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Barton Springs Pool

4.5 (1.1k reviews)
Closed 5:00 am - 10:00 pm
Updated 1 month ago

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Recommended Reviews - Barton Springs Pool

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Steve C.

Super fun place to hang out, especially on a hot Austin day. Once you get to the pool (which is a bit of a walk from the parking lot in the midday heat), you can cool off in the spring water and spend a very leisurely few hours poking around, swimming laps, jumping off the board, whatever. It's great to see everyone peacefully enjoying themselves and there are lots of life guards. All ages, from young families with kids, to teenagers, bikinis, and older folks, too. I thought the water was a great temp, at least on that hot 90-something degree day. This was a Tuesday later in the afternoon and there were a lot of bathers but it didn't feel crowded. There was a lot of construction and temporary fencing, I hope it looks great when they're done. $5 for Austinites, $9 for out-of-towners. I'm not sure but there looked like another way to access the pool from the other side to the main entrance, not sure if there's a pay gate on that side, too.

Imani J.

This place was absolutely beautiful. It was $10 for people who aren't from Austin. The kiosks don't work well so it is best to bring cash with you to pay with the cashier The water is FREEZING but once you commit it really isn't that bad. You can't bring food or bevs into this area. But you are allowed to get a stamp to allow you to reentered which was awesome. Would definitely recommend everyone to go The view of the city is also stunning!

Rachel B.

On a sunny day, there's nothing better than arriving at Barton Springs early, before the crowds roll in. We got there around 9:30 AM. There was still parking, and it wasn't too crowded down at the pool. The parkatx app didn't work for any of the three parties trying to pay to park when we arrived, and the meter only seems to take coins or credit cards. The water in the pool was crisp, refreshing, and absolutely energizing, and the peaceful atmosphere makes it easy to see why this spot is so beloved in Austin. Lifeguards are plentiful, which adds a strong sense of safety, though sometimes their guidance comes across more as a list of "don'ts" than clear direction. Still, the beauty of the pool with the city in the background, the turtles sunning themselves, and the variety of people enjoying the day make Barton Springs a must-do for locals and visitors alike (but definitely hit it up before 11:30 AM). As we were packing up around 11 AM, it was getting more and more crowded. Be wary of the focused swimmers who are not watching where they are going.

Roselia G.

The natural spring pool is enclosed right next to the Austin Lake/River. There are several parking lots that are free during the week, but costs on the weekends and holidays. The fee for the spring is $5 for locals, and $9 for out of towners. There are kiosks where you can pay by card, and the booth where they take cash. Just follow the dirt path right by the river til it ends at the enclosed pool area. Along the way you'll come across several venders with drinks, fruit, chips, popsicles, and esquite. Just keep in mind that no food is allowed in the enclosed pool. And they have a diving board with life guards, along with many rules. I had read that the water was 70 degrees all year round, but right now in April, it felt 65. Once you get in though, it feels good.

Michelle V.

Heaven in Austin! Best spring fed pool - huge length across and beautiful place to snorkel. Don't bring food - only water, towels, sunscreen, etc. Parking can be intense so have a plan to arrive early before noon to avoid issues Restrooms for the pool and $5 entry for locals and $10 for out of town. Can bring floats too on one side of the pool

Andrew W.

Barton Springs Pool is truly a treasure in the Austin area--an iconic spot that feels almost unreal considering how close it is to the city. Seriously, what other city lets you swim in beautiful, clear spring-fed water just minutes from downtown? Austin really gets it right. I haven't had the chance to swim here yet, but it's high on my checklist. On this visit, the weather was absolutely perfect for a dip, but since it was a spontaneous stop, I didn't bring my swimsuit--rookie mistake. Still, just being there, watching people enjoy the water, and soaking in the scenery made it worthwhile. Another thing on my to-do list is riding the little train nearby, which looks like a fun and nostalgic way to explore the area. My plan for next time is simple: come prepared, swim in the refreshing spring, ride the train, and fully enjoy everything this spot has to offer. If you're anywhere near this area, don't miss it. Come enjoy this Austin gem. Cheers

Swimming at Barton Springs with Austin's skyline in the background.
Bobby A.

