Barton Springs Municipal Pool, Austin

One of the fun curiosities in Austin, Texas, is the Barton Springs Municipal Pool. As the name suggests, the pool is filled by spring water that keep the temperature around 68 degrees. People swim in it year round and the pool covers three acres of Zilker Park, just south of the city.

Pool with a little bit of downtown showing

My son getting in

The pool is a natural swimming hole that's been enhanced with sidewalks on one side and a dam at each end to keep the water levels up (the deepest part is 18 feet).

An idyllic setting

Using the diving board

Used the diving board

Another view of town

The far end of the pool is dammed and has Barton Creek flowing towards it. The creek water is diverted underneath the sidewalk so it can make it to the other end without washing away the swimmers.

Far end of the pool

Barton Creek

The downstream end of the pool has a runoff gate with a spillway beyond.

Keeping the water from getting too high

Continuing Barton Creek

View down the creek

Three separate springs fill the pool, each named after one of William Barton's daughters. The Eliza spring is the most visible.

Eliza Spring

Just outside the pool is a sculpture commemorating "Philosophers' Rock," a spot where three friends would meet to discuss pretty much anything. Naturalist Roy Bedichek, folklorist J. Frank Dobie, and historian Walter Prescott Webb are the three men depicted in the sculpture.

Sculpture and plaques

Close up

It's a fun place to visit with a minimal fee from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Visitors can come as early as 5 a.m., with the early hours being free.