Austin may be known for hot summers, but swimming isn’t limited to just a few months of the year. While the City of Austin operates more than 40 aquatic facilities, only a small number of outdoor public pools remain open year round. For swimmers who don’t want to give up the water when temperatures cool, these six Austin swimming pools offer lap swimming and open-air access throughout the year.
Six Austin Swimming Pools Are Open Year Round
Most Austin swimming pools operate only during the summer season, but six outdoor public pools stay open all year for lap swimming and general use. During winter months, admission is often free, though amenities such as water slides and children’s play areas are typically closed.
All City of Austin aquatic facilities close when temperatures drop below freezing, so it’s always a good idea to check the city’s aquatics page before visiting.
1. Big Stacy Pool – Central Austin
Website, 700 East Live Oak Street, (512) 445-0304, 2 Miles from Downtown Austin
Big Stacy Pool is one of the most beloved Austin swimming pools and never charges admission. Located near the South Congress area in the historic Travis Heights neighborhood, the pool sits within Stacy Park, a green space featuring walking trails, a playground, and mature shade trees. Many of the park’s structures date back to the 1930s and the Works Progress Administration era.
Big Stacy Pool is often associated with a nearby underground hot water spring, but its water temperature remains fairly consistent year round. In both summer and winter, the pool temperature typically ranges between 80 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit. During winter months, spring water is mixed with city water to maintain a comfortable swimming temperature.
The pool includes six lap lanes, a shallow lounging area, restrooms, showers, and changing facilities. There is no entrance fee for Big Stacy Pool.
2. Barton Springs Pool – Central Austin
Website, 2131 William Barton Drive, (512) 974-6300, 3 Miles from Downtown Austin
Barton Springs Pool is Austin’s most iconic swimming spot. Located within Zilker Park, the three-acre pool is fed by natural underground springs and maintains a steady temperature of around 70 degrees year round.
Unlike most public pools, Barton Springs is not chlorinated. As a natural spring-fed pool, it supports aquatic plants, fish, salamanders, and visiting ducks. The pool offers ample space for lap swimming as well as a shallow area for wading.
If you only have time to visit one year-round swimming pool in Austin, Barton Springs is the most uniquely Austin experience.
3. Deep Eddy Pool – Central Austin
Website, 401 Deep Eddy Avenue, (512) 472-8546, 3 Miles from Downtown Austin
Deep Eddy Pool holds the distinction of being the oldest public swimming pool in Texas, opening as a city pool in 1936. Originally developed from a natural swimming hole along the Colorado River, Deep Eddy has a colorful and unusual history.
During the 1920s, when the pool was privately operated, it functioned as an amusement park as much as a swimming facility. Attractions included towering diving platforms, a flying trapeze, a Ferris wheel, and even a diving horse act.
Today, Deep Eddy Pool is a spring-fed, non-chlorinated pool measuring approximately 600 feet long. Water temperatures range from 68 to 75 degrees, depending on the season. The pool features 11 lap lanes, restrooms, showers, and changing areas. Adjacent Eilers Park offers a large playground and picnic space.
4. Bartholomew Pool – Northeast Austin
Website, 1800 E. 51st Street, 512) 974-1650, 6 Miles From Downtown Austin
Located near the Mueller development just off IH-35, Bartholomew Pool is one of Austin’s heated outdoor pools available year round for lap swimming. During winter months, the pool is heated to approximately 84 degrees.
Bartholomew Pool includes a 25-yard lap pool with four lanes, picnic tables, restrooms, and outdoor showers. Its central location makes it a convenient option for swimmers in north and northeast Austin.
5. Springwoods Pool – Far North Austin
Website, 13320 Lyndhurst Street, (512) 996-8978, 20 Miles From Downtown Austin
Springwoods Pool is the only year-round public pool serving northwest Austin. Originally built as a neighborhood association pool, it remains tucked into a quiet residential area between Highway 183 and FM 620.
The pool is heated to around 84 degrees during winter months and features six lap lanes within a 25-yard section. Amenities include shade structures, picnic tables, restrooms, and outdoor showers.
6. Colony Park Pool –Far Northeast Austin
Colony Park Pool is the newest addition to the list of outdoor public Austin swimming pools that remain open year round. Located in the far northeast quadrant of the city, this neighborhood pool provides another great option for swimming off even when temperatures dip.
Colony Park Pool features lap lane pool, zero-entry activity pool (tot pool), water slide, spray ground feature, diving board, and family restrooms. Water temperatures are maintained at comfortable levels in the cooler months, making it possible to swim laps outside throughout much of the year. There is no entrance fee for Colony Park Pool.
Why These Pools Matter for Year-Round Swimmers
For locals and visitors alike, these six pools make it possible to swim outdoors in Austin throughout the year. Whether you prefer natural spring water or heated lap pools, each location offers a different experience depending on neighborhood and season.
Several of these year-round swimming pools are featured in Austin Texas Right Up the Road.