An absolute must visit in Austin especially to beat the heat. Everyone here kept telling me how cold the water is but I guess as a Canadian it really wasn't that bad at all. I found it refreshing given the oppressive heat in Austin in summer. $9 entrance fee for nonresidents which you pay at the entrance. The vibe here is super chill. While the sides of the pool are concrete and is built to look like a pool, the bottom is rocky and a little weedy but the spring water is crystal clear. I was diving in and swimming across the pool instead of just dipping and lounging like most of the locals were and everyone was staring. I have no idea why they don't have lanes for swimmers. Lots of locals hanging out and enjoying the space. If I was in Austin longer, I'd be here everyday. Bring a large blanket or towel, swimming shoes, a cover-all, some great reading material and some tunes and you're set for the day or evening.

Selfie with the skyline
Meagan M.

A fantastic and unique place to hang out when the weather is warm, I loved visiting Barton Springs Pool! We had to circle the different lots before we were able to find parking on a Friday around 2pm. Starting in mid-March, the season officially kicks off and they do charge for entry, and it's a little cheaper for residents of Texas than non-residents. No outside food or beverages are allowed, and if you see someone with a cooler they are going next to the official pool, where they also allow the dogs to play in the water. I recommend downloading the ATXswims app in advance of your visit, as this can help speed up the check in process. You can purchase your day pass (or season pass) directly in the app, and then at the gate they scan your QR code for entry. They have a diving board and the water varies in depths. When we went, the official pool house was still under construction (expected to be completed soon) so the other restrooms and changing areas were trailers. I recommend bringing a thick towel to lay on, as well as sunscreen, goggles, and water shoes. The ground in the pool can be slippery, and I definitely recommend water shoes with grip so that you don't slip. While the water is cold (around 68-72* F) it feels nice on a hot day, and your body temperature quickly adapts.

Kamillah V.

We came here with a group of 10 some of us from California Utah and Colorado to celebrate a friends birthday this past weekend and it had to be my favorite part of the event. It was very clean, nice views, a diving board. We found it on tik tok and it didn't disappoint! We came on their anniversary date so it was free for everyone to enter. Bring a blanket or towel to sit in the shaded grass area. If you have a floatie you must stay in a designated section. Perfect summer activity.

The creek in the other side
Mahwish S.

My first time coming the Barton Springs in Austin! I'm sure during the summer when school is not in session that this is a very busy place. We came in a Tuesday and it still had a good amount of people there. Parking in the lot during the week was free. They have walk up stations that you can buy your pass right in front of the gate. Find a decent spot on the grass or on the hill. You can bring your towels, blankets, floaters and lawn chairs. No loud music or outside food/drinks besides bottled water. The water at the end of September was cold! I definitely recommend going at the height of the day to catch as much of the sun to warm you up as you can. We didn't make it there until after 4pm and the sun was already low. I couldn't stay in for too long without the sun being on me. You know the water is cold when you get out of it and the air is warmer than the water. It still was a good experience. There are plenty of life guards for you to safely swim. There is a post like every 5ft spanning the entire length of the pool. There is also a diving board. FYI: currently their building with the locker rooms and showers are under renovation. They did provide the trailer potty's with toilets and showers that you can use.

Shallow end (also warmer)
Susan M.

It's cold yes, but it feels soo good. You are not allowed food or drink anywhere along the pool other than bottled water. The parking lots were under construction when we were there in Oct so it was a bit of a walk to the pool. We put our stuff down and jumped in. The bottom is mossy and a little slippery but not as bad as I had thought from reading the reviews. It gets to 18' on the far end by the diving board. We were in around 4-5' and it was perfect. This was prob the best part of our Austin trip. Do know that you leave your stuff out on the grass in the open and if you really wanna enjoy yourself in the pool I would bring as little as possible and not be like me who was constantly looking over my shoulder to make sure nobody was stealing my stuff .

Britney H.

