“Significant safety risk” has Austin’s Barton Springs Pool closed for several weeks

AUSTIN, Texas — A safety hazard has Barton Springs Pool closed for the rest of the month. On Wednesday, Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) released photos of two large holes in the pool’s infrastructure and repairs that have been made to them.

The holes that were pulling water into an abandoned pipe below the pool’s dam have strong suction and could be dangerous to someone swimming next to them. Because of the “significant safety risk,” the pool will be closed for several weeks.

“Barton Springs Pool is Austin’s crown jewel and we want nothing more than to make the repairs quickly and safely. As we learn more about the timelines for repairs, we’ll keep all residents up to date,” said Interim Parks and Recreation Director Angela Means.

The problem was discovered under the pool’s dam between Barton Springs Pool and Barking Springs last week. PARD says two holes in an abandoned skimmer pipe were pulling water into another abandoned pipe below the pool’s dam creating a safety hazard. The suction is too strong for swimmers to be allowed near the dam.

CBS Austin asked PARD when the last inspection of the pool was conducted. A spokesperson for the department says they are working to get that information to us by Thursday.

“I wish it were more surprising,” said Desiree Champagne who has lived in Austin for more than 20 years.

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Champagne knows many of the city’s pools are old and struggle with ongoing repairs. The abandoned skimmer pipe at Barton Springs Pool is estimated to date back to the 1940s.

“I guess this another one in a long line that needs some funding to be redone, so not really surprised,” said Champagne.

Swimmers are finding out about the closure of the temporary entrance to the pool. The Barton Springs Bathhouse is currently closed for major improvements to meet code requirements.

“You know it’s a little bit disappointing to not be able to use the facilities, but I think ultimately they’re trying to keep people safe, and it’s the right thing to do,” said Austin resident Umar Lyle.

Lyle said he wishes the problem had been caught earlier, so Barton Springs would not be cordoned off, the pool would not be closed, and the city wouldn’t be dealing with two large holes in the pool’s infrastructure.

“It’s important to try to keep the city up to code and make investments in the city,” said Lyle. “You’re going to pay less if you take care of it upfront. You’re always going to pay more if you’re doing it from a reactive standpoint.”

City engineering staff are working on a solution that eliminates safety concerns and protects endangered species such as the Barton Springs Salamander. For people who regularly enjoy the pool and the spillway, the fix can’t come soon enough.

“Austin is about being out in nature and there’s nothing more representative of that in Austin than Barton Springs,” said Champagne.

Deep Eddy Pool will open daily at 6 a.m. while Barton Springs Pool undergoes repairs.