- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Barton Springs Pool
Rating Details »
Categories: Swimming Pools, Parks [Edit]
Neighborhood: 78704 (South Austin)2101 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 476-9044
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
139 reviews for Barton Springs Pool
Aside from the funky "wet dog" smell, this pool was most excellent! I think it was the seaweed that emitted the odd smell. Once in the water, however, I didn't smell it and really enjoyed an afternoon swim at this famed pool. It was, of course, very hot the day we were there so the cool waters were a welcome relief from the heat.
This is definitely a must do for anyone visiting Austin in the warm months--which is pretty much 10 months a year.
People thought this was:
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
We stopped here after a run around the lake and before heading into ACL. This place is amazing. A beautiful natural pool (with diving board!) and a full locker room (with outdoor [single sex, don't worry] showers!), all for only $3! And you can stamp your hand as you leave for re-entry. I just wish I had brought my goggles so I could have swam (swum?) some laps.
This is a fantastic Austin attraction.
Before I start, know that I am biased. I grew up in these waters. Learned to swim here and spent many a sweltering Summers day shivering in the waters of this place that is the very definition of what Austin is....then and now.
Barton Springs is more than a pool. It's Austin's mission statement in many ways...and it's a snapshot of why Austin is the distinctive city it is.
Austin wants progress but is resistant to change. Barton Springs leans more toward the "resistance to change" side of things. The bathroom/changing room area hasn't changed since I was a child. It's enclosed, but open air. There are showers in the middle of the courtyard area (at least in the men's area. I'd love to say that I could review the women's changing area but the cops frown on that.) and enclosed, solar heated, showers for the shy or those wanting a warm up after a cold swim. The are no frills because none are needed. Lockers are provided, but bring your own lock. The basics are provided, and while there have been efforts in the past to update and revamp these areas, they have all been shot down. Change would mean a loss of the uniqueness of this place and would only raise the cost to get in.
Admission is cheap...and I mean CHEAP. $3.00 for Adults, $2.00 for Juniors (11-17) and $1.00 for kids under 11 and Seniors. This makes Barton Springs the city's great equalizer. There are people here from all walks of life. From the high-powered CEO and family to the family of illegal aliens who are looking for a place to cool themselves on very little. Again, there have been efforts to raise the price over the years, but the fact that this place should be enjoyed by all have kept the admission as close to free as possible.
Not only is it the balancing act for the social strata, but it's also a place where people come for a lot of different reasons. Most come to exercise year-round, escape the Austin heat during the summers or even to say that they went swimming outdoors in December. Since the pool is a constant 68 degrees year-round, it's a place where you can go even when it's 28 degrees outside...and the only time of year it's closed is for less than a month between late February and mid-March for cleaning. But some come for more spiritual reasons. More times than not I have seen some kind of ceremony going on there. Sometimes it's been a Christian baptism, but I have seen pagan rites there as well. A wedding and a druidic water blessing to be exact. The fact that the latter two were done in varying states of nakedness didn't bat many eyes even amongst the most conservative. It is Austin, after all.
Many will tell you that the quality of the water isn't what is once was. While this is true, it's still pristine for the most part. Don't expect a chlorine stink afterward...because there isn't any. This is pure water. Clean and mostly clear. Turtles, fish and amphibians live in this pool, and are respected and protected. You may be swimming through floating duckweed (if the pre-teen boys are there flinging it around to the angst of the lifeguards) but getting there early will ensure a pristine swim. But that is also Austin. Austin not only fights for what is was, but mourns even the smallest loss of it's roots. And if that means draconian measures to keep things as they should be, for better or worse, then so be it.
Zilker and Barton Springs should be part of a perfect day in Austin. Go early for a swim. Stamp your hand for a picnic under the oaks and some playground time for the kids. Back to the pool to cool down again. Leave for a few margaritas down the street...and then back for a moonlit swim.
Well...my perfect day at least.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
What a way to kick off the summer then to spend it at Zilker park at the Barton Springs pool?! This place is simply beautiful. The water is refreshing. You can also swim in the winter....lol the water is a great temp around 70s I believe. :) I would advise to get there early if you want a great spot to be out in the sun! Tons of fun!!!
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
Often refered to as the crown jewel of Austin. Go here for a swim, early morning alone, mid day with the crowds or for a night swim.
The continual urbanization of Austin has contributed to pollution which sadly diminishes this places greatness.
