Your guide to summer swimming in Austin
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It's not a true Austin summer without a dip in Barton Springs Pool. Photo: Nicole Cobler/Axios
Ready for the heat? We're staring down highs in the mid- to upper 90s through the weekend.
Why it matters: Luckily, there are plenty of places to cool down in Central Texas.
What's happening: We've rounded up some of our favorite spots to cool off, whether its a swimming hole, public pool or a hotel day pass.
Public pools
The city of Austin operates dozens of pools and splash pads across the city, including three spring-fed public pools. Most are free.
Barton Springs: The city's crown jewel is open year-round.
- Free, swim-at-your-own-risk hours are from 5–8am Friday through Wednesday and 5–9am Thursday.
- Entry costs $5 for adult residents during guarded swim hours.
Big Stacy: This spring-fed pool nestled in the Travis Heights neighborhood is great for lap swimming and families.
- It's free entry and includes six lap lanes, along with space for recreational swimming. Open 6am–8pm Monday through Friday and noon–7pm Saturday and Sunday.
Deep Eddy: It's the oldest swimming pool in Texas and filled with gloriously cold spring water.
- Deep Eddy is open every day except Tuesday from 8am–8pm for lap swim and 10am–8pm for recreational swim.
- $5 for adults, less for kids depending on age, and seniors.
Swimming holes
Austin's swimming holes set the city apart, but swim at your own risk at these sites.
Sculpture Falls: Take a hike through the Barton Springs Greenbelt before a dip in this popular swimming hole for Austinites and their dogs.
- Plus, recent rain has raised water levels throughout the greenbelt, so you're sure to find other spots to cool off.
Secret Beach: This not-so-secret spot is perfect for a hot, summer day on the Colorado River.
Commons Ford Ranch: Head to Lake Austin to swim at this beautiful city park, with trails, a volleyball net, rope swings and a dock to jump off of.
Barking Springs: Just below Barton Springs Pool, the shallow pool known as Barking Springs is free to access and is popular with dogs and dog owners. It can get crowded on weekends.
Hotel pool passes
If you're looking for a more luxurious way to cool off, many Austin hotels offer day passes to their pools.
- Prices for each pool vary. Check ResortPass or their website for details.
Renaissance Austin Hotel: This Northwest Austin hotel has an indoor and outdoor pool and is open daily 8am-10pm.
Austin Motel: The iconic kidney-shaped pool on South Congress Avenue is open daily 11am-10pm.
Hotel Magdalena: Check out this 900-foot sunken pool off South Congress before grabbing dinner at Summer House. Plus, we highly recommend a nightcap at Equipment Room.
- Open daily, 11am-7pm.
Omni Austin Hotel Downtown: Enjoy views of downtown from Omni's heated rooftop swimming pool. Don't skip a drink from their pool bar.
- Pool passes give you access from 11am-10pm.
Ruby Hotel and Bar: A $50 pass to the Ruby's boutique pool in Round Rock covers your minimum spend toward food and beverages.
- Bring your own towel.
Colton House: Your day pass at this South Congress hotel comes with a complimentary drink from Simona's, the in-house bar and cafe. Food truck tacos available for purchase.
- Open daily, 9am-9pm.