What is Barton Springs and where is it located?

Barton Springs Pool is a three-acre outdoor swimming pool located at 2201 William Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78746, inside the 358-acre Zilker Park. It is fed entirely by natural underground springs connected to the Edwards Aquifer.

What are the hours for Barton Springs Pool?

The pool is open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., except on Thursdays when it closes for cleaning from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visitors can swim at their own risk during early morning hours, while lifeguards are on duty during designated guarded swim times.

What is the water temperature like?

The water temperature hovers around 68 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making it a highly popular spot for year-round swimming.

Is Barton Springs home to any unique wildlife?

Yes, the springs serve as a federally protected habitat for endangered species. It is home to the endangered Barton Springs Salamander and is the only known habitat for the Austin Blind Salamander.

Are there educational exhibits at the pool?

Yes, adjacent to the pool bathhouse is "Splash!", an educational exhibit where visitors can learn about the history and biology of Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Barton Springs in Austin

Barton Springs

Dive into Barton Springs, a stunning three-acre natural pool nestled in Austin's Zilker Park. Fed by the Edwards Aquifer, its refreshing waters stay between 68 and 74 degrees year-round, making it a beloved community treasure.

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What to know

Barton Springs Pool is a massive three-acre outdoor swimming pool nestled within the 358 acres of Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. It exists directly within the channel of Barton Creek and is fed entirely by natural springs connected to the vast Edwards Aquifer, which flows beneath the Texas Hill Country. Main Barton Spring supplies the pool with refreshing water that maintains a remarkably consistent temperature between 68 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Beyond its recreational appeal, Barton Springs is a federally protected habitat of immense ecological importance. The springs serve as the home for the endangered Barton Springs Salamander. Furthermore, the four main spring orifices on-site represent the only known habitat for another endangered species, the Austin Blind Salamander. To help manage and conserve these vital local aquifers and regional groundwater resources, the Texas legislature established the Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District in 1987. The springs have long held deep educational, recreational, historical, and cultural riches for both locals and visitors, serving as a major natural treasure and community swimming place. Over the decades, it has attracted people from all walks of life. Colorful local anecdotes include Texas state legislators who reportedly drafted state laws while relaxing by the water, as well as free-spirited, topless sunbathers who famously turned heads here during the 1970s. Visitors looking to learn more about the area's natural history can explore Splash!, an educational exhibit located adjacent to the pool's bathhouse. This exhibit teaches patrons about the biology of the springs and the Edwards Aquifer. While the pool is a reliable year-round destination with an average flow of 27 million gallons per day, natural events can occasionally impact it, such as in October 2018 when the pool temporarily closed due to sediment making the water cloudy.

Visitor tips

The pool is open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., but note that it closes for cleaning on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
If you are traveling with very young children, infants aged one year are admitted for free.
To easily reach the springs via public transit, take bus line 30 and get off at the Barton Springs (Zilker Park) stop.

Nearby context

Located at 2201 William Barton Drive, Barton Springs sits at the heart of the expansive 358-acre Zilker Park. This central green space serves as Austin's premier outdoor playground, where the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country meets the city's urban energy. The springs are highly accessible to pedestrians exploring the park's trails or arriving via public transit, making it a seamless stop during a day of exploring Austin's outdoor landmarks.