When it comes to pools, there are few out there quite like Austin’s Deep Eddy. Once a swimming hole on the Colorado River, Deep Eddy is now a popular freshwater swimming pool, similar to Barton Springs.
Back in 1915, A.J. Eilers purchased the property surrounding the swimming hole, built the concrete pool, and opened the Deep Eddy Bathing Beach, a resort with cabins, camping and concessions. Today, the 600,000-gallon pool is a favorite spot for families looking to take a refreshing dip in 65-75 degree water. Each night, one of the two sides of the pool is drained and refilled with fresh well water, so you practically have a new pool to swim in every other day.
Deep Eddy has a beach entry, a graduated shallow area, and a large area beyond for swimmers of all ages to enjoy. The other side of the pool features lap lanes, and a deep end where older kids can play. Deep Eddy has a large grassy area for towels, as well as an area leading down to the pool where food is allowed (it is prohibited down below). One of the more recent additions to the pool is a large mosaic mural telling the story of the pool’s beginnings, which was completed as part of a community-led public art project. You can spend quite some time studying the intricate tile and mirror mosaic.
Fun facts:
- The water is not chlorinated.
- Deep Eddy Pool is open year-round.
- Deep Eddy Pool is listed as a historic landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.
- The pool hosts Splash Party Movie Nights each summer. The movie is free with the price of admission, and you can either watch from the lawn or the pool. The movie nights are popular, so arrive early to get a good spot. Movies start at dusk.
Know before you go:
- The pool grounds are not very stroller friendly. You need to go down a few dozen steps to reach the pool deck. I have seen staff opening a gate at the bottom to allow strollers in, but I’m not sure if that is an official policy.
- The parking lot fills up during peak times during the summer, so go early if you want to avoid a longer walk to the pool.
- If you want to get in some extra play time after your swim, consider a visit to the adjacent Eilers Park, or the nearby dock.
Address:
Deep Eddy Pool
401 Deep Eddy Drive
Austin, TX 78703
Phone: (512) 472-8546
Recreational Swim Hours:
(Vary slightly by season; check here for the current schedule)
- Weekdays 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Weekends 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Adult (18-62 years) $3 (non-residents: $8)
- Junior (12-17 years) $2 (non-residents: $4)
- Child (1-11 years) $1 (non-residents: $3)
- Under 1 year FREE
- Senior (62+ years) $1 (non-residents: $4)
For more information, visit the City of Austin website or the Friends of Deep Eddy website.
