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Barton Springs Pool

Swimming Pool

Barton Hills, Austin

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Barton Springs Pool

9.3^/10

1,219

ratings

"This is a great natural spring fed pool in the middle of Austin!"(7 Tips)
"Free night swim every day from 9 until 10 pm."(5 Tips)
"Go for a run along the lake in Zilker Park and bring your swim suit."(4 Tips)
"68 degrees year round"(3 Tips)

211 Tips and reviews

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Mary DawsonAugust 2, 2017
Best outdoor pool! Great views of the city, lots of space to enjoy the sun or swim and they even offer night swimming! Perfect spot to cool off on a super hot day.
Rosie dJune 21, 2013
I have been swimming here literally since before I was born! I'm like 4th generation Barton springs swimmer and I love it!I love to dive or go by the underwater caves and explore with some goggles!fun
Danielle BeckFebruary 16, 2015
A mix of man made and nature makes this the perfect place to relax on a winters night. Less than 10 people in the whole pool area allows you to relax on the rock and listen to the running water.
Social News NetworkMay 23, 2012
On busy summer days, go up Robert E. Lee drive on the east side of Zilker and park near the softball fields. There's a back entrance to the pool at the top of the sunbathing hill.
Ranu RajkarnikarAugust 11, 2016
So refreshing and relaxing. Drink up before you go because no alcohol or food allowed but the residents price of $3 (even if you're just a temporary "visiting resident") can't be beat.
Outdoor VoicesNovember 19, 2015
This is one of Tyler Haneys, founder of Outdoor Voices, favorite spots in Austin. It stays around 70 degrees all year round in Austin, so Tyler says it's perfect for a dip (or to stretch next to). Read more
Men's Health MagAugust 3, 2014
6 times longer than an Olympic pool, Barton Springs snakes its way through Zilker Park. Training here builds endurance. You swim against waves and since it's a long pool there's no momentum from turns Read more
CollegeFashionistaJanuary 14, 2014
If it’s warm outside (especially in the summertime), Barton Springs is a great getaway from city life and fun outdoors location for relaxing, tanning or swimming in the spring water pool.
Luisger LopezSeptember 29, 2023
The water is amazing, the vibe is Austin 100%. Great men’s changing room w/Bali-style showers. An instant fav!
Jordyn BodellJune 20, 2018
Water was super cold but nice in the heat. Pretty crowded but we easily found a place to put our stuff and have space to swim. There’s a gate/kiosk on the other end of the building that had no line
Sarah FoleyJuly 28, 2014
A perfect pause during our trip to Austin. Grab a spot in the shade or in the sun and take a dip in the pool every so often to beat the Texas heat.
Kayliegh BarnesAugust 3, 2013
Heard it's topless from the locals but didnt see that in action. They clean it every Thursday! Beautiful people and lots of sweet tattoo exposure. Best way to break in my first trip to Austin!
Erin JueAugust 22, 2015
I would'nt go to the free side. The free side of Barton Springs is'nt very safe. You're aloud to bring dogs on the free side, but not on the paid side. There is a lot of Algea, but overal it's fun!
Delight Gluten-Free MagazineAugust 1, 2013
An Austin summertime favorite. This spring-fed natural pool has a year-round average temperature of 68 degrees F. Admission is $3 for adults. Feel free to bring your own gluten-free picnic!
JulieAugust 5, 2017
It's a nice place to hang out with friends but the water is freezing! If you love to swim you will not last in the water longer than a few mins at a time.
Jessica JonesJuly 23, 2018
A classic Austin spot. There is no place like the springs. Coolest spot on a hot summer day.
Luis AJuly 4, 2016
Loved it! I didn't know there was a free side but the paid one is in much better condition. You can pay cash or go to a kiosk outside and pay with credit card. However you need to make the huge line.
David SequeiraJune 11, 2012
Definitely a must-do when in Austin. Great people watching. Watch the fat guy do belly-flops. The pool is FREEZING but just do it, theyre are kids and infant children in there... YOU CAN DO IT!
B WNovember 30, 2014
An Austin must see. Bring a floatie and do some people watching. Cash only, gets very crowded when it's nice out on the weekend.
Brea SimpsonMarch 23, 2019
Been here 10+ times
If you’re a girl you can be topless here!!! Men however need to keep their nipples covered.
Allison AbbottOctober 12, 2015
What an amazing urban find! Never seen anything like it; absolutely an incredible place to spend a hot day in Austin.
Austin American-StatesmanFebruary 8, 2012
