After several days of at times record-breaking hot weather, the need for a swim beckons.
The city of Austin’s free seasonal pools have closed for the summer due to lifeguards returning to school or college. But the city keeps five pools open year-round, and another three are set to stay open until the end of September, Parks and Recreation Department spokesperson Kanya Lyons said.
Of the year-round pools, only Big Stacy is free. The rest will charge entry fees until Halloween.
We’ve rounded up several options to keep cool during what we hope are the last few weeks of scorching weather.
Bartholomew Pool, 1800 E. 51st St.
Located north of Mueller, this multipurpose pool is open afternoons only, until 8 p.m. on weekdays and 7 p.m. on weekends.
Barton Springs, 2131 William Barton Drive
Ranging from 68 to 70 degrees, this iconic watering hole is flanked by mature trees and steep, grassy lawns. For about $5 to $8 a visit, it’s a cold plunge on a budget. It’s also open until 10 p.m. every day of the week, with free swims after 9 p.m.
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.
Deep Eddy Pool, 401 Deep Eddy Ave.
Nourished by the same spring that flows into Barton Springs, this manmade pool will celebrate its 110th birthday next year. The pool is open every day except the first Tuesday of each month.
Springwoods, 13320 Lyndhurst St.
Serving Northwest Austin and Cedar Park, the pool offers a waterslide and shallow wading area for children. It’s only open to recreational swimming on weekends, from noon to 7 p.m.
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. Both Mabel Davis and Walnut Creek are free, and the Garrison pool charges between $2 to $9, depending on resident status and age.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Where to swim in Austin when the daily highs reach 100 degrees