Many Austinites have swam in these waters. Find meditative replenishment in these chilly waters. Meet an Austin eccentric that may change your life, for better or worse.
features: natural limestone floor, main exit of the edwards aquifer, it's main water source. Cormorants and herons in the fall and winter months.
It doesn't get better than this, probably anywhere in Texas. 68 degree, spring-fed water, year around. Austin, Texas' swimming pool. Eye candy. People of all walks of life. Eye candy. This place is tops.
Added bonus: the summer months bring plays and musicals to the hillside theatre, the snack shack is open, selling snow cones and candy bars, and the little kid's train does its loops around the park. I still remember riding that thing (as a kid). Memories...sweet memories...
You'll never forget your first time here and I promise you that one trip won't be enough...
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
Native Americans called them the Sacred Springs and came here to heal their wounds.
The 1000 foot long pool is steeped in history. It has been the site of gathering for centuries. It became a City Park in 1917 and in 1929 was lined with concrete walks and a lower dam. In 1943 the first female lifeguard presided over the pool as most eligible men were in WWII.
The pool is a constant 68 degrees. There are all manner of mankind enjoying the 27 million gallons of water that bubbles from the main spring daily.
Points
Topless on the grass- we need more of it.
Parking apparently is free on the East side entrance- I never remember this when we pay our three bucks at the main entrance.
Entrance is 3 dollars- a bargain when you consider point number one.
The water is magical.
Jump in- don't be a baby.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (4)
- Cool (4)
When the weather in Austin is hellishly hot and you're melting in your room, what better way to cool off than to go to Barton Springs?
A few things to note:
-bring cash for the $3 admission, unless you have a fancy schmancy membership or you don't mind swimming in the free, dog pee filled, shallow side :D
-ladies, you are free to cast your bathing suit top away. you're not going to get a ticket, but you may get a nasty sunburn and unwanted attention from other swimmers
-don't leave your bags unattended: some people are shitty and will snatch a pink backpack even if they're a 250 lb dude. also, other people can be cool and will chase said bag snatchers down.
-bring a floatation device: staying afloat in the chilly water can get tiring after a few minutes, but is certainly a good workout for your little ol' heart
-power up the hovercraft: the bathrooms are icky, but it's a public pool, what do you expect?
Seriously, grab your pals and your water wings and head down to Barton Springs to escape the scorching sun for a few hours on a lazy summer day. They're closed on Thursdays for cleaning, so swing by any other day of the week. Prepare for a parking madhouse, everyone and their mom's cousin's boyfriend's barber's dog knows and loves this place too. No matter what parking hell you have to go through, I can assure you, it's 100% worth it.
People thought this was:
- Useful (5)
- Funny (3)
- Cool (6)
Barton Springs is just fabulous! What a great respite from the scorching triple digit temps in the late afternoon: a relaxing, even chilly swim in a natural spring fed pool. Ahhhh....I feel cooler just thinking about my great swim yesterday!
Things to note: admission is $3 for adults during most of the day (free early morning and in the evenings) Cash only.
Pool is closed every Thursday for cleaning.
There are solar heated showers in the locker rooms, which were quite warm with good water pressure, but not much privacy there as it is an open courtyard style for most of the changing spaces.
The diving board is a classic 1 meter with a clear 18 ft depth below and adults are welcome to use it. hooray! I dove and dove yesterday...Yeah! (but I didn't realize how many people pay attention to the divers as no less than 4 other adults stopped me on my way out of the pool/locker room to tell me that they enjoyed watching me- d'oh!) I didn't expect that people were even really paying attention, but I guess a practically middle aged rather, er, curvaceous woman tends to stand out when back flipping in public) :)
Just go....you'll love it!
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (4)
On a recent trip back home to Austin, I stopped by Barton Springs to take a dip. Unfortunately it began to rain and lightning as soon as I got there so I didn't get to swim. That being said, the pool is just as cool as I remember it. This is a must if you are visiting Austin.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
8/16/2009
Barton Springs pool is the best place in Austin to smoke a joint and have a swim. It's very… Read more »
Patrons with heart conditions, hypothermia, fear of aquatic plants brushing against ones legs underwater, or a Smurfaphobia (fear of turning blue) are advised to stay out of the water at Barton Springs.
Further, patrons who prefer to "Keep Austin Normal" and fully clothed might want to explore other community pool options and avoid the grassy knoll.
Patrons who have a fear of swimming in the dark amongst potential weirdos for free under a full moon should definitely avoid the free evening swim hours.
