Historic, man-made swimming pool in Austin is the oldest swimming pool in Texas and features a bathhouse built during the Depression era by the Works Progress Administration and today is a popular swimming pool
General Information
Lap Swim Only, Shallow Side Closed
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: 12pm to 8pm
Recreation Swim, Minimum 2 lap lanes available
Tuesday, Friday: Closed
Head north on Congress Ave toward E 6th St. Turn left at the 1st cross street onto W 6th St. Use the left lane to turn slightly left to stay on W 6th St. Continue onto Lake Austin Blvd. Turn left onto Deep Eddy Ave
Overview
Deep Eddy Pool is a spring-fed, man-made swimming pool on the Colorado River in Austin — and the oldest swimming pool in Texas. Its cool spring water and Depression-era bathhouse make it a favorite escape from the summer heat, split between a lap-swim side and a shallower area for casual recreation.
History
Deep Eddy began as a natural swimming hole where a spring met the Colorado River. Businessman A.J. Eilers Sr. bought the land in 1915 and built the concrete pool as the centerpiece of the Deep Eddy Bathing Beach resort, once known for a crowd-pulling diving horse act. The City of Austin bought the property in 1935; when a flood destroyed the bathhouse weeks later, the Works Progress Administration rebuilt it, and the pool reopened as a public park in 1936.
Popular Attractions and Activities
Swimming
The pool's spring-fed water stays cool year-round, drawing swimmers looking to beat the Texas heat.
- Lap lanes on one side and a shallower recreational area on the other.
- Cold, clear water fed by natural springs.
- A grassy lawn for sunbathing and picnicking after a swim.
Historic Bathhouse
The pool's Depression-era bathhouse is one of Austin's best-preserved WPA structures.
- Rebuilt by the Works Progress Administration and reopened in 1936.
- A reminder of the pool's origins as a 1920s resort destination.
Visitor Highlights
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Swimming | Cool off in Texas' oldest, spring-fed swimming pool. |
| Sunbathing | Relax on the grassy lawn surrounding the pool. |
| Historic Architecture | See the WPA-era bathhouse built in 1936. |
Best Time to Visit
| Time | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Morning | Quieter lap swimming before the crowds arrive. |
| Afternoon | Busiest period, especially on hot summer days. |
| Summer | Peak season, when the cold spring water offers the best relief from the heat. |
Why Visit Deep Eddy Pool?
- Swim in Texas' oldest pool, fed by cool natural springs.
- Step back in time at the WPA-built bathhouse.
- Escape the heat at one of Austin's most iconic swimming spots.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Deep Eddy Pool", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
