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These Five Austin Pools Are Open Year Round
Austin has over 40 aquatic facilities, but most of the Austin pools are only open in the summer. In a city with so many athletic people, Austin pools play a large role in recreational activities. During the summer, most Austin pools are full of swimmers staying fit and families splashing in the water. While outdoor Austin pools may have limited availability during the off-season, there are still lots of people looking for somewhere to swim year round
Swimming is a great form of exercise that offers a low-impact, full-body workout. Many people value swimming as a year-round fitness activity and prefer outdoor Austin pools because of the fresh air and natural surroundings. Swimming in an outdoor pool can provide a sense of freedom and connection to nature that indoor pools may not offer. If you are one of the people who love swimming in any season, try one of the five outdoor public Austin pools open all through the year.
Out of the municipal swimming pools open all year long in Austin, only Big Stacy Pool is free (and heated). Starting with Big Stacy, here are the five Austin pools open year round:
1. Big Stacy Pool
Big Stacy is a short distance from downtown Austin and close to the South Congress Shopping District. Big Stacy is a free pool in Austin that is open year round. Big Stacy is located in the middle of a green space in the historic Travis Heights neighborhood with big trees, a playground and walking trails. Many of the structures in Stacy Park are from the national public works program in the 1930’s.
Big Stacy Is the Only One of Heated Public Austin Pools
The pool water is a combination of thermal spring water and City of Austin water, making the pool about a constant 80 degrees water temperature. Because of the thermal spring water, Big Stacy is the only one of the public outdoor Austin pools that is heated.
Admission to Big Stacy Pool Is Free
There is a shallow end for kids and lanes for lap swimmers. There are also restrooms, changing areas and showers. If the parking lot is full, there is usually parking around Stacy Park. No admission fee charged.
Website, 700 East Live Oak Street, (512) 445-0304, 2 Miles from Downtown Austin
2. Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs is the most well known of all the Austin pools. Barton Springs Pool is located in Zilker Park close to downtown Austin. While the pool is man-made, Barton Springs is fed by natural spring water and stays a relatively constant temperature of around 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. .
Barton Springs Is Not Chlorinated.
Barton Springs Pool is not chlorinated. The pool stretches over three acres with plenty of room for lap swimmers and a shallow end for wading. Because it is a natural water pool, Barton Springs Pool is home to aquatic plants and fish, as well as an endangered salamander.
Barton Springs Pool has restrooms, showers, and changing areas. . There are free swim times at Barton Springs early in the morning and an hour before close, but be aware that life guards may not be on duty.
Tickets Are Not Sold At Entrance
Entry fees for Barton Springs Pool are either paid by downloading the app ATXswims or paying at one of the two ticket kiosks in front of the Barton Springs entrance with credit or debit cards or exact currency. Tickets are not sold at the cashier window. There is also a charge for parking at Barton Springs on Saturdays and Sundays and holidays.
Website, 2131 William Barton Drive, (512) 974-6300, 3 Miles from Downtown Austin
3. Deep Eddy Pool
Originally constructed from a swimming hole along the Colorado River west of downtown Austin, Deep Eddy Pool opened in 1936 and was the first public pool built in Texas. The pool is 600 feet long and is filled with natural spring water.
Deep Eddy Is Other Non-Chlorinated Austin Pool
Deep Eddy Pool is one of two Austin pools that is not chlorinated. The water temperature ranges between 68 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Deep Eddy Pool is good for families and kids with a zero depth entrance and a shallow 4 foot swimming area. There are also 8 lap lanes for lap swimming. Some shade from trees is available around the sides of the pool. There are restrooms, changing areas and showers.
Parking at Deep Eddy Pool Can Be Limited
Parking can be limited, so a local tip for Austin pools would be to go as early in the morning as you can, especially during the summer months when kids are out of school. Admission is charged.
Website, 401 Deep Eddy Avenue, (512) 472-8546, 3 Miles from Downtown Austin
4. Bartholomew Pool
Bartholomew Pool is a neighborhood pool located east of IH-35 in north central Austin. It has a zero depth entrance wading pool with water features, an activity pool for kids with shade covers and two water slides. There is also a 25 yard lap pool with 4 lanes and a diving board at the deep end. Bartholomew Pool has picnic tables, restrooms and outdoor showers. Please be aware that the slides and all sections of the pool may not be open at all times. Admission is charged.
5. Springwoods Pool
Springwoods Pool is a neighborhood pool located in northwest Austin. Springwoods pool is one of the Austin pools good for kids with a zero depth entrance wading pool including a water feature. There is a water slide on the deep end of the pool. There is also a 25 yard lane section of pool with six lap lanes. Springwoods Pool has shade structures, picnic tables, restrooms and outdoor showers. Admission is charged.
Website, 13320 Lyndhurst St, (512) 996-8978, 20 Miles From Downtown Austin