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
Barton Springs Pool will require reservations beginning Friday, May 21 in order to manage capacity for the safety of staff and guests. Reservation time slots will be available in two-hour increments beginning at 8:00 AM until the pool closes at 10:00 PM.
All other aquatic facilities do not currently require reservations.
Season Pass Holders, Patrons 80+, City of Austin Employees, Veterans as well as Retired and Active Duty Military can enter Barton Springs Pool with no reservations; however, everyone else in the party must have a reservation. In-person payment acceptance suspended until further notice.
Modified hours have been established based on available resources.
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department will continue to adjust operations according to the City of Austin’s COVID-19 Risk Based Guidelines and in consultation with public health authorities.
To make a reservation please CLICK HERE. In-person payment acceptance suspended until further notice.
| Reservation Registration Opening Day | Visitation Day |
| May 10 | May 21, 22, 23, 25 |
| May 17 | May 28, 29, 30 |
| May 24 | All June dates |
| June 7 | All July dates |
| July 12 | All August dates |
| Beginning March 13, 2021- May 20, 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
| Beginning May 21, 2021 | Hours of Operation | |
| Daily* | 5:00 am - 8:00 am* |
Swim at your Own Risk* No Reservation Required |
| Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays | 8:00 am - 10:00 pm |
Guarded Swim Reservation Required |
*Open for Swim at Your Own Risk only
| Reservation Fee | Resident | Non-Resident |
| Child (1-11) | $2 | $4 |
| Junior (12-17) | $3 | $5 |
| Adult (18-61) | $5 | $9 |
| Senior (62-79) | $2 | $5 |
Season Swim Passes
Currently, only Barton Springs Pool will be charging an admission fee beginning May 21, 2021. Season Passes will be available for sale beginning May 10, 2021. If you would like to purchase a season pass please CLICK HERE. In-person payment acceptance suspended until further notice.
| Season Pass Fees | Resident | Non-Resident |
| Child (1-11) | $65 | $95 |
| Junior (12-17) | $125 | $155 |
| Adult (18-61) | $190 | $280 |
| Senior (62-79) | $65 | $95 |
| Family Pass | $370 | $515 |
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.
