Barton Springs Municipal Pool

When the Texas sun is scorching on your Austin getaway and you need cooling off, only one location will suffice: Barton Springs Municipal Pool.

This three-acre pool is fed by underground springs and is a crown jewel in Austin. With crystal-clear waters and a year-round temperature of 68-70 °, the pool promises a refreshing dip no matter when visiting the Lone Star state.

The origins of Barton Springs Municipal Pool date back thousands of years, with the area serving as a gathering place for Indigenous peoples, who revered the springs for their healing properties. 

In the early 20th century, the City of Austin acquired the property, transforming it into the beloved public swimming pool we see today. 

Along with being an entertaining destination, Barton Springs Municipal Pool is a federally protected habitat for the endangered Barton Springs Salamander. 

Barton Springs Municipal Pool whispers tales of conservation, recreation, and community importance stories. The waters reflect Austin's commitment to preserving natural beauty and history for future generations.

Fun Facts & Cool Features

There's more to Barton Springs Municipal Pool than swimming. Visiting is an experience peppered with intriguing facts and unique features. 

Let's begin with some fun facts. Actor Robert Redford learned to swim at Barton Springs Municipal Pool when visiting family as a child. In the '70s, the pool attracted topless swimmers. While semi-nudity is permissible today, it's not as rampant as in the past. 

Barton Springs Municipal Pool is also in the Zilker Metropolitan Park, adding fun-filled adventures and events to explore. 

A regular guest at the pool, who is also federally protected, is the Barton Springs Salamander. This endangered species is found nowhere else in the world and plays a significant role in the conservation efforts surrounding the springs. The harmless salamander grows to ½-3" long, is speckled, and prefers rocky habitats. 

Another fascinating aspect is the pool's natural filtration system, which completely replenishes the water every 8-12 hours. This ensures that swimmers enjoy some of the cleanest, freshest waters available, a natural luxury that's hard to come by in urban areas.

Concrete edges and sides were added to the natural oasis, resembling a contemporary swimming pool. Complete with stairs and lifeguards, Barton Springs Municipal Pool is ideal for water enthusiasts, with depths ranging from 0-18'. However, the critical difference between regular pools and Barton Springs is the bottom, which is natural. 

Visiting Barton Springs Municipal Pool is an essential part of any Austin vacation. Not only does it offer a unique swimming experience in the heart of Texas, but it also provides a lens through which to appreciate the natural and historical narrative of the area. 

Getting There

Here are step-by-step driving directions from downtown Austin to Barton Springs Municipal Pool:

• Start on Congress Avenue, heading south towards the Colorado River.
• Cross the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge.
• Continue straight onto South Congress Avenue until you reach Barton Springs Road.
• Turn right onto Barton Springs Road.
• Follow Barton Springs Road for about half a mile.
• Turn left into Zilker Park (look for signs for Barton Springs Pool).
• The entrance to Barton Springs Municipal Pool will be on your right.
• Address: 2131 William Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78746

Cost

Here are the current costs of visiting Barton Springs Municipal Pool:

• Adults (19-62): $9
• Juniors (12-18): $5
• Children (1-11): $4
• Seniors (62 and older): $4
• Active Duty Military: Free with ID

Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.