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.  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.

Shuttles now available on weekends to Zilker Park from One Texas Center Parking Garage. Please click the link below for more information:

Weekend Shuttle to Zilker Park

Barton Springs Coloring Sheet (PDF)

Phone: (512) 974-6300 

 

Apply to be a lifeguard at Lifeguardaustin.com

Barton Springs Pool is currently charging admission fees.  Regular admission fees can be found by visiting this link www.austintexas.gov/page/pool-fees-rentals

Purchasing Daily and Season Swim Passes

Season pass includes parking at Zilker Park.  Barton Springs only charges admission beginning during Austin ISD Spring Break through the end of October.  Season passes may be purchased each Spring and are valid through the following Spring and Summer.

Daily and Season passes may be purchased using a credit card online or from our app, ATXswims at the Google Play or the Apple Store.  To purchase a Family season pass, or to pay with cash or check, please come to the Aquatic Office between Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM and is located at 2818 San Gabriel St. 

Download the app

 Download the app

 

Prohibited Items and Activities

  • Coolers, ice chests and thermal bags
  • Food
  • Pets
  • Smoking
  • Glass
  • Alcohol - If you are seen with an open container, you will be asked to leave the facility.
  • 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

Apply to be a lifeguard at Lifeguardaustin.com

 

ALERT!  Seasonal paid parking goes into effect March 4, Saturdays/Sundays and holidays, 8 am - 10 pm.  Pay at pay stations available park wide.

As of May 1, parking pay station implementation will continue in the lots near Stratford area, and the lots off Azie Morton, and the fee will become $7/vehicle park-wide.

*Barton Springs Pool will be free of charge June 3rd.

 

Hours of Operation

Monday

5:00 am - 8:00 am*

Swim at your own Risk

 

8:00 am - 10:00 pm

Guarded Swim

Tuesdays

5:00 am - 8:00 am*

Swim at your own Risk

 

8:00 am - 10:00 pm

Guarded Swim

Wednesday 

5:00 am - 8:00 am*

Swim at your own Risk

 

8:00 am - 10:00 pm

Guarded Swim

Thursday

5:00 am - 9:00 am*

Swim at your Own Risk

9:00 am - 7:00 pm

Closed

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Guarded Swim

Friday

5:00 am - 8:00 am*

Swim at your own Risk

 

8:00 am - 10:00 pm

Guarded Swim

Saturday 

5:00 am - 8:00 am*

Swim at your own Risk

 

8:00 am - 10:00 pm

Guarded Swim

Sunday

5:00 am - 8:00 am*

Swim at your own Risk

 

8:00 am - 10:00 pm

Guarded Swim

*Open for Swim at Your Own Risk only

Image of Barton Springs Pool