I'm so glad my friends from Texas showed me around and said that Barton Springs pool was the place to be for a place to go to in Texas! The water was cool and clear! I was AMAZED to see the seaweed, algae and the Austin skyline in the area! I definitely would recommend this to anyone visiting Austin! TIP: Currently, they are redoing the springs installation and construction is involved right now! In addition, there IS a REENTRY stamp if you need to go out and grab something from the car so remember to STAMP if needed! PARKING was free and able as well as there are restrooms outside before entering the pool!

Sophie T.

Truly obsessed with Barton Springs. I've honestly never seen anything quite like this before. It's a community "pool" but it's such an inviting spot that people of all ages are at. It costs $5 to enter and there's grassy hills you can lay out on and then you just hop in the water whenever you feel like it. Bring your own towels, sunblock, and floats if you have them. We didn't have a float this time around but looking at the folks floating in the water made us want our own. Next time! Barton Springs is monitored very well by the lifeguards (they catch everything!) so you know you're safe here. We could've spent the entire day relaxing/tanning/hopping in the water. Such a gem in Austin. I wish Boston had something like this!!

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3 years ago

Beautiful place and beautiful people, water is chilly year around but makes those hot summer days wonderful

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Barton Springs Pool Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Barton Springs Pool

Can you bring beer cans?

No only water bottle

Does anyone know if the pool is trans/crossdresser friendly?

Lol, yeah, it's Austin.

Are there places to purchase food or can you bring your own?

While inside the paid section of Barton Springs, no food of any kind is allowed, you may only have water. There's no food to purchase within the pool. Staff walk throughout the grounds periodically to monitor this

Are dogs allowed?

Not in Barton springs pool but there's a spot right outside the pool where people bring their dogs.

Can we bring grills or coolers and food?

Definitely not.

Is the main Pool or is it closed due to covid and is there an entry fee?

Main pool is open certain days only. It's currently free. They will take down your name and phone number for contact tracing purposes.

Do you need water shoes or can you go barefoot?

Water shoes it is rocky

Do they have dressing room/restroom and lockers or some kind for you to keep your stuff?

They have a changing area once you get inside both a men's locker room area and women's locker room. It is a big open area with benches that opens to the sky so very different from what you were probably used to. They also have some small school… Read more

Can you rent or bring tubes?

I don’t think they rent tubes but you can bring your own!

Do they sell/provide life vest? Thanks

They provide life vests for everyone all size but you would want to get them quick because sometimes they they run out quick

Is Barton Springs Pool Open in the month of October?

It's open year-round.

How cold is Barton Springs during the Summer months?

It is consistently chilly anytime of the year because it’s partially spring-fed.

Does anyone know if the pool is wheelchair accessible?

There is a ramp going down to the pool deck on both sides of the pool. On the main (north) side there is a ramp that goes into the water in the shallow end, and on the south side there is a lift chair by the diving board. The lifeguard staff have a… Read more

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Review Highlights - Barton Springs Pool

There's low diving board in the middle, and you can over see the Austin skyline from the middle of the pool.

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Deep Eddy Pool

Deep Eddy Pool

4.2
(176 reviews)
0.9 mi

Deep Eddy Pool is an Austin institution! I spent many years at deep Eddie pool with family, friends…read moreand colleagues. It's nothing like swimming on a hot summer day. Your first impression of the pool will probably be wow it's large with so many lanes and many areas where you can just swim or float to your hearts content. Another impression might be and it was especially for me the bright blue water of the pool. It looks refreshing, cool, and inviting. Deep Eddiy pool has a oblong shape typical of large pools of its size. The pool has architecturally clean lines with precise corners. When you stand on the pool platform the vastness of the pool rushes to the forefront. Everytime I stick my foot in the water of the Deep Eddy pool, that cool refreshing feeling envelopes my body. Entry fees are very reasonable and can beas low as $2 per day. Paid parking is available in front of the pool and on the street. Nice relaxing self-care day...

