Barton Springs closed for weeks due to major leaks

Austinites looking forward to the end of summer to celebrate a swim in Barton Springs this Labor Day weekend were disappointed when two major leaks caused a safety hazard that led to a week-long, indefinite closure of the pool. The pool has been out of service since Aug. 29, when the city’s Parks and Recreation Department announced a temporary closure for maintenance. Over the weekend, according to city ​​press releaseMultiple city departments have estimated repairs will now take several weeks, with no specific reopening date provided.

Despite rumors about the sinkholeThe problem is more mechanical, stemming from two holes in an abandoned skimmer pipe that likely dates back to the 1940s. The holes draw water into the pipe below the pool dam, posing a safety hazard for swimmers. City workers have temporarily reduced the water loss but are still working on a permanent fix. The city says the leaks have nothing to do with maintenance Joan Means Khabele Baths, closed since June for renovation.

“The damage creates conditions that pose a significant safety risk, including loss of life,” according to a city news release. “City engineering staff are working to develop a long-term solution that takes into account environmental concerns, the protection of endangered species, and public safety.”

Fortunately, a PARD spokesman said: Ossun Mondaytrackin the short term, Water loss due to leaks “had no impact on salamander habitat or any other environmental features of the pool.”

Long term, PARD, Austin Water and Watershed Protection Department are working together on repairs that are “likely to take several weeks to complete,” though timelines could change as the situation evolves. The city will periodically update the public on the progress of repairs.

Barking Springs, the free part of Barton Springs, is still open, but city officials emphasize that visitors should avoid designated areas.

“Barton Springs Pool is Austin’s crown jewel and we want nothing more than for repairs to be completed quickly and safely,” Interim Parks and Recreation Director Angela Means said in a news release. “As we learn more about the timeline for repairs, we will update all residents.”

With cooler weather on the way, the extended closure of the springs isn’t the blow it would have been in the middle of the summer heat. The city notes, however, that The Deep Eddy Pool will open two hours earlier than usual – at 6am each day – “to allow for early swimming” as renovations take place at Barton.

This Austin Monitorwork is made possible by donations from the community. While our reporting includes occasional donors, we take care to separate business and editorial activities while maintaining transparency. A full list of donors is available here , and our code of ethics is explained here .