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Barton Springs Pool

4.5 (1.1k reviews)
Open 5:00 am - 10:00 pm
Updated a few days ago

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Recommended Reviews - Barton Springs Pool

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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.

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

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

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!!

Boon C.

The spring pool is a favorite of the local. You just need to paid a small fee and you can swim in the natural spring water pool. This pool located at the west side of Austin. The water came from Barton Creek. It is located within the Zilker Metropolitan Park. The pool is part of the creek dam form the pool. This natural pool has life guard. You can travel along creek trail to enjoy the nature. Down stream of the dam is welcome many dog play in the water. Great for pet water activities. Parking is not free. A small fee is needed. But the park is very nice. Great place to jog.

Alan N.

Parking here can be a B. I circled around for 10 minutes looking for a spot. When I finally found a spot, I asked the locals how they paid for parking. They said they didn't. So idk if parking is enforced because I didn't see a machine anywhere. $5 to enter. Pretty cool place. Would recommend checking out and spending some time with your friends here

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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.

Mentioned in 149 reviews

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Barton Springs Pool - swimmingpools - Updated May 2026

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