Austin Parks Officials Close Barton Springs Pool After This Week's Heavy Rains

AUSTIN, TX — Following this week's heavy rains, Austin parks officials have decided to close Barton Springs Pool until further notice.

Officials at the Austin Parks and Recreation Department are surveying the naturally fed pool, advising residents to use Deep Eddy Pool instead. The alternative body of water opens at 6 a.m. beginning on Thursday for early swimmers.

Heavy rains last year dangerously altered the dynamics at Barton Springs Pool, what with higher-than-normal water levels that created stronger waves and an accumulation of debris run-off. As a result, there were drownings and several near-drownings at Barton Springs Pool. Eventually, parks officials re-opened the pool once the water receded.

For updates, residents can call the Barton Springs Pool hotline at (512) 867-3080 or the city’s Aquatic Administration and Training Center at (512) 974-9330.

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