You probably already know about iconic swimming spots like Barton Springs or Deep Eddy, but where else can Austinites swim? We've gathered 10 swimming pools around Austin to help you beat the Summer heat! The majority of Austin's pools are free to enter which makes them great places for friends and family to gather.
Do you know someone looking for a Summer job? Austin is experiencing a shortage in lifeguards and offering $15/hr and paid sick leave.
Interested in swimming activities for kids? Check out our Little Hummingbird Society Events including Pool Meetups where kids can play and learn about park stewardship.
Austin's swimming pools are important to their communities because of the intense Texas heat we experience each Summer. Looking for a local swimming hole in your neighborhood? Here are 10 Austin swimming pools from your friends at Austin Parks Foundation!
1) Murchison Pool
Shade structure made possible by Austin Parks Foundation's ACL Music Festival Grants
Cost of Entry:
Free!
This facility is owned and operated by the City of Austin.
Where It's Located:
3700 N Hills Dr, Austin, TX 78731
What's The Scoop:
Murchison Pool, located in Northwest Austin, is an L-shaped swimming pool with plenty of shade, picnic tables and benches! If you're looking get some exercise or practice your diving technique, there's a deep end and some lap lanes available.
Austin Parks Foundation partnered with the Friends of Murchison Pool to install new shade structures in 2015 and a new playscape in 2018 for a total investment of $35,000. Construction of the new playscape is happening in the Summer of 2019, but no need to worry about it affecting pool hours!
Want to learn more or see pool hours? Click here for more information.
2) Martin Neighborhood Pool
Shade structure made possible by Austin Parks Foundation's ACL Music Festival Grants
Cost of Entry:
Free!
This facility is owned and operated by the City of Austin.
Where It's Located:
1626 Nash Hernandez Senior Rd, Austin, TX 78702
What's The Scoop:
Martin Neighborhood Pool is located in East Austin within Edward Rendon Sr. Metro Park at Festival Beach right on Town Lake! You will find plenty of shade, local artwork, a public restroom and scenic views of Town Lake within walking distance. Fun Fact: Martin Pool is utilized as a lifeguard training facility before they're assigned to pools around Austin.
In 2018, Austin Parks Foundation partnered with St. David's Foundation to build a much-needed shade structure and installed a new playscape adjacent to the pool.
Want to learn more or see pool hours? Click here for more information.
3) Patterson Neighborhood Pool
Photo from Austin Parks Foundation
Cost of Entry:
Free!
This facility is owned and operated by the City of Austin.
Where It's Located:
4200 Brookview Rd, Austin, TX 78722
What's The Scoop:
Patterson Neighborhood Pool, located in Northeast Austin, is fun for all ages including babies (there's a pool just for them)! Adjacent to the pool, Patterson Park offers more activities including a basketball court, tennis courts, playground, skateboard ramp and more! In 2017, APF helped to bring more seating to Patterson Pool by installing picnic tables and benches surrounding the pool.
Whether you're looking to swim laps or for a leisurely dip in a family-friendly atmosphere, Patterson Pool is a great option. While you're there, check out the mosaic on the wall by the pool we helped fund in 2011!
Want to learn more or see pool hours? Click here for more information.
4) Dove Springs Pool
Photo from Forklift Danceworks’ Dove Springs Swims in July 2018
Cost of Entry:
Free!
This facility is owned and operated by the City of Austin.
Where It's Located:
5701 Ainez Dr, Austin, TX 78744
What's The Scoop:
Dove Springs Pool, located in Southeast Austin near McKinney Falls State Park and Williamson Creek, is one of Austin's most popular public swimming pools! Neighboring the Dove Springs Recreation Center and walking/hiking trails.
Dove Springs Swims hosted a free performance organized by Forklift Dance and put on by the neighbors and staff of the pool! The show happened in July 2018 to celebrate the community in one of it's popular gathering spaces. Learn more about the show.
Want to learn more or see pool hours? Click here for more information.
5) Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest Pool
Photo from SwimATX.org’s North Austin Pools
Cost of Entry:
Click here for Season Passes & Daily Pool Entry Fees
This location accepts cash and has a ticket kiosk that accepts debit/credit cards.
Where It's Located:
7000 Ardath St, Austin, TX 78757
What's The Scoop:
Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest Municipal Pool a.k.a. 'Northwest Pool' is located in, you guessed it, Northwest Austin! This Olympic-sized swimming pool has designated areas for recreational swimming and diving, but is most beloved by lap swimmers.
