Outdoor swimming pool that is filled entirely with water from nearby natural springs and is a popular venue for year-round swimming
General Information
Child (1-11) Resident: $2.00; Non-Resident: $4.00
Junior (12-17) Resident: $3.00; Non-Resident: $5.00
Adult (18-61) Resident: $5.00; Non-Resident: $9.00
Senior (62-79) Resident: $2.00 ; Non-Resident: $5.00
Patrons 80+, City of Austin Employees, Veterans, Retired and Active Duty Military: Free
On-site ticket sales are available at payment kiosks. Credit card, and exact change accepted.
Head north on Congress Ave toward E 6th St. Turn left at the 1st cross street onto W 6th St. Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto N Lamar Blvd. Turn right onto Barton Springs Rd. Turn left onto William Barton Dr.
Overview
Barton Springs Pool is a spring-fed swimming pool on the grounds of Zilker Park, filled by Main Barton Spring — the fourth-largest spring in Texas — within the channel of Barton Creek. With water hovering between 68°F and 74°F year-round, it's one of Austin's most beloved swimming spots in every season.
History
The springs were considered sacred by the Tonkawa people long before European settlers arrived, and Spanish missionaries visited the site in the early 1700s. William "Uncle Billy" Barton settled the area in 1837 and named the three springs after his daughters, promoting the site as a tourist draw that grew steadily in popularity. The property's last private owner, Andrew Jackson Zilker, donated it to the city in 1918, and the pool took its current form in the 1920s when the springs were dammed to create a larger swimming area.
Popular Attractions and Activities
Swimming
The pool's cool, constant temperature makes it a year-round destination no matter what the Texas heat is doing outside.
- Maximum depth of about 18 feet at the dammed end.
- Grassy, shaded slopes surround the pool for sunbathing and picnicking.
- Flotation devices are allowed at either end of the pool, but not in the middle.
Pool Hours and Closures
The pool closes weekly for maintenance, so it's worth checking before a visit.
- Closed Thursdays for cleaning, when the water level is lowered to clear algae from the pool floor.
- An early "swim at your own risk" period runs before lifeguards are on duty.
- Coolers, glass, food, alcohol, speakers, and bicycles are not permitted inside the facility.
Conservation Legacy
Barton Springs has long been a rallying point for Austin's environmental movement.
- The Save Our Springs Alliance grew out of efforts to protect the springs and has shaped decades of Austin environmental policy.
- Actor Robert Redford, who learned to swim here, co-produced a documentary on threats to the Edwards Aquifer.
Visitor Highlights
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Swimming | Cool off in the 68–74°F spring-fed pool, open year-round. |
| Sunbathing & Picnicking | Relax on the grassy, shaded slopes surrounding the pool. |
| Early Morning Swim | Take advantage of "swim at your own risk" hours before lifeguards arrive. |
| History & Conservation | Learn about the springs' role in Austin's environmental movement. |
Best Time to Visit
| Time | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Summer | Peak season, with crowds cooling off from the Texas heat. |
| Early Morning | Quieter, cooler swim before lifeguards arrive (swim at your own risk). |
| Weekdays | Typically less crowded than weekends. |
| Thursday | Pool closed for cleaning — plan around this day. |
Why Visit Barton Springs Pool?
- Swim in a naturally spring-fed pool that stays cool year-round.
- Relax on shaded, grassy slopes just outside downtown Austin.
- Experience a landmark tied to Austin's environmental history.
- Enjoy a swimming hole beloved by generations of Austinites.
This article is based on publicly available information about Barton Springs Pool, as well as material from the Wikipedia article "Barton Springs Pool", used under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
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