Barton Springs Pool: Hours, Tickets, and Getting There

Barton Springs Pool is a three-acre, spring-fed swimming pool in Zilker Metropolitan Park, at 2201 William Barton Drive, Austin, TX 78746. It’s about a 10-minute drive from Village Motor Inn. If you’re planning to spend more time nearby, pair your swim with a visit to Zilker Park; the pool sits within the park.

The City says the pool area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its historic bathhouse dates to 1947, and the nearby Splash! educational exhibit covers the history and biology of Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer. For a broader route through town, see this practical Austin itinerary.

Hours follow a different pattern on Thursdays. On other days, the pool is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.: swimming at your own risk runs from 5 to 8 a.m., followed by guarded swimming from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

On Thursdays, swimming at your own risk is permitted from 5 to 9 a.m. The pool then closes for cleaning from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., before guarded swimming resumes from 7 to 10 p.m.

The City says its aquatic facilities close when the air temperature on the pool deck is at or below 32°F. At Barton Springs, temperatures below 32°F during operational hours mean swimming is at your own risk. Hours and conditions can change, so check the official site before you go.

Daily admission varies by age and residency. The City lists these rates:

• Infants under 1 and honorably discharged veterans: free.
• Children ages 1–11: $2 for residents and $4 for non-residents.
• Juniors ages 12–17: $3 for residents and $5 for non-residents.
• Adults ages 18–62: $5 for residents and $9 for non-residents.
• Seniors age 62 and older: $2 for residents and $5 for non-residents.

You can buy tickets online or through the ATXSwims app. You’ll need an account, and you must show your ticket to the cashier; tickets are valid until the end of the day.

Kiosks outside both entrances accept credit and debit cards. The cashier window at either entrance accepts cash, and the City’s pool-fees information also says kiosks accept exact currency. Tickets are non-refundable.

The spring water averages 68–70°F, and the City describes the pool as suitable for year-round swimming. Depths range from 0 to 18 feet, so check the depth where you plan to swim. Grassy areas around the pool offer space to lounge.

The pool is habitat for the federally protected Barton Springs salamander. To help protect the area, follow the City’s posted rules. Water is allowed in a resealable plastic container, and inflatable toys are permitted only where the water is 5 feet deep or less.

Food, coolers, glass, pets, alcohol, smoking, portable speakers, hard balls, and fishing gear are prohibited. Keep these restrictions in mind when packing, and use the designated grassy areas for lounging.

The City lists two parking lots: the north lot at 2201 William Barton Drive and the south lot at 1000 Azie Morton Road. Parking is free Monday through Friday. On weekends and holidays from March 1 through Labor Day, it costs $3 per hour per vehicle.

If you’re taking the bus, use Capital Metro route 30 and get off at the Barton Springs (Zilker Park) stop. From there, it’s a five-minute walk down William Barton Drive to the main entrance.

Pack swimwear and a resealable plastic container for water if you need one. Leave prohibited items—including glass, food, coolers, and portable speakers—behind. If you bring an inflatable toy, keep it in water no deeper than 5 feet.

Check the day’s hours before setting out, especially if you’re planning a Thursday visit, when the cleaning closure divides swimming hours into morning and evening sessions.