Barton Springs Pool Reopening Delayed as City Completes Safety and Environmental Maintenance Project
Austin residents and visitors hoping for an early spring swim at Barton Springs Pool will need to wait a little longer.
City officials announced that the reopening of the beloved Zilker Park landmark has been delayed so crews can safely complete the Barton Springs Skimmer Project, a maintenance effort focused on removing aging infrastructure beneath the pool. The natural spring-fed pool will remain closed after Friday, March 13, with a tentative reopening date of Saturday, March 21, depending on weather and the progress of specialized underwater work.
The extended closure is tied to diver safety and the careful handling of sensitive environmental conditions inside one of Austin’s most iconic public spaces.
Underwater Conditions Require Additional Time
While removing sections of the pool’s aging infrastructure, crews encountered underwater conditions that require specialized equipment and additional time to safely complete diver operations.
City officials say the decision to delay reopening reflects a priority on safety for both the divers working below the surface and staff overseeing the project.
Weather could also influence the final timeline, as underwater work in Barton Springs must be performed carefully within the natural flow of Barton Creek.
Addressing Aging Infrastructure Beneath the Pool
The current work focuses on removing or mitigating a decommissioned skimmer bypass dating back to the 1940s.
Barton Springs Pool contains two primary pieces of infrastructure designed to manage water flowing from Barton Creek into the pool. These features are known as “bypass” systems, allowing floodwaters to move safely around the swimming area.
The original bypass was constructed in the 1940s, followed by a larger redesigned bypass built in 1975. When the newer system was completed, the original structure was decommissioned. However, over decades of flood events along Barton Creek, the older system has been undermined and damaged.
Recent studies conducted by the City of Austin Watershed Protection Department found that erosion and shifting creek conditions could potentially cause the aging bypass to collapse — posing both safety risks to swimmers and environmental risks to the pool’s ecosystem.
The current project aims to remove portions of the old bypass infrastructure and eliminate that risk.
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Protecting the Endangered Barton Springs Salamander
Environmental protections are a central focus of the work.
Barton Springs Pool serves as federally protected habitat for the endangered Barton Springs salamander, a species found only in the springs that feed the pool and surrounding Edwards Aquifer system.
City crews say safeguards are in place to ensure the salamander habitat is protected throughout demolition work, and the project may even provide opportunities to enhance parts of the habitat once the older infrastructure is removed.
Monitoring agreements with the Watershed Protection Department will also continue to ensure the 1975 bypass structure remains stable and functioning safely.
A Landmark with Deep Austin Roots
The maintenance work underscores just how important Barton Springs Pool is to the city.
Located within Zilker Park’s 358 acres, the three-acre pool is fed by underground springs that maintain a steady temperature of about 68 to 70 degrees year-round, making it one of Austin’s most recognizable natural attractions.
For generations, the pool has been a gathering place for residents and visitors alike. Over the decades it has welcomed a diverse mix of swimmers — from lawmakers and longtime locals to artists, families, and tourists discovering Austin for the first time.
Actor Robert Redford famously learned to swim at Barton Springs as a child while visiting family in Austin, and in the 1970s the pool became known for its free-spirited culture, including topless sunbathers who made headlines at the time.
Today, Barton Springs Pool continues to draw nearly 800,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most visited natural swimming destinations in Texas.
Depths range from shallow wading areas to about 18 feet, and grassy lawns surrounding the pool remain a favorite place for Austinites to relax in the shade.
Next to the historic bathhouse, the Splash! exhibit helps visitors learn about the biology of the springs and the Edwards Aquifer, the underground water system that feeds Barton Springs.
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A Multi-Year Project Reaching Its Final Phase
Planning for the skimmer bypass removal has been underway for several years.
Key milestones included:
- Winter 2023: Consultant procurement completed
- Fall 2023: Preliminary demolition design completed
- Spring 2024 – Early 2026: Environmental permitting and demolition planning
- Winter 2026: Demolition work begins
- Spring 2026: Expected project completion
The current work represents the demolition phase of the project, funded through the City of Austin’s aquatic maintenance budget.
What Happens Next
City staff and contractors say they are working diligently to finish the underwater demolition safely and reopen the pool as quickly as possible.
If conditions allow, Barton Springs Pool could reopen Saturday, March 21, though officials note the date may shift depending on weather and the complexity of the remaining diver work.
For many Austinites and visitors alike, the temporary closure is a reminder of the ongoing effort required to preserve one of the city’s most cherished natural spaces — balancing public access, infrastructure safety, and environmental protection.
Residents can continue to watch for updates as the project moves toward completion and the pool prepares to welcome swimmers back for the spring season.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for updates on community developments across Austin.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.