Barton Springs Pool Repairs

After and old water bypass pipe developed two holes causing water to be pulled into the now abandoned pipe below the pool's dam, Barton Springs Pool was temporarily closed for assessment and repairs. Watershed Protection staff conducted dye testing to ensure that there are no additional leaks. Repairs were completed in September and Barton Springs Pool reopened on September 19, 2024.

Barton Springs Pool Repairs Update - September 17, 2024
Barton Springs Pool will reopen to the public starting at 5 a.m. on Thursday, September 19, following quick action to repair two holes that formed in an abandoned skimmer pipe and created a safety hazard. The City of Austin's Parks and Recreation (PARD), Austin Water (AW), and Watershed Protection (WPD) departments collaborated on the repairs. With Barton Springs reopening, Deep Eddy Pool will resume normal operating hours on Thursday, September 19, opening at 8 a.m. instead of 6 a.m. For more information, visit: Barton Springs Pool to Reopen September 19.

Barton Springs Pool Repairs Update - September 12, 2024
Contractors are beginning to prepare the site for repairs. Barricades and signage are being placed in the "Barking Springs" and dam area for public safety. Water will be pumped out to create a dry work area for the repairs. Construction equipment will travel in and out of this area daily. The pool will remain closed while work is underway. The public must to stay out of the areas marked "closed for repairs" and avoid the area in general for their safety until work is completed.

Background

On August 29, 2024, Barton Springs Pool was closed. Initial inspection indicated that an old water bypass pipe, estimated from the 1940s, developed two holes causing water to be pulled into the now abandoned pipe below the pool's dam. Watershed Protection staff conducted dye testing to ensure that there are no additional leaks. A similar issue occurred at a different location in 2018, and repairs to fix the current issue followed a similar approach.

Repairs were completed mid-September, and Barton Springs Pool reopened on September 19, 2024.

Press Releases

8/29/2024 Temporary Closure at Barton Springs Pool

8/30/2024 Update on Barton Springs Pool Maintenance

9/3/2024 Barton Springs Pool Remains Closed for Repairs

9/6/2024 Barton Springs Pool Update

9/17/2024 Barton Springs Pool to Reopen September 19

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the skimmer pipe at Barton Springs pool? 

The skimmer pipe is a concrete pipe, 18 inches in diameter, that was installed in the 1940s. When it was originally installed, it ran the entire length of the pool and served as a bypass, keeping storm water out of the pool. In the 1990s, part of this pipe was rerouted and repurposed, while most of it was taken out of use. Today, the rerouted portion of the pipe is still in use. It runs from the shallow end to the bypass tunnel underneath the sidewalk on the bathhouse side of the pool and helps to circulate water in the shallow end. The decommissioned part of the pipe was plugged at one end and left in place.

What is the issue?

On Thursday, August 29, 2024, during weekly pool cleaning and maintenance, Parks and Recreation staff noticed that water was being pulled into this abandoned pipe. Further investigation revealed a hole that has grown to be two feet long and a foot wide as well as a smaller hole. There is a strong suction force drawing water into the pipe that could trap a swimmer underwater. The pool was closed indefinitely until repairs could be made. In 2018, staff also noticed holes in the pipe. Parks and Recreation staff were able to patch them, but the current hole is much larger and not as easily repaired.

Does this pose a significant safety risk?

Yes. The two holes have strong suction and could trap someone swimming nearby underwater.

What is the repair plan?

Watershed Protection staff are developing a repair plan in conjunction with a contractor who has experience in plugging leaking pipes and working in creeks. The repairs will include filling the end of the unused skimmer pipe in the “Barking Springs” area with concrete. The contractor will drill through the concrete apron to reach the pipe and pump concrete into it to securely plug the pipe. To assist with construction, diver(s) will first place a temporary plug in the holes within the pool itself to stop water from entering the pipe. The repairs are being done on an emergency basis, and the plan may need to be adapted as the repair progresses.

How will repairs impact public access?

The pool will remain closed until repairs are complete. At “Barking Springs,” a section of Barton Creek adjacent to the pool’s dam will be cordoned off and water will be pumped out of it to create a dry work area. “Barking Springs” will remain open, but people are encouraged to visit other parks and waterways. The contractor will access the Barking Springs area, using the concrete path beside the creek that runs past the kayak rental. Construction equipment will travel this route a few times a day.

What is the timeline for repairs?

It will likely take a few weeks to make the repairs, with much of that time needed to prepare and cleanup the site. The start date will depend upon the availability of materials, among other factors. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

What is the cost of the repairs?

Staff estimates the repairs will cost about $100,000.

What about the salamander and other environmental impacts?

Barton Springs is a federally protected habitat for endangered salamanders, and no construction equipment will be in the pool itself. The contractor will use sediment and erosion controls to keep dust and material out of Barton Creek and will restore the Barking Springs area back to its current condition before demobilizing.