model other than the geometric simplification are identical to the assumptions that underlie the hydrodynamic scaling laws investigated in the pool swell experiments. The favorable comparison between prediction and experiment demonstrates that all key features of the data can be explained qualitatively and are quantitatively within physically reasonable ranges. An experimental record of air bubble growth history is compared with the predictions from an axisymmetric pool swell code calculation.