Barton Springs Municipal Pool in Austin
Located in Zilker Park, the Barton Springs Municipal Pool is filled with water from nearby natural springs. The fourth-largest spring in Texas, the Main Barton Spring, supplies the water to this outdoor swimming pool. It is filled with enough water to be a good choice for families with small children. It also has a playground and is open to the public for a quick dip. The outdoor pool is surrounded by a stream in the park and has a natural filtration system to prevent bacteria and other pollutants from entering the pond. Environmental problems have caused the swimming pool to close in the 1980s, but it has since reopened and is now open to the public. Concerns over the contamination of the springs and the public's health have led to political movements and the demise of endangered species. Heavy rains have been a problem for the municipal pool. However, it is important to note that there are no special rules for visiting the springs. The Barton Springs Municipal Poo l is open year...