Within Zilker Park's 358 acres lies one of the crown jewels of Austin - Barton Springs Pool. The pool itself measures three acres in size, and is fed from underground springs with an average temperature of 68-70 degrees, ideal for year-round swimming. Over the years, Barton Springs Pool has drawn people from all walks of life, from legislators who have concocted state laws there to free-spirited, topless sunbathers who turned heads in the 1970s. Robert Redford learned to swim at the pool when he was five years old while visiting family in Austin. Today, Barton Springs still attracts a diverse crowd of people and has seen record setting numbers of visitors nearing 800,000 in recent years.
The Springs serves as home to the endangered Barton Springs Salamander, and is listed as a federally protected habitat. The pool is closed to the public from 9a-7p every Thursday to allow for the vigorous and methodical cleaning methods required to help maintain the pool area for wildlife and guests alike. Depths of the pool range from 0’ to 18' with surrounding grassy areas for patrons to lounge upon. Adjacent to the pool bathhouse is Splash!, an educational exhibit where patrons can learn about the history and biology of Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer which feeds it.
Barton Springs Coloring Sheet (PDF)
For information and recent news check out the Barton Springs Master Plan.
Phone: (512) 974-6300
The Aquatics Division will resume modified operations beginning Saturday, September 26, 2020 based on our typical year-round schedule. No reservation is required, however capacities will be limited. Modified hours have been established based on available resources. Patrons are asked to limit their time to two hours. Once the pool is at capacity, new swimmers will be allowed on a one-in/one-out basis.
| Beginning March 13, 2021 | Hours of Operation | |
| Daily* |
5:00 am - 8:00 am* |
Swim at your Own Risk* |
| Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays |
8:00 am - 10:00 pm |
Guarded Swim |
*Open for Swim at Your Own Risk only
Season Swim Passes
If you purchased a season swim pass for Summer 2020 and would like a refund, please send an email with your current address and where and how you paid for your pass to aquaticsoffice@austintexas.gov.
Prohibited Items and Activities
- Coolers, ice chests and thermal bags
- Food
- Pets
- Smoking
- Glass
- Alcohol
- Frisbees, footballs, soccer balls or other hard balls
- Drinks are permitted but must be in a plastic re-sealable container with a twist-top lid
Group Visits: Unfortunately, group visits cannot be accommodated at this time.