There are shaded bleachers and picnic tables as well as a diving board. For a refreshing swim in an old-school vibe, head to Northwest Pool!
Want to learn more or see pool hours? Click here for more information.
6) Little Stacy Wading Pool
Photo from the City of Austin's Park and Recreation Department
Cost of Entry:
Free!
This facility is owned and operated by the City of Austin.
Where It's Located:
1401 Sunset Lane, Austin, TX 78704
What's The Scoop:
Little Stacy Wading Pool, located in Southeast Austin, is the coolest spot in town for babies and toddlers to swim! This 2-foot deep pool is half-shaded by a live oak tree. There's also a shaded playscape within steps of the gates!
Want to learn more or see pool hours? Click here for more information.
7) Givens Neighborhood Pool
Photo from Forklift Danceworks’ Givens Swims coming in July 2019
Cost of Entry:
Free!
This facility is owned and operated by the City of Austin.
Where It's Located:
3811 E 12th Street, Austin, TX 78721
What's The Scoop:
Givens Neighborhood Pool is considered by many as a hidden gem on the east side of Austin! Whether you're gathering with friends for a day at the pool or looking to swim some laps, we encourage you to give Givens a try!
In partnership with Austin Parks Foundation, Forklift Danceworks brings you the next installment of their dance show benefitting Austin's pools, Givens Swims! The show will be performed by the staff and neighbors of Givens Pool.
Want to learn more or see pool hours? Click here for more information.
8) West Enfield Pool
Photo from Water Design Incorporated's website
Cost of Entry:
Free!
This facility is owned and operated by the City of Austin.
Where It's Located:
2000 Enfield Rd, Austin, TX 78703
What's The Scoop:
West Enfield Pool, located in West Austin, includes shade structures and an ADA accessible pool with a ramp! This 7-foot deep swimming pool offers lanes for swimming laps and a fun kids/toddler aquatics area.
It's safe to say there's fun for the whole family to be had at West Enfield Pool! Check out some of the public art in the front of the complex as well as the recently renovated bathhouse!
Want to learn more or see pool hours? Click here for more information.
9) Dick Nichols Neighborhood Pool
Photo Credit: Dana Minney via Autinot.com
Cost of Entry:
Free!
This facility will be owned and operated by the City of Austin.
Where It's Located:
8011 Beckett Rd, Austin, TX 78749
What's The Scoop:
A South Austin gem, Dick Nichols Neighborhood Pool features three different swimming areas for those looking to cool off in the shallow end, exercise by swimming laps or let the toddlers splash around.
New this Summer, you can get a scoop (or two) of some delicious gelato through August! If you're looking to beat the heat, head to Dick Nichols this Summer.
Want to learn more or see pool hours? Click here for more information.
10) Rosewood Pool
Photo from Austin Parks Foundation
Cost of Entry:
Free!
This facility is owned and operated by the City of Austin.
Where It's Located:
1182 N Pleasant Valley Rd, Austin, TX 78702
What's The Scoop:
Rosewood Pool, located in East Austin, is a community pool perfect for a gathering of friends and family. You'll enjoy the beautiful cypress trees that surround the pool and the facility's warm combination of historic and modern vibe.
There's also a playscape within walking distance for some fun before/after swimming for the kids. For a no-frills swimming experience, Rosewood Pool is the place to be.
Want to learn more or see pool hours? Click here for more information.
Austin Swimming Pools Under Threat of Closing Permanently
These gathering places are more than just a place to beat the Summer heat but are essential to the growth of their communities. Unfortunately, there's bad news for Austin's swimming pools:
In 2013, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department conducted an assessment with the help of a consultant and feedback from the community. They found that Austin's aquatics system needs more than $100 Million in funding over 10 years. In 2018, the Bond Program for the Aquatics Master Plan was adopted and willl contribute up to $27 million to help address the needs of our pools, but that's only scratching the surface.
Austin's parks are vastly underfunded. In May 2019, The Trust for Public Land ranked Austin #43 in access to parks, down one spot from the previous year. Austinites deserve better access to parks, trails, green spaces, rec centers and swimming pools, and you can help! Let your voice be heard: tell your representatives that Austin's swimming pools are important to you.
Does your neighborhood or community pool need essential improvements? Interested in finding out how you can help? Learn more about how our ACL Music Festival Grants Program can help your local park or pool!