Brace yourself: The water in Austin's iconic swimming hole is a constant 68 degrees, and that's eye-poppingly cold, especially when you're jumping in on a 100-degree day.
TiffanyApril 19, 2016
Perfect to relax in on a sunny afternoon. Entrance fee is like $2 but it'll definitely be worth it.
Ian MohammedAugust 1, 2016
BRING CASH!!! the two credit card processing machines are insanely slow and the wait JUST to buy tickets from them is about 30 min minimum. You then have to stand in line for entry.
HISTORYApril 7, 2010
Three acres in size, the pool is fed from under ground springs and is on average 68 degrees year round. Over the years it has drawn people from all walks of life.
High DefinitionFebruary 27, 2012
Been here 5+ times
The best way to get in the water is by jumping in! It's not ideal but it's the best way to fight the chilly water. btw there's parking on both Robert Lee Rd or Barton Springs Rd.
Trish SantosJuly 21, 2017
It was cool justt very crowded. We went in July so that's probably the reason. The water is FREEZING but it did feel good after swimming a bit. Just jump in dont think😉
Jessica BigelowJune 17, 2019
Very nice outdoor spring located close to downtown. Parking was limited but worth the wait.
Parth AgarwalAugust 3, 2015
Worth a dip on a sunny afternoon. Nice crowd and has a nominal entrance fee. Do not forget to carry a spare pair of clothes.
Social News NetworkJune 27, 2012
Next to the pool, there is an area for people to take dogs. It's divided by a fence, so dogs can't intrude on the sunbathers, but it looks really fun.
Brian McMahonJuly 8, 2018
Been here 5+ times
Bring water and drinks, but just keep them in a bag. Food and alcohol isn't allowed, but just keep it on the down low and you'll be fine
Social News NetworkAugust 14, 2013
Definitely the go-to hang out spot for Austinites during the summer. There's a mixed crowd, but its always a good time.
ChevroletMarch 7, 2011
Want to get away from it all? Three dollars gets you in, but it will take more than that to get you out on a hot day. The pool is fed by an underwater spring and stays a cool 68 degrees all year.
Dustin HaleyApril 9, 2015
What's not to love... People watching, swimming, laying out... Always fun to go on the night swims too!
Delight Gluten-Free MagazineAugust 1, 2013
This spring-fed natural pool has a year-round average temperature of 68 degrees F. Admission is $3 for adults. Feel free to bring your own gluten-free picnic!
Amy Johnson CookSeptember 5, 2013
$3 to swim and sun and you can come in and out all day with a hand stamp equals best way to beat the heat ever.
Lauren MacJuly 20, 2015
An Austin gem, just dive in! Also, go through the back way, MUCH shorter line
Melon LSeptember 9, 2015
Great way to spend an afternoon. $4 for non-residents. Buy a ticket at the machine, but still gotta wait in line.
Samantha deanNovember 30, 2014
Best place on the lake to rent from. Customer service orientated and great trip to Barton springs from there
Ryan EickSeptember 4, 2018
Had such a fun time here. Really cool space. But it’s a bit chilly when you first get in
Jennifer RuizJuly 17, 2018
This spring-fed pool is always about 65 degrees so layout, get some sun, and then enjoy the cold dip!
Bri SmithJuly 23, 2013
It's VERY slippery along the moss-covered boulders. I slipped and smacked the back of my head on them. After EMS chauffeured trip to ER- concussion. BE CAREFUL!
Laughing SquidFebruary 28, 2012
Pack light, bring a towel, some snacks, lay on the lawn and when it gets too hot, just dive right in. The cold water is nearly unbearable for only a short spell. Bring $mall bills for admission.
Mary Helen McNallyMay 2, 2011
Been here 5+ times
If you find the water a little cold, try swimming down to the weedy areas if the deep end where it's a bit warmer. If you like it chilly, the area around the diving board stays the coldest!
Let's GoMay 17, 2011
Perfect on hot days, this 1000-feet-long, spring-fed swimming hole in Zilker Park is kept around 68˚F year-round and flanked by walnut and pecan trees. Read more
ThrillistJune 13, 2013
Hit Barton Springs for some swim-at-your-own-risk exercise, or if the algae's too much for you, head over to Deep Eddy.
Kelsey JonesMay 31, 2013
The water is super cold! Go when it's 100 degrees or at the hottest time during the day! Don't forget SPF is your BFF :D
Wendy BryantSeptember 13, 2011
Go for a run along the lake in Zilker Park and bring your swim suit. Head over to Barton Springs Pool for a nice cool down. Don't forget a towel.
Damian BayonaSeptember 8, 2017
Cool, refreshing water perfect for a hot TX day. Come before 8am for a workout and discounted entry
Ria NdutAugust 27, 2014
Too much kids, gets a little loud, the water temp is refreshing a great escape on the humid hot day

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