Everyone else should come before construction run-off, angry salamanders, marauding Californians, and just plain entropy destroy this fragile Austin treasure.
People thought this was:
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
2 words: topless sunbathing.
If you are not shy: right there on the slopey grassy hills.
If you are shy: in the courtyard of the women's bath house. In the sun or under the pecan tree, after a warm solar powered shower.
1 more word: sunscreen.
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
- Funny (7)
- Cool (6)
While in Austin, I must have visited Barton Springs about a half a dozen times. Regulated by natural spring waters, water temperatures hover around 65 degrees. As a kid who grew up in the Northeast, water temps like this are refreshing, not frigid. What the hell else are you going to do when it's 100 degrees out, humid as balls and have little money. I mean, shit is free!
Wait...free?
After my initial $3 visit to Barton Springs, I noticed a small portion of the water at the east end of the pool was blocked off by fences. People looked happy on this side. Kids played on a rocky beach. Teens swam in random pockets of water. Oh wait, no wonder why all of those people are happy-they sneaked in for free!
I was obviously not the first to discover this little nook at Barton Springs nor will I be the last. Nor am I giving myself three pats on the back for figuring this out. But honestly, it was great to chill in the free side and almost laugh at those who paid three bucks. Nevertheless, each side has it's merits. The pool on the pay side is gigantic, giving you more room to swim laps, splash around or float on a raft. You also see weirder people in drum circles, Indian music circles, nudity who all pay three buck to go be weird and get attention. So whatever your steez man, go for three or go for free.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (2)
Barton Springs Pool is definitely one of those 'only in Austin' things. I remember going here as a little kid on frequent family trips to Austin to visit friends, and then going back years later to cool off in the middle of the day during ACL. This spring fed pool is certainly one of my favorite things about Austin, and one of the reasons i'm set on moving there at some point.
When I think of Austin...I ALWAYS think of Barton Springs. My first day here my boyfriend took me swimming and I had the nicest shade of blue lips ever!! (no lie)
I'm serious though...I love this place (and I'm serious, my lips were a a nice shade of blue).
I have been away for a few years, because since I've had children...it' s not the sort of place to hang out with kids who cannot swim yet. Now that my youngest is swimming I cannot wait to get back!
Barton Springs is a gem, a treasure...so very Austin. We are blessed!
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
Barton Springs makes Baby Jesus smile. And me, too! It's so cold and so watery and so always there to make one smile! There is a good possibility that you will be sitting next to a topless lady and a prosthetic leg (like I was the other day). How bad can that be?
It's not! It's fun! Go! Sure, parking sucks a big one. But, that's okay because you can just loop around a couple of times (or walk, bike, or bus it over).
Go there! Now! It's so much fun!
People thought this was:
- Funny (1)
Barton Springs holds a very special place in my heart. When it was 112 degrees in September of 2000 and I was 39 weeks pregnant with twins, dangling my legs in the waters of Barton Springs was my special remedy for the blown-up legs I used to get every time I stood for longer than 30 seconds.
I don't get to go there very often any more; my husband is a weiner when it comes to cold water and my kids are afraid of the hydrilla or whatever aquatic plant it is that grows there. I just wish I could get my husband and kids to love it as much as I do.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (3)
You'd be crazy not to love this place. It's beautiful, it's cheap and it's an Austin classic.
All kinds of Austinites go to Barton Springs to relax on the grassy hill and in the icy-cold water. You'll see it all: yoga, hacky sack, study sessions, lap swimmers and even the occasional boobs. When it's crazy busy, you can usually still find a quiet spot in the back under the trees. There's plenty of sun and shade, and they really take care of the place. Which is why they don't allow food (because they don't use pesticides), but that's a sacrifice I'm willing to make.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (4)
You really can't get much more Austin or weirder then the Barton Springs pool. I checked it out yesterday for the first time and loved it. People watching heaven.
The people who frequent the Barton Springs Pool are interesting to say the least. To start, when we were in line to get in the door we were standing directly behind this dude with an enormous, braided rat tail. Quite the look.
After we paid our $3 to get in the door we laid out for a bit and enjoyed the 100+ degree weather. The water is pretty nippy (spring fed, so i think it is always 60 degrees or so), so I recommend jumping right in. After the initial shock of the 40 degree temperature difference it feels great.
I would NOT recommend bringing children here. I saw some things that no child should ever have to bear witness to. There were multiple guys wearing Speedos, but the worst was this 60 year old guy who was literally wearing a thong. It left nothing to the imagination. There were also quite a few topless women. That was okay because they were all relatively young and in shape.
