How to Explore Austin's Barton Springs

The weather in Austin is unbearably hot from about May to October. Fortunately for Austinites in the middle of a park downtown there is a cool, refreshing pool filled with water from a natural spring. Here are some ways to explore and enjoy Barton Springs.

Instructions

1. Swim. Be one of the 400,000 people who annually swim in the 1000-foot-long pool, which stays around 68 degrees year-round. The entrance fees are very low.

2. Bring the dog. The pool is located between two dams. Beyond the eastern, downstream dam is an area called "Barking Springs," where dogs can run, play and get wet.

3. Learn to snorkel. While swimming lessons are not available at Barton Springs Pool, snorkeling lessons are, during the summer months.

4. Adore the salamander. The springs is the home for the endangered Barton Springs salamander. There are four Barton Springs: the main one (Parthenia), Old Mill, Upper Barton Springs and Eliza. Eliza is surrounded by a sort of stair-step amphitheater leading down to the water. This was once used for swimming but is now fenced off (but still viewable) because it's the main base for the salamander.

5. Read up. Go see the exhibit in the bathhouse called Splash!, which educates the public on the history of the springs and their importance to the local Edwards Aquifer.

6. Get a job. Become a cashier, office worker, grounds keeper or lifeguard and you can stay at Barton Springs all day long. Call the Aquatic Office Division of the Parks and Recreation Department at [phone] for more information.

7. See the rest of the park. Barton Springs is only part of the 358-acre Zilker Park, which is located just south of downtown Austin along the shores of Lake Lady Bird.

8. Get involved. The Save Our Springs Alliance (SOS) was formed in the 1990s to campaign for the protection of Barton Springs, the Edwards Aquifer and other aspects of Austin's natural heritage.