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Oh, the humanity! Austin's pool crisis leaves woke waders high and dry.

Oh, fabulous! Austin's generously tossed us peasants a grand total of eight pools. Five whole pools to splash around in all year, and if you're lucky, three more until the calendar says it's officially pumpkin spice season. How incredibly magnanimous of them. Does anyone else feel spoiled rotten, or is it just me?

Published August 23, 2024 at 5:06am by Bianca Moreno-Paz

Sweltering in Austin? Don't Worry, The City's (Kinda) Got Your Back

After what feels like an eternity of record-breaking, soul-crushing heat, you might be desperate for a swim. Too bad Austin's free seasonal pools have shut down because lifeguards have better things to do, like study. But fear not, the city has graciously left five pools open year-round, and another three until September's end, according to Parks and Rec spokesperson Kanya Lyons.

But here's the catch: only Big Stacy is free. The others? Yeah, you'll have to shell out some cash until Halloween. Thanks, capitalism.

We've rounded up your options to keep cool in these last few weeks of inferno-like temperatures.

Year-Round Pools

Bartholomew Pool, 1800 E. 51st St.

North of Mueller, this pool's open afternoons only, until 8 p.m. on weekdays and 7 p.m. on weekends. Perfect for your post-work dip, if you're into that sort of thing.

Barton Springs, 2131 William Barton Drive

At a chilly 68 to 70 degrees, this iconic spot is surrounded by trees and lawns. It's about $5 to $8 a visit, but hey, it's open until 10 p.m. every day, with free swims after 9 p.m. Thanks for the late-night deal, Austin.

Big Stacy, 700 E. Live Oak St.

Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, and noon to 7 p.m. on weekends. The only year-round pool that won’t cost you a dime. Enjoy your free swim, plebs.

Deep Eddy Pool, 401 Deep Eddy Ave.

Feed by the same spring as Barton Springs, this historic pool turns 110 next year. Open daily (except the first Tuesday of each month), because even pools need a break.

Springwoods, 13320 Lyndhurst St.

Serving Northwest Austin and Cedar Park, this pool offers a waterslide and shallow wading area for children. Only open to recreational swimming on weekends, from noon to 7 p.m. Because weekdays are for serious swimmers only.

Weekend-Only Pools

Garrison (6001 Menchaca Road), Mabel Davis (3427 Parker Lane) and Walnut Creek (12138 N. Lamar Blvd.) pools are open from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Mabel Davis and Walnut Creek are free, but Garrison will charge you between $2 to $9, depending on your residency status and age. Way to play favorites, Austin.