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.
Get information on how to visit, including hours, ticket prices, and what to bring:
Barton Springs Temporary Closure for Maintenance
During routine inspection and maintenance, Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) and Austin Watershed Protection (AWP) discovered that a portion of old infrastructure (decommissioned “bypass” from the 1940s) was undermined and potentially unstable. After a feasibility study, APR and AWP staff determined removal was the best alternative based on cost, feasibility, and duration. The project is slated to begin the week of February 23rd and should be completed before March 14, 2026.
For full project details see: Barton Springs Skimmer Bypass Project | AustinTexas.gov
Barton Springs Pool is free of charge until March 14, 2026. To see fee schedule or purchase a season pass, please visit Pool Fees & Rentals | AustinTexas.gov
Starting May 30, 2024, Barton Springs Pool cash entries and kiosk purchases are currently made at the Zilker Cafe building. Our current entry is west of the Joan Means Khabele Bathhouse, across from the Zilker Hillside Theater. For info such as prices, parking and more visit www.austintexas.gov/services/visit-barton-springs.
Barton Springs Pool Updates:
- Barton Springs pool will be free of charge until March 14, 2026.
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.
Quick links
- Apply to be a lifeguard
- Find a City pool
- City Aquatics Program
- Download the Barton Springs Coloring Sheet (PDF, 1.95 MB)
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