Warning to the ladies who prefer to go topless - there was a creepy guy going around asking for hugs from all the topless girls. Sketch city.
We took a little walk around to check out the hippies. We got to see hula-hooping, tight-rope walking, hippie dancing, and a drum circle.
Watch out for the plants floating in the pool, they're pretty gross. Also, when you enter the pool from the main entrance, the right side of the pool tends to have far less algae.
On our way out of the Barton Springs Pool we actually found a pair of skivvies. Not so sure how someone managed to take them off - but it must have been quite the show.
People thought this was:
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
Working hard on the hike and bike or green belt? Come to Barton Springs to cool off. This is an excellent watering hole to cool off at during the summer.
Not to expensive and no matter how many people I have seen there it never really seems that crowded.
People thought this was:
- Funny (1)
It is too hot out for words to express...
The ONLY reason I can appreciate HOT weather is the COLD water at Barton Springs and the bare breasts that I hope are covered in sunscreen....
People thought this was:
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
I can only hope that in my travels, however limited or extensive they have been or shall be, that I find things like Barton Springs Pool using the buzz from this sort of tool.
From my perspective, any description of or trip to Austin would be incomplete without it (Barton Springs Eternal).
I'm traveling to the St. Louis, MO area for the first time later this week and hope to find what makes it tick like this place still keeps the pulse of Austin thumping....
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
I've been here three or four times since I moved to Austin and I was not compelled to put a review on yelp....until I saw the man in the thong. And the two topless girls. I did not know this was allowed, but it made my day. And I thought I was being all cool with my tacky hot pink leopard print bikini WITH ruffles. This is just a great thing to do any day. I haven't been at night yet, although I heard it's cool.
Thank you, man in the thong with the big bulge. I will be back to gawk.
People thought this was:
- Funny (4)
Are you kidding me? What the hell am I going to write in this review that the other 100+ reviewers overwhelmingly love haven't already told you. In fact a did a quick look at Barton Springs pool and it has only one one star review and she seems more interested in giving herself cancer then in the nature that surrounds the pool and the healthy benefits of a nice swim.
Austin is lucky...real lucky to have this pool. it is something unique to Austin and only Austin. It is not a retail concept...it is not faddish cuisine. It can not be duplicated anywhere else. It is 68° of the nicest water you can sit in on a hot Austin day.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (1)
I've been going for over 15 years, and it is always perfect. It might be a little cold. Or some algae might get stuck on you. But that's the point. You're in nature.
Barton Springs is the lifeblood of Austin. My favorite times are the summer night swims. And the full moon howls.
It is always such a treat to visit this one of a kind place in the middle of an amazing city. The temp at 3pm was 101 and the jump into the pool was just what the Heat Miser ordered. If you've never been then you must go and the scoop is that someone long ago thought "what if we take a huge chunk of the river and section it off as a pool?" Genius! Only in Texas. There may be over a thousand people in the pool at any given time and you will still have plenty of room to swim around. Oh, don't forget a flotation device or two! My only lament this time was that we didn't bring some goggles to search for the nipples that surely line the bottom of the pool.
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
- Funny (5)
- Cool (5)
Exactly what everyone else has said. Especially the part about Austin being lucky to have this outdoor HUMUNGO natural spring water-fed pool.
It looks rather gross at first because of all the algae growing on the bottom and sides of the pool but damn, when the temperature is above 95 degrees...who the heck cares? I got over my OCD tendencies pretty quick and jumped the @#$& in! And...I'm so freakin' glad I did.
I would have felt like I didn't truly experience Austin, if I had left without taking the plunge. And yes, plunge. I used the stairs because it was over 5ft deep where I was (I'm about 5ft 3inches - do the math; there were more shallow areas at the other end of the football-field sized pool) and the floor has rocks and stuff (no diving please) but dunked myself rather quickly.
YAY for Austin!
People thought this was:
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
It was sad but my whole time I was at UT I never came here. I guess my group of friends were lame but I was definately glad to make it out here on my last trip to Austin.
I was up here for a race and the day before the race I wanted a place where I could just relax in the water and let my body rest. So I decided to check this place out. It's simply perfect in the summer time when the sun is still out. Once the sun drops this place can be a bit chilly.
The floors are covered in algae so becareful not slick. This place is always filled with beautiful women too.
The best part about this place is parking is free and admission is CHEAP!!!
