Barton Springs Pool is a recreational outdoor swimming pool in Austin, Texas, that is filled entirely by natural springs connected to the Edwards Aquifer. Located in Zilker Park, the pool exists within the channel of Barton Creek and uses water from Main Barton Spring, the fourth-largest spring in Texas. The pool is a popular venue for year-round swimming, as its temperature hovers between about 68 °F (20 °C) and 74 °F (23 °C) year-round.[1][2][3] [4] The pool’s grassy hills are lined with mature shade trees.
Native American Coahuiltecan descendants include Barton Springs among the four springs part of their creation story dating to prehistoric times; these springs are Comal Springs, Barton Springs, San Marcos Springs and San Antonio Springs.[5]
Spanish explorers discovered the springs in the 17th century, and around 1730 erected temporary missions at the site (later moving to San Antonio).[6]
In 1837, before the incorporation of the city of Austin, the area was settled by William (“Uncle Billy”) Barton, who named three springs after his daughters: Parthenia, Eliza, and Zenobia. He and subsequent owners of the property recognized its value as a tourist attraction, and promoted it vigorously, thus leading to the swimming hole’s lasting popularity.[citation needed]
The last private owner of the property, Andrew Jackson Zilker, deeded it to Austin in 1918. During the 1920s, the city undertook a construction project to create a larger swimming area by damming the springs and building sidewalks. The bathhouse was designed in 1947 by Dan Driscoll, who also designed the bathhouse at Deep Eddy Pool.[citation needed]
Was Austin’s Barton Springs sacred to Indigenous people before Europeans showed up?
the friendships and the water at Barton Springs are sacred
How to become an Austin Lifeguard
1. Apply Online – We are now hiring for spring/summer 2026. Get trained and work at least 40 hours before July 4, 2026, and get a $200 training stipend for hours invested in completing the certification class.
Complete an application online. Applicants must be age 15 or older on or before their final day of training.
- Part-Time Lifeguard and Aquatic Division Jobs
- Be sure to apply for the right job!
- Lifeguard I – Must have zero (0) to one (1) year of related experience and have the required certifications.
- Lifeguard II – Must have one (1) to two (2) years of related experience and have the required certifications.
- Be sure to apply for the right job!
2. Get Hired
After submitting your application online, you will receive an email within 48-72 business hours outlining additional paperwork and information needed. You must submit all paperwork and employment verification documents to register for a Lifeguard class.
Questions? Call 512-974-9330 Monday through Friday, 8AM-6PM or email AquaticsOffice@austintexas.gov
3. Get Trained
Sign up for a FREE StarGuard Elite certification class. Lifeguard Certification or Lifeguard Renewal class must be completed before you can officially be hired. You must complete the application and hiring paperwork before registering for a class. Certification is valid only at City of Austin pools.
- Lifeguard Certification Schedule(PDF) For first-time lifeguards
- Lifeguard Renewal Classes(PDF) For returning lifeguards – Must have current Lifeguard certification completed within the last calendar year
Lifeguards (new or returning) that are hired and work at least 40 hours before July 4th, 2026 will receive a $200 Training Stipend for hours invested in completing the certification class.
4. Get Working!
Once hired and certified, you will be scheduled for your first in-service training class. All lifeguards must attend a monthly in-service class which will focus on skill-building, training, and development. Find out which pool is closest to you!
