Austin's Barton Springs Pool is a hot spot in any season. Located in Zilker Park, the pool covers an area of 12,140 sq metres (3 acres). It is fed by the underground spring and has a year-round temperature of 20-23 °C (68-70 °F).
During the swimming season, Barton Springs attracts crowds. The most recent record was 800,000 visitors. But don't worry about that, even when there are a lot of visitors, it is so large, that everyone will get some space in the water. The pool's depth reaches 5.5 m (18 feet). The surrounding area is grassy.
The pool is open to the public from 5 am till 10 pm daily, except Thursdays. On Thursdays, the pool is closed due to cleaning from 9:00 am until 7:00 pm. From November to February the admission is free. During the hot season, from March till October, when everyone wants to have a cool dip, the fee is around $10 for non-residents and cheaper for residents. There are free hours every day if you come earlier than 8 am or later than 9 pm. If there is a possibility of flooding from the Barton Creek, the pool can be closed for several days.
Practical info
When is the best time to go swimming at the pool in Austin, Texas?
From November to February, visitors can take a dip in Barton Springs Pool free of charge. The temperature is around 20-23 °C (68-70 °F) all year round. Although the pool is open throughout the year, during the hot season, which attracts more visitors, admission fees are higher than in the cooler months. The pool is closed every Thursday between 9 am and 7 pm to maintain its cleanliness and hygiene. Show more
When can visitors swim in Barton Springs Pool?
Barton Springs Pool is available for swimming every day from 5 am till 10 pm. However, it's important to note that the summer months from March to October are usually busier and attract a higher admission fee for non-residents, around $10. Visitors should check for any potential flooding from the nearby Barton Creek, which could lead to the pool's closure. It is important to note that there isn't a specific designated swimming season at Barton Springs Pool. Show more
What are the pool's swimming requirements, and how deep is it?
Barton Springs Pool is fed by a natural underground spring and has an area of 12,140 square metres (3 acres) with a depth of 5.5 metres (18 feet). Although no specific swimming requirements are necessary, visitors should note that the pool is deeper than most and ask that they take extra care while swimming. The pool is strictly monitored by lifeguards to ensure the safety of all visitors, and it is always recommended that visitors familiarize themselves with the rules and guidelines before swimming. Show more
Is there a specific time for free admission to the pool in Austin?
Barton Springs Pool charges admission fees from March until October, typically around $10 for non-residents and cheaper for residents. However, admission is free of charge every day before 8 am or after 9 pm. Additionally, from November to February, visitors can swim for free, but it's important to note that the pool is closed every Thursday between 9 am to 7 pm for cleaning. The pool remains open throughout the week from 5 am to 10 pm other than on Thursdays. Show more
Why is Barton Springs Pool closed on Thursdays?
Barton Springs Pool undergoes cleaning every Thursday from 9 am till 7 pm. This closure is essential to maintain the cleanliness and hygiene in the pool, ensuring visitors enjoy swimming in a clean environment. Visitors need to be mindful of these cleaning timings, although the pool is open throughout the week from 5 am till 10 pm except for Thursdays. The closure is only for a day and doesn't affect swimming hours in the rest of the week. Show more
