Austin's Public Pools and Swimming Holes: Your Complete 2024 Summer Guide

As the summer season arrives early in Austin, residents are preparing to beat the heat with a dip in one of the city's refreshing pools and swimming holes. With a wide range of options available, locals and visitors alike can cool off at various venues provided by the city's Aquatic Division. Here's a comprehensive guide to the most popular pools and splash pads in Austin.

Iconic Pools with Historic Charm

Barton Springs and Deep Eddy pools stand out as two of the most iconic swimming holes in Austin. While most of the city's pools are available free of charge, these two attractions have a small admissions fee. Barton Springs charges $5 and under for Austin residents, while visitors pay $9 and under, depending on age. On the other hand, Deep Eddy, Texas's oldest pool, invites visitors to bask in its historic charm and offers a zero-depth entry on the shallow end, making it an ideal spot for families with kids.

Barton Springs Parking and Access

Due to ongoing construction that closed the pool's north parking lot in February, finding a parking spot near Barton Springs may be more challenging this summer. While pay lots surround the park, a large unpaved area beneath the MoPac Expressway provides free parking. To access this area, visitors can head west on Barton Springs Road and locate the dirt lot beneath the overpass on the left. Barton Springs is then just a 10-minute walk away through a shaded disc golf course.

Exploring Deep Eddy and Parking Options

Deep Eddy also offers free parking, but the single parking lot can get congested. Nearby Veterans Drive provides fee parking, but there are free spots available in an unpaved lot just west of the pool, beneath the MoPac Expressway. This convenient parking area is only a five-minute walk from the pool itself.

Austin's Free Public Pools

Austin boasts 28 free public pools, with 19 already open for the summer season. These include Balcones, Big Stacy, Brentwood, Canyon Vista, Dick Nichols, Dittmar, Dottie Jordan, Dove Springs, Govalle, Mabel Davis, Martin, Montopolis, Murchinson, Patterson, Ramsey, Reed, Rosewood, Shipe, Walnut Creek, and Westenfield. An additional six pools will open to the public on Monday, June 10, welcoming visitors to Citivan, Kennemer, Metz, Parque Zaragoza, Stacy Wading Pool, and West Austin.

While most of the free public pools are ready for swimmers, Gillis Pool's opening was delayed due to maintenance. Givens Pool, which underwent renovation in 2019, is set to open in spring 2025, according to an update from Austin Parks and Recreation.

Premium Pools and Splash Pads

For those willing to pay an admission fee, Barton Springs, Deep Eddy, Bartholomew, Garrison, Northwest, and Springwoods are among the public pools available. However, for a more affordable and equally refreshing option, visitors can make use of Austin's free splash pads located at various parks throughout the city. These splash pads, open every day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., provide a fun way to escape the summer heat. Visitors can find them at Bailey, Bartholomew, Chestnut, Clarksville, Eastwoods, Liz Carpenter, Lott, Metz, Ricky Guerrero, Rosewood, and Pease Park.