Name: Barton Springs Pool
Telephone: (512) 974-6300

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This natural water pool is so far beyond amazing. Words don’t do it justice.

The water temperature is always sixty-eight degrees. Year round.

It gets really, really crowded in the summer so it’s best to arrive early. I prefer going when we visit during late fall/early winter. In November the weather temperature was near 80 so it’s still definitely swim weather though as I’ve mentioned the water temp is 68 so it’s kinda cold on first impact.

Just such a rad place to chill out and relax and leave any worries behind.
Karla D. , 6 years ago
A must-do activity if you’re in Austin! I had heard a lot of hype about Barton Springs and it more than lived up to it.

The natural spring water stays at a refreshing 68 degrees year-round, necessitating pretty warm weather to enjoy the pool. The springs are contained by a cement exterior but have a rocky bottom which adds to the natural feel. The water is about 5 feet deep in most parts, but there is a much deeper area with a diving board for the more adventurous in your group.

The pool-goers are kept safe by a large team of lifeguards who are strict on the rules. There is a large grassy hill on one side of the pool that is the perfect place to lay out and take in some sun when your aren’t swimming. The pool is also surrounded by some food trucks and a bar if you’re making a day out of it.

All in all a really unique urban swimming experience that I would recommend to anyone traveling to Austin in the warmer months.
Cooper K. , 6 years ago
This place was on many top things to do in Austin so of course my wife and I had to come check it out. My wife and I came really early to try to avoid the crowds. The pool opens at 5am and we got there at 6am. We didn’t have any problems finding parking in their private lot. We were also shocked that there were so many people there already swimming! Since we went there so early, it wasn’t packed but there was a good amount of people. We caught the sunrise as well so we have some pretty cool photos.
Juan F. , 7 years ago
Tried to sneak into acl and ended up here. So much fun. Tried to swim one length and drowned twice. Had to get out and walk back – stopped once because it was too far and I was out of breath from drowning. Besides the ordeal, we had a fantastic time there.

My cup of tea.
Brian And Tina T. , 7 years ago
Absolute must visit!
This is a jewel of Austin, spring fed pool and beautiful park and hike and bike trail. Pool stays 69 to 72 degrees all year long. Worth a visit 🙂
Alicia D. , 7 years ago
This is my second time in Austin and second time to Barton Springs. This is a great place to spend a few hours and cool off from the heat.

There is a parking fee, but parking is plentiful. There is also an entrance fee (non-resident adults $8).

The pool is huge so there’s plenty of space for all water-lovers. There are varying depths from knee height to diving board friendly. The floor is mossy and fairly slippery so it makes ‘walking’ a much more difficult task than you would think. The water temp is shockingly cold, but only when you first submerge and then it feels great.

Along the sides of the pool are grassy and shaded areas where you can lay down a towel and bask in some vitamin D (or find relief from the hot sun).

My biggest regret: not bringing pool floaties!!
Danielle G. , 7 years ago
One of the many gems in Austin. I don’t visit Barton Springs Pool nearly enough. The pool is fed by an underground spring keeping it a cool and fresh 68-70 degrees year round. You can enjoy it solo or with a group and there is plenty of space to throw down a towel to get some vitamin D. I personally like to go in the mornings on the weekends since it’s less crowded.

Check the schedule but it’s free before 8am and from 9pm-10pm. It’s $3 for Austin residents and you can purchase your ticket at the kiosk in front (more efficient) or at the entrance. It’s closed Thursday’s between 9am – 7pm for maintenance. I’m still bitter they started charging for parking ($5) but free parking is few and far between in Austin these days. Also, they have showers that you can rinse off at in the bathhouse. The Barton Springs Bathhouse Rehabilitation project will be kicking off in 2019 to update and restore them to their original state.

If you wear goggles you may see an endangered Barton Springs salamander. Their habitat is located at one end of the pool. So when you go, try not to disturb the rocks and plants underwater. They’ll appreciate it. 🙂
Monique H. , 7 years ago
Barton Springs Pool is a necessary stop in Austin. The summer heat is intense and everyone naturally wants to flock to cool, cold waters. And this water is COLD.

Bring towels, plenty of sunblock and stake out a spot on the grass surrounding the pool. Didn’t get a chance to use the diving board. Spent most of my time slipping and sliding on the mossy ground in the water!

Parking was a bit tough on the weekend but manageable. I paid the $5 though i don’t know if anyone is actually checking all these cars. The ticketing systems to buy tickets to the pool are extremely slow and clunky. Don’t wait in line for these like i did. You can just buy your ticket at the gate to get in if you have cash on hand.
Samantha L. , 7 years ago
Sometimes it pays to be a tourist in your own city. I have always loved Barton Springs, but my hatred for the packed Saturdays have resulted in a two-year hiatus from this Austin treasure. The only thing I was really skipping out on was a beautiful day in one of the most refreshing pools in town. I vow to visit more often.

Barton Springs is a cool 68 degrees year round. It’s refreshing at any point of the year, but I’ll stick to 80+ degree weather to hop in. They have rocks, fish, foliage and more that swim around in the dark depths of the pool. It’s not scary, but keep an eye on your loved ones. They have lifeguards scattered around though, too.

The price is slightly higher for nonlocals, but all the prices are reasonable. They are now $4/$8 for adults. Also, don’t bring any valuables with ya, unless you want to keep an eagle eye on them!
Luci H. , 7 years ago
Awesome place to enjoy a sweltering hot Austin day. What a way to merge nature and humanity. Everyone at the BSP was clearly enjoying themselves and the very cool (icy) ‘pool’/reservoir.

We are happy to have found this place while on our trip–it definitely made for a different experience than just wandering the city.

You will most likely wait in line on Saturday, but prices are cheap to get in, especially to spend a few hours or bring the kids. If you do bring kids, bring floatation devices, as the first waters are 5-10 feet.

I can’t comment on parking since we ubered, but it did seem packed. Just make sure to plan to bring water for the line!
Marissa G. , 7 years ago
The Barton Springs Pool is so unique. If you are in Austin, you have to go. The parking is a pain to deal with, and the lines are long if you go in the afternoon. It is well worth the wait, and, once you get inside, you can’t tell that there are a million people inside. Make sure you bring a lock for your wallet and car keys. They have lockers in the bathroom that are free, but you have to bring your own lock. Tickets are purchased via cash only at the booth, but they have credit card machines outside. You can skip the machine line if you bring cash.

The pool is very cold all year round. But it was very refreshing. The lifeguards on duty were very attentive and quickly called out those that broke the safety rules. One end has a shallow option for kids to play in, but most of the pool is a little over 5 ft. They have a deeper area near the diving board. We had a great time and will definitely return if we find ourselves in Austin again.
Lydia F. , 7 years ago

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