A three-acre, spring-fed swimming pool that holds 68 degrees year-round, set in Zilker Park and open since the 1920s.
Barton Springs Pool is a three-acre, spring-fed swimming pool in Zilker Park that maintains a temperature of approximately 68 degrees Fahrenheit regardless of season. The springs have been in continuous use since well before European settlement, and the pool in its current form has operated as a public facility since the 1920s. It is one of Austin's most important civic institutions.
The pool is fed by the Main Barton Spring and three smaller springs from the Edwards Aquifer. The water is clear, cold, and constantly flowing, which keeps the pool clean without the chemical treatment that conventional pools require. The swimming area is roughly 1,000 feet long and 200 feet wide, with depths ranging from shallow wading areas to sections that drop to 18 feet. A grassy hillside surrounds the pool and serves as the sunbathing and socialising zone.
Entry costs $2 to $5 for Austin residents and $4 to $9 for non-residents, varying by age and time of day. Payment is handled through the Pard ATXswims app or kiosks at the entrance.
The pool is open 5 AM to 10 PM daily, closed Thursdays from 9 AM to 7 PM for maintenance cleaning. Weekend mornings and summer afternoons draw the largest crowds. The 68-degree water feels bracing on entry but becomes comfortable quickly. Zilker Park offers parking, though it fills on busy days; ride-share is a practical alternative. Towels and sunscreen are essentials.
In a city that regularly exceeds 95 degrees from June through September, Barton Springs functions as Austin's collective relief valve. The natural setting, the cold clarity of the water, and the nearly century-long civic tradition make this more than a swimming pool. It is a defining feature of Austin's identity and, at under $9, one of the best values in the city.