Staff from the City of Austin's Parks and Recreation and Watershed Protection departments are collaborating with contractors to address a leak in an abandoned pipe at Barton Springs Pool. The pool will remain closed during the repairs. In the meantime, Deep Eddy Pool will open daily at 6 a.m. For a full list of available pools, visit austintexas.gov/pools.
The abandoned pipe, previously used as a skimmer pipe, is made of concrete, 18 inches in diameter, and was installed in the 1940s. Originally running the entire length of the pool, it served as a bypass to keep storm water out. In the 1990s, part of this pipe was rerouted and repurposed; most of it was taken out of use. Today, the rerouted portion still operates from the shallow end to the bