Deep Eddy Pool

What to know

Located in Central Austin's Eilers Park, Deep Eddy Pool is celebrated as the oldest swimming pool in Texas and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It originated as a natural swimming hole in the Colorado River, taking its name from an eddy formed by a large boulder in the river. In 1915, A.J. Eilers, Sr. purchased the surrounding land and constructed the concrete pool we see today. The City of Austin acquired the property in 1935 for $10,000. Just two weeks later, a massive flood on the Colorado River devastated the site, destroying buildings and filling the pool with mud and debris. Fortunately, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) stepped in to rebuild the bathhouse, and the pool successfully reopened as a public park in July 1936. What makes the pool truly unique is its continuous supply of fresh, chlorine-free spring water. Cold springs rising from the river banks originally filled the pool, and today, multiple underground wells continue to circulate fresh water. To support this supply, the Austin Parks Foundation invested in drilling a new well in 2018. Dug 400 feet below ground, this well ensures a steady flow of clean spring water. Historically, the pool was drained, cleaned, and refilled every other night to keep it well maintained. Today, visitors can enjoy a ten-lane, 100-foot-long lap pool alongside an expansive one-acre wading pool featuring a beach entrance. The pool's depth ranges from zero-depth to 4 feet on the shallow side, and 4 to 8 feet on the deep side, with 8 lanes on the deep side measuring 33 yards. It is highly accessible, featuring a chair lift, ADA stairs, and zero-depth entry. Beyond its refreshing waters, Deep Eddy holds a special place in Texas culture. The historic pool and the nearby Deep Eddy Cabaret even inspired Texas musician Jimmie Dale Gilmore to write his song 'Deep Eddy Blues,' cementing its status as a beloved local landmark.

Visitor tips

• Expect to pay an admission fee during the spring-break-through-October season, though lap swimming is free in late fall and winter.
• Be aware that the pool is closed every Tuesday for cleaning and maintenance.
• Take advantage of the pool's accessibility features, including a chair lift, ADA stairs, and zero-depth entry.
• Plan your visit around the scheduled hours, with lap swim starting at 8:00 am and recreational swim opening at 10:00 am.

Nearby context

Deep Eddy Pool is nestled in Eilers Park within Central Austin, located at 401 Deep Eddy Avenue. This historic neighborhood spot offers a perfect blend of recreation and local character. Just a short distance from the pool, you will find the classic Deep Eddy Cabaret, a local neighborhood bar that, alongside the pool itself, inspired Jimmie Dale Gilmore's song 'Deep Eddy Blues.'