2201 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704, USA 
148 miles from Houston, TX
Barton Springs Pool is a natural limestone pool, fed by a few underground springs, which lies within Zilker Park just south of downtown Austin. Due to the constant temperature of the springs, the pool is ideal for year-round swimming. It’s an extremely popular place with a history, which has always attracted a big and diverse crowd of visitors. The pool is beautiful and very well maintained, offering basic amenities and comfortable conditions for sunbathing, swimming, fishing, etc. It’s a must-visit in Austin! Nevertheless, you may want to find some other area to swim if you’re looking for tranquility and seclusion.
Access and Fees
Barton Springs Pool is open every day from 5 a. m. to 10 p. m. Each Thursday, the pool is closed from 9 a. m. to 7 p. m. for necessary cleaning procedures. After heavy rains, the pool may be also closed for some time – please call the hotline at 512-867-3080 to plan your visit accordingly. The price you have to pay for the entry ticket depends on your age and place of residence. You can buy tickets for cash or with credit/debit cards in kiosks in front of the Barton Springs Bathhouse and south entrance. However, you can also swim for free before 8 a. m. and after 9 p. m.
Amenities and Facilities
Barton Springs Pool features all necessary amenities to make your stay comfortable. There are public restrooms, warm showers, and open changing areas. No food is allowed in the park, but if you get hungry, there are food vendors just outside the pool area and some good restaurants within walking distance.
Swimming Conditions
It’s a beautiful place to sunbathe and swim with crystal clear and refreshingly cool (from 68 to 72 °F) water, which keeps the same temperature in all seasons. The water quality is good and continuously maintained through thorough cleanups, which are conducted every week. With distance marks on the wall, the pool is a great place for swim training. You can swim safely from 8 a. m. to 9 p. m. when entrance is charged and there are professional lifeguards on duty. During other hours, you’re also allowed to swim but at your own risk. Be careful – the bottom is slippery so it is recommended to wear water shoes.
Other Activities
Apart from swimming, you can sunbathe, relax on an air mattress (in the designated areas), or snorkel. The bottom of the pool is natural and interesting to explore. Since the water is very clear, you can see various fish species and neon green plants. For watersport enthusiasts, there are also kayak rentals on site.
Driving Time
- 10 minutes from the center of Austin, TX
- 1 hour 20 minutes from San Antonio, TX
- 2 hours 35 minutes from Houston, TX
Hotels and rentals
If you're considering staying for one or even a few nights, there are plenty of options available near the beach. Chose your preferred accomodation type and your favourite room provider:
- Nearby rentals from VRBO.
- Nearby rooms and properties from Booking.com.
Beaches nearby
Additionally, there's a number of beaches near Barton Springs Pool Beach which you can visit:
- Deep Eddy Pool Beach (1 mile)
- Campbell’s Hole Beach (1 mile)
- Twin Falls Beach (3 miles)
- Festival Beach at Lady Bird Lake (Town Lake) (3 miles)
- West Lake Beach (3 miles)
Austin, TX 78741, United States
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1 mi away