Ok if you're desperate for some water…read more The water was crisp and cool even on a 99° day in August Half the pool is designated for swimming laps. There are no lounge chairs so bring a blanket for the ground and expect it to get dirty because people have to sit in the grass/dirt. There are a few trees for shade. No alcohol or food/drink allowed. I brought in my water bottle and no one said anything so I guess water is ok There is a parking lot but you must pay to park and it gets filled quickly Bike trails lead up to it Locker rooms are half indoor/half outdoor and rather dingy. Several lifeguards on duty. periodically they make everyone get out of the pool for 5 min (one an hour?) There needs to be someone skimming the pool throughout the day..there's a ton of bugs/leaves that get in the water. Also, since people lounge on the dirt lawn, everyone's feet are dirty when getting in the pool. The pool ropes had some sort of black sludge caked into them. It was pretty gross. $5 for an adult. Free for veterans.

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Deep Eddy Pool
Mural at the Deep Eddy pool Austin Texas
Mural at the Deep Eddy pool Austin Texas
Deep Eddy Pool

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Garrison Pool

Garrison Pool

3.6
(19 reviews)
4.0 mi

Holy Goat Balls! am I glad this place exists!…read more Costs three bucks to get in there's almost always no people and I can ride over on my scooter in like 15 minutes. This is totally my favorite city pool short of Deep Eddy and Barton Springs. I drop by here after work quite a bit for a swim, its only 3 dollars and never crowded. The lap lanes are almost always empty and the diving board is the shiznit. I'm baffled that there seems to be so few people here at all times given its location. Its near the ACC and Crockett campuses and you'd think it would be over ran with children. The real eye-catcher here is that the pool always seems to be extremely clean. City pools arent known for the cleanliness generally so color me impressed. There also tons of life guards so .. while I dont have children if I did I'd totally feel comfortable setting them loose on the pool while I read a book. Speaking of reading books I spend about half my time here laying on serape under a tree reading and its an amazing experience. The sounds of a few children playing in the park. The occasional splash of the pool as someone leaps from the diving board. I cant say enough good things about Garrison Pool and I'm sure if you check it out you will feel the same way.

Love this pool! It has so many shade trees with lots of space to spread a blanket or set up chairs…read moreto read/nap, plenty of pool space to play water games or swim, plus a diving board. Oh yes, and always plenty of parking spaces. It's not the swankiest pool but it's a gem!

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Garrison Pool
One of the Littles kicked back during the pool's "safety check". He is sort of laying on a towel, but note the pebble rock around the pool.
One of the Littles kicked back during the pool's "safety check". He is sort of laying on a towel, but note the pebble rock around the pool.
Garrison Pool

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Athena Pools

Athena Pools

4.6
(19 reviews)
6.0 mi

We just finished building our pool, and we honestly cannot say enough good things about Nate and…read morehis team. From day one, his attention to detail, communication, and craftsmanship were outstanding. Before we received the final contract, Nate spent months with us on the design, going back and forth on every detail and with extreme patience. He was able to provide accurate pricing on all the additions and changes. When we would ask for something he would explain WHY it can or cannot be done. Every step of the process was handled with professionalism and care, and it is clear he takes immense pride in his work. What stood out the most, though, was his character. He's honest, dependable, and truly cares about doing things the right way. In an industry where that isn't always guaranteed, working with someone who leads with integrity made the entire experience stress-free and genuinely enjoyable. Nate has a degree in civil engineering from A&M and is able to explain the physics of why we might not want to do something we think we want to do. We were wanting a special feature for the pool and Nate said we could do it as long as it was done a certain way. We pushed back and he gently provided the justification and engineering evidence to support his stance. We are so glad he talked us down from making a potential thousands of dollars mistake and he handled it with patience, care and understanding. He consistently went above and beyond, caught things we never would have noticed, and made sure everything was done to the highest standard. It was a total slam dunk from start to finish. If you're considering building a pool, I would recommend Athena Pools without hesitation. He didn't just build us a pool -- he created a space our family will enjoy for years to come. We're incredibly grateful for Nate and his entire team's work and would choose him again in a heartbeat.

