Where can you swim outdoors near Austin in the fall? Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park is the sure bet: spring-fed, 68–70°F all year, no reservation. Deep Eddy Pool is open through October 31, 2026, then closes for the season. Hamilton Pool Preserve needs an advance reservation and swimming isn't guaranteed. Blue Hole in Wimberley is closed to swimming for the rest of 2026.
| Place | Fall 2026 status | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Barton Springs Pool | Generally 5am–10pm daily; closed Thursdays 9am–7pm for cleaning. Check the City page before you go. | 2026 swim-season admission $5 adult resident / $9 non-resident. Several guides report the gate is free from November until spring break — confirm with the City. |
| Deep Eddy Pool | Through Oct 31, 2026: lap swim 8am–8pm, recreational 10am–8pm; closed Tuesdays. | City pool admission; adult resident $5 per Austin American-Statesman reporting. |
| Hamilton Pool Preserve | Two reservation slots daily: 9am–12:30pm and 2–5:30pm. | $12 online reservation per vehicle, plus $8 per adult (13–61), $3 seniors, children 12 and under free. Entry fees are cash only. |
| Blue Hole Regional Park | Swimming is closed for 2026 and returns May 1, 2027, per the City of Wimberley. | Half-day swim passes from $15 (in season). |
Plan by month
- October: Barton Springs and Deep Eddy are both open. Deep Eddy is closed Tuesdays; Barton Springs closes Thursdays 9am–7pm for cleaning.
- November onward: Barton Springs is your year-round option. Several local guides report the gate is free from November until spring break; confirm on the City of Austin page.
- Day trip: Hamilton Pool, with a timed reservation and cash for entry. Winter and spring water can drop below 50°F, per Travis County.
Cold-water safety
68°F feels cold on entry. Get in gradually, don't hold your breath under water on the first plunge, and swim where a lifeguard is on duty if you're not confident. Hamilton Pool has no lifeguard.
How we made this guide
Status and prices come from the City of Austin, Travis County Parks and the City of Wimberley, checked September 28, 2026. Barton Springs off-season pricing is from local reporting and flagged as such. Sources are listed on each place page. Our editors have not yet visited every place in person. Found something out of date? Tell us.
Get guides like this every week
You're in. Watch your inbox for the next Texas Wellness Week.
One email a week. Unsubscribe anytime.