Barton Springs Pool: Swimming and Recreation
Did you know that Barton Springs Pool is huge, covering three acres? It’s in the big Zilker Park. About 800,000 people visit this Austin gem every year. The water stays cool, between 68 and 70 degrees, thanks to underground springs. It’s perfect for swimming any time. This spot is not only beautiful but also famous. Even Robert Redford swam here as a kid.
There’s more than just swimming. Visitors can check out the “Splash!” exhibit. It teaches about the pool’s environment and the Edwards Aquifer’s importance. Barton Springs Pool is a big deal in Austin. It mixes outdoor fun with learning about culture. Plus, it’s a safe place for the endangered Barton Springs Salamander. Swimming here means you’re part of saving nature.
Key Takeaways
- Barton Springs Pool covers three acres within Zilker Park.
- The pool maintains a year-round temperature between 68 and 70 degrees due to underground springs.
- Renowned for its natural beauty, Barton Springs Pool attracts nearly 800,000 visitors annually.
- Engage with the “Splash!” exhibit to learn about the pool’s ecological and historical significance.
- The pool is a habitat for the endangered Barton Springs Salamander, highlighting its environmental importance.
Introduction to Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs Pool in Austin is more than a swimming place. It’s rich in history, attracting a mix of important folks and free spirits. This beautiful spot is part of Zilker Park. Its natural springs draw people from every background.
The pool gets its water from four springs. These are Main Barton Springs, Eliza Spring, Old Mill Spring, and Upper Barton Springs. Tests make sure the water is clean, checking things like pH and temperature. Since 1996, scientists study how fast water moves through the aquifer.
Over the years, Barton Springs has seen a lot. In the 1970s, it was known for bold sunbathers. It has also been a place where laws were discussed. Important water sources like Onion Creek and the Blanco River keep the springs flowing.
“The Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer is crucial for providing drinking water, habitat for endangered species, clean base flow to the Colorado River, and part of the City of Austin’s drinking if water supply.”
Visitors love the green spaces around the pool. They’re perfect for relaxing under the Texan sun. Next to the pool, the “Splash!” exhibit teaches people about the area’s history and the important Edwards Aquifer.
Studies show water can move up to six miles a day below ground towards the springs. Thanks to automatic data loggers, the pool is a top example of how Austin balances fun with caring for nature.
- Quarterly samples from six springs: Parthenia, Eliza, Old Mill, Upper Barton, Backdoor, and Cold Springs.
- 85% of Aquifer recharge from six surface streams.
- Groundwater divide dissipates during major droughts and high pumping levels.
- Persistent low concentrations of atrazine, chloroform, and tetrachloroethane reported in 2006.
- Nitrate concentration increases reported in 2011.
Barton Springs Pool is a beloved spot for fun and learning. It showcases the unique ecosystem of the Edwards Aquifer. This place combines history, community, and education. It’s a true treasure in Austin’s landscape.
Barton Springs Pool Austin: Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Information
Barton Springs Pool is a popular spot in Zilker Park. It has many perks and offers different times for visiting to handle the crowd. Here’s what you need to know about the pool hours, how to get tickets, and about season passes.
Hours of Operation
Barton Springs Pool welcomes visitors every day from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. It’s great for those who like to swim early or late. The pool is open for safe, guarded swimming from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
On Thursdays, the pool is closed for cleaning from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. However, you can still swim at your own risk from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Ticket Prices
Everyone can enjoy Barton Springs Pool at low prices. Tickets cost between $2 and $9, based on where you live and your age. Babies under one and veterans get in free. The pool’s pricing is made to be affordable for both families and individuals.
| Category | Resident Price | Non-Resident Price |
|---|---|---|
| Children (under 1 year) | Free | Free |
| Children (1-11 years) | $2 | $4 |
| Juniors (12-17 years) | $3 | $5 |
| Adults (18-62 years) | $5 | $9 |
| Seniors (62+ years) | $2 | $5 |
| Veterans | Free | Free |
Season Passes
Season passes are a great deal if you visit Barton Springs often. They offer good value and are priced based on residency and age. Season passes allow for frequent visits and help make the pool a regular place for fun.
Important details about season passes:
- Both residents and non-residents can get passes.
- There are different prices for kids, juniors, adults, and seniors.
- They offer options suitable for families of all sizes.
The pool hours and Barton Springs tickets make visiting easy and enjoyable. Whether you’re there for the guarded swim times or to enjoy the view, Barton Springs Pool has something for everybody.
What to Expect at Barton Springs Pool
At Barton Springs Pool in Austin, you’ll find much to enjoy outdoors. It spans three acres, welcoming all who want to swim or just bask in the sun. Everyone finds something to love here, from avid swimmers to sun-seekers.
The pool depth ranges from shallow to 18 feet, catering to all skills. Families love the wide lawns for picnics and lounging in the sun. These features make it ideal for visitors of all ages.
For nature lovers, swimming here means sharing space with a rare endangered species habitat. The spring water stays a refreshing 68-70 degrees, perfect in any season.
The “Splash!” exhibit teaches visitors about the pool and the critical Edwards Aquifer. It shows why this spot is important and how we must protect it.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | Three acres |
| Depth Range | 0 to 18 feet |
| Temperature | Maintained at 68-70°F year-round |
| Annual Visitors | Nearly 800,000 |
| Family-Friendly Facilities | Green lawns for picnics, shallow areas for kids |
| Endangered Species Habitat | Home to Barton Springs Salamander |
| Entry Fees | Free during colder months; Admission fees during lifeguard hours |
| Restrictions | No food/drinks other than water; Inflatable toys in shallow end |
| Parking | Paid parking around $7 |
| Special Considerations | Women can go topless, may be a factor for families with children |
How to Get to Barton Springs Pool and Parking Information
Barton Springs Pool is a top spot in Austin, and it’s easy to get there. It’s in the large Zilker Park at 2131 William Barton Dr., Austin, TX 78746. You have many ways to travel there, making your trip smooth.
Directions
You can go to Barton Springs Pool by car, bus, or bike. Zilker Park’s entrance has signs to guide you to the pool. Using GPS? Just enter the address. Buses and bike paths make the trip easy and green.
Parking
Right now, parking at Barton Springs Pool is changing. The North Parking Lot is closed from February 15, 2024, until Spring 2025. But, you can still find parking around Zilker Park. In the summer, a free shuttle helps people get to the pool.
| Parking Options | Details |
|---|---|
| North Parking Lot | Closed from February 15, 2024, to Spring 2025 |
| Alternative Parking Areas | Available throughout Zilker Park |
| Free Shuttle Service | Available during summer months |
With these changes, visitors can still enjoy this great Austin spot. Planning with these updates in mind makes for an easy visit. It also supports using greener transport options.
Conclusion
A visit to Barton Springs Pool is an experience full of fun, nature, and learning. This three-acre pool is always between 68-70 degrees. It offers a cool getaway in Austin’s heart.
There are shallow spots perfect for kids and deeper areas for those seeking adventure. Barton Springs Pool is also home to the endangered Barton Springs Salamander. This makes it special.
Every year, almost 800,000 people visit the pool. This shows how much people love it. Even with the occasional parking and maintenance issues, its popularity never fades.
The pool’s history and the Edwards Aquifer story are showcased at the “Splash!” exhibit next to it. It makes your visit even more interesting.
Barton Springs Pool has something for everyone. It is perfect for family outings or quiet time in nature. It’s a famous spot in Austin, treasured by the community.
It has a rich history, including being a place where Robert Redford learned to swim. Today, it’s an essential part of Austin’s outdoor life.