I highly recommend Athan Pool and would use them again without hesitation. They are men of their…read moreword and my pool is proof! Major construction projects are always a hassle and headache BUT Athena Pools removed all those worries. I love my pool and so do my kids. Jeff and Nate are true professionals in their craft! Engineers by trait and it shows by there renderings and how the finished product came out. I've had zero issues months later and only have the highest praise.

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Athena Pools
Athena Pools
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Westbank Pools

Westbank Pools

3.5
(11 reviews)
1.9 mi

We have had a terrific experience with Westbank Pools. We never had a pool at out prior residences…read more We started from scratch and got some leads to pool builders in the area and asked for quotes. Westbank was very competitive and guided us through the design that would meet our needs. In fact, we ended up using their drawings to secure the other quotes we got. Once we became clients, it was very apparent that we had made a good choice. They stayed close with us through the whole process. They always answered our questions and provided good, workable suggestions. There is a lot to installing a pool: there are many variables, lots of special skills needed and an artist's vision of what the result will be. They have very high quality subs that showed up when they said would, a welcome change from other subs we had for other purposes. Occasionally we would ask a question of a sub or one of Westbank's crew about an issue we had. If they didn't provide a confident answer, we got a call that evening from one of the principals, Travis or Armando, who would provide that exact response we needed. We are very confident in recommending Westbank. They get very high marks from us in all facets of pool installation. Our pool is nearly completely finished, with just some landscaping features to be completed.

I would never hire Westbank Pools to build another pool. I am stuck with a major crack and an…read moreapparently worthless warranty. The pool started leaking and crack was confirmed and reported to Westbank in September 2025. As of the date of this review, (March 2026), Westbank has failed to honor their warranty with a permanent repair. Despite representations, repair crews never arrive as promised and only excuses blaming third parties are offered for the failure to do so. If you are looking for a quality pool builder willing to stand behind their work, go elsewhere. If you are considering Westbank Pools, beware and think twice.

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Westbank Pools
Westbank Pools
Clean simple design

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Clean simple design
Trinity Pools and Scapes Austin

Trinity Pools and Scapes Austin

4.4
(7 reviews)
3.2 mi

Richard at Trinity Pools is such a rockstar. We interviewed 6 pool builders and he was the clear…read morewinner. He's built 100s of pools in Austin, has some deep connections with the city permitting and building department, and knows all the right people and sub-contractors. He built our pool in just over 12 weeks. An absolute record time in the pandemic/construction rush. I recently went to get some chemicals at the pool store they seriously didn't believe me. Most of their customers have been sitting with layout lines in their backyard for more than 6 months. This is all on top of superb quality. Top-of-the-line pool equipment and paster were all included in the base price, he only uses the best. Rich also knows how to run a business. Always answers his phone, always lets you know what's up, on the job site virtually every day. It was a stress-free and wonderful experience. This is the guy to build your pool.

A beautiful and modern pool!…read more We've been on a long journey to renovate our pool. Long "prelude" short, the first company we hired destroyed our existing pool. Every subsequent contractor we interviewed stated they'd never seen such damage. One wouldn't touch it, another would not guarantee the work and others offered to simply fill it in. Needless to say that we were dismayed. Along came a recommendation from a long time friend (thank you Michael Curlee) who connected us with Richard Ginsberg owner of Trinity Pools and Scapes. Richard is a no nonsense type of person who rips off the band aid with care! He understood our view and was confident that he could get us back to enjoying our days in the pool and evenings in the spa. Working with Richard was a refreshing experience. Demolition began as soon as the permits were approved. Like clockwork, subs came and went without any stoppages. The crews worked tirelessly including Saturdays and sometimes in the rain. Richard knowing that we were fresh from a horrible experience, kept us informed throughout the process. We appreciated his patience as we worked through the selections and yes, one design change which is what happens while one waits on the City for permits...more ideas spring up! We've been enjoying our pool for about a week now and we couldn't be happier with the result. You'll be as thankful as we are for hiring him!

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Trinity Pools and Scapes Austin
Trinity Pools and Scapes Austin
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Barton Springs Pool - swimmingpools - Updated June 2026

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