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (3)
damn. looks like my pal Erik W. already told ya'll bout speedo man (it was a string thong people, not kidding), topless peeps (text messaging - that was a funny sight), tightrope walker, and random undies...what is left to say?
How bout some tips:
There is parking on the back side of the pool for free - otherwise if you enter thru the main entrance/front you will have to pay $3. (Then pay another $3 to get into the pool)
You can bring in a beverage, but it must be in a plastic bottle.
Explore the whole pool- walk around when you first get there. This way you can find the spot that fits you best. I never realized there was a cool shallow section near the diving board - really cool to hang out there and watch. also, you can find "your crowd" so to speak. If you want to hang out with the hula hoopers, go for it. Those doing activities seem to hang near the back fence.
Bring a floaty. The water is pretty friggin cold and would have been nice to chill in a raft with the occasional cool-down splash rather than full immersion.
iPods are ok, but no radios. you are going be really close to everyone pretty much wherever you sit.
Finally, on the way out we saw that they run free musicals back in there - if you are into that, might want to check it out.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
A MUST SEE and swim at Austin destination. True Austin History still alive.
Leave your cooler in the car and enjoy cool natural springs in the center of town. Easy parking before 10am
Best place for people watching in Austin. No contest.
Once I was "people-watching" and realized that I was watching a person watching other people. I looked a little closer to see what was his subject and saw that he was drawing. drawing women. drawing women's bodies lying around him. So what was worse: that he was creeping on the girls or that I was creeping on him creeping on the girls?
I still love people watching at Barton Springs.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (5)
- Cool (2)
I miss you Barton Springs. It's no pool (which is a great thing). 3$, jorts everywhere, and seaweed strands to throw at people and make mustaches - what else is there?
I like staying closer to the deep end and the diving board - I applaud those who brave the diving board, it's pure entertainment. Beware of the shallow end, it smells like sour water and pee.
Barton Springs is the best! I don't know of any other place like it and when every other watering hole is like bath water late in summer, this naturally fed pool is still a chill 65 degrees and very refreshing.
No matter what day of the week we have visited, even if it looks crowded at first, there is still room on the lawn for a group (10) to spread out and enjoy.
Rather than being left with only a sidewalk to hurl yourself off of into the water, there is a diving board that the kids and adults alike love. In case you have little ones, the south end is shallow enough for them to be safely supervised while they splash til their hearts content.
Plenty of restrooms and changing areas are available even on busier days. Just watch out for a water bug (kind southern name for a HUGE cockroach) crawling around if you set your clothing down! I 'bout jumped out of my swimsuit one time.
Everyone of all ages will enjoy a visit here on a hot, sunny day. Yet there are regulars that swim year round. My massage therapist goes every morning. She says it keeps you young!
I do appreciate that it is a family friendly and relatively inexpensive activity costing $3 adults, $2 Children 12-17, $1 Children 11 & under + Seniors.
Barton Springs Pool is great way to spend a day!
People thought this was:
- Useful (5)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (3)
Ummmmm...heaven?
Wow, what a fun day! This is a great refreshing thing to do when it is 100+ outside like it was this weekend. After laying out for a little while and soaking up the sun, there is nothing better than running and jumping into the 68 degree water. It felt amazing, which is really weird coming from me because I usually don't like anything that has to do with cold water. Back in NY I wouldn't even get into the ocean until August or so when the water was is the mid 70s, but I guess it never gets so hot that you need that refreshment. This was amazing, I will totally be back... will probably feel even more refreshing in the middle of our first Austin summer!
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (2)
This place was great the water was cold but when it is hot out who cares. It's warmer than the pacific ocean atleast. The size is crazy. I love you Austin stay weird!
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
My perfect summer day in Austin: lunch at Shady Grove or Austin Java, a Sno Beach snow cone, and a very long dip in Barton Springs pool with people who feel the exact same way. I don't know what else makes living in humid, 100+ degree weather worthwhile.
Amazing!!!!
I suppose I've been going here my entire life, on and off, with very frequent intervals between visits, but it's still the same old place to cool off, not much changes, but in this case, that is good. The water is cool and refreshing during the brutal 100 degree summers we get here, and remains the same temperature throughout the year. If only stupid people would stop hosting stupid events here.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
Not a fan. Dog smell pervades, even in the dogless part. Too cold, too many people. Too many children.
Gets an extra star because, in theory, i should like this place.
In reality, not at all.
People thought this was:
- Useful (6)
- Funny (5)
- Cool (5)
