Barton Springs Pool contains two principal infrastructure elements that address creek flow from Barton Creek known as "bypass" features. Due to decades of flood events impacting the flow of Barton Creek, the decommissioned 1940s bypass infrastructure has created safety and environmental concerns, which this project will address by removing the 1940s bypass. This project is in the demolition planning phase. City Council Districts 5 and 8

Photo of existing conditions of the original by-pass, taken underwater

Background

Barton Springs Pool contains two principal infrastructure elements that address creek flow from Barton Creek. These elements are known as "bypass" features. The original Barton Springs by-pass was constructed in the 1940s. A larger, redesigned by-pass was constructed in 1975, and the original was decommissioned at the completion of the newer by-pass structure. The 1975 by-pass is under the walkway on the north side of the pool area. The original by-pass was diverted via a skimmer into the newer, larger by-pass upstream of the flow from Barton Springs. The original by-pass may still be operable and continue to channel water through as designed. Since the construction of the 1975 by-pass, several flood events have occurred at Barton Springs. These flood events have caused continual undermining of the original by-pass and damages to the existing encased pipe. Recent studies performed by Watershed Protection Department (WPD) have concluded that the undermining may cause the 1940s bypass to collapse which is a safety concern and will threaten the existing salamander habitat.

CAD drawing of current skimmer by-pass

Project Description

The project proposes to remove some or all sections of the 1940s skimmer bypass to mitigate the risk of the structure's failure and injury to users of Barton Springs Pool. The project also proposes to protect, and if possible, enhance the salamander habitat. No construction or improvements to the pool are anticipated.

Objectives

  • Remove some or all sections of the old skimmer bypass.
  • Protect Barton Springs landscape grounds during demolition.
  • Protect salamander habitat during demolition.
  • Enhance salamander habitat if possible.
  • Enter into an agreement with WPD on monitoring of the 1975 bypass.

Image of existing condition of original by-pass, taken underwater.

Anticipated Schedule

 Please note that as in any construction project, schedules are projected as accurately as possible. All dates are subject to change due to the nature of construction and the weather. This is a demolition project only. 

  • Winter 2023: Consultant Procurement (Complete)
  • Fall 2023: Preliminary/Schematic Design for Demolition (Complete)
  • Spring 2024 - Early 2026: Demolition Planning and Environmental Permit (In Progress)
  • Spring 2026: Begin Demolition
  • Mid-Summer 2026: Demolition Complete

Community Engagement

There is no community engagement scheduled at this time.

Funding and Resources

This project will be funded by Aquatic Maintenance funds.

Contact Information

For more information, please contact Parks and Recreation Project Manager, Reynaldo Hernandez, by email or by phone at 512-974-9464.