Barton Springs Pool South Gate — Local services in Austin

A fantastic and unique place to hang out when the weather is warm, I loved visiting Barton Springs Pool! We had to circle the different lots before we were able to find parking on a Friday around 2pm.

Starting in mid-March, the season officially kicks off and they do charge for entry, and it’s a little cheaper for residents of Texas than non-residents. No outside food or beverages are allowed, and if you see someone with a cooler they are going next to the official pool, where they also allow the dogs to play in the water.

I recommend downloading the ATXswims app in advance of your visit, as this can help speed up the check in process. You can purchase your day pass (or season pass) directly in the app, and then at the gate they scan your QR code for entry.

They have a diving board and the water varies in depths. When we went, the official pool house was still under construction (expected to be completed soon) so the other restrooms and changing areas were trailers.

I recommend bringing a thick towel to lay on, as well as sunscreen, goggles, and water shoes. The ground in the pool can be slippery, and I definitely recommend water shoes with grip so that you don’t slip.

While the water is cold (around 68-72* F) it feels nice on a hot day, and your body temperature...

Alright, new to Texas, decided to check out the very cool Barton springs pool:) the parking for us noobs was very confusing, and you do have to pay to park, and pay to get into the pool area. You are not allowed to bring food, and there is no place to purchase food inside the pool area. The no bathroom inside the pool area was weird, I mean we paid to park, and get into a pool, and there is no bathroom inside??? The only bathroom I could find was at the entrance by parking and it was terrifying, I mean you walk into a stone building and there is one toilet with no door…. I had my hubby stand at the entrance while I peed. The pool itself is so unique, it’s fresh aquifer water, and does have ecosystem type animals and greenery growing inside the pool, there are different depths depending on what area you are at, and a diving board. Overall the park wasn’t very kid friendly- the shallow area rocks were very slippery and I fell a lot … I would say probably 10+ if your kids are good swimmers. The water was so refreshing and plenty of area to lay...

Awesome place, entry cost is affordable just $5.00 with plenty of space to soak up the sun or sit under the shade and enjoy the atmosphere,life guards are always on duty, there's also a diving board to throw you some good ole back flips or make a great big cannon ball splash and please don't forget to cheer the kiddos on to boost there morale, great place for the family or if your single maybe make a great connection...