Barton Springs Pool in Austin

Around 8 AM and peaceful

Barton Springs Pool is unusual swimming spot.  It is a three-acre pool fed by natural springs and is also home to a unique species of salamander.  It is a very beautiful spot.  One side of the pool looks like it was made from a quarry.  The bottom is natural rock, festooned with aquatic plants. The water is cool and clear.  It is charming.  The depth is 4-5 feet throughout.  Admission for the day is $9 for non-residents and you can come and go as you please.  The pool empties into a river and dog friends are welcome to swim there.  There were some happy golden retrievers fetching balls from the stream.

There are locker rooms and hours when life guards are present.  The bottom of the pool is slippery and so are the ramps leading into the water.  It is an Austin must-do!  It is unlike any municipal pool I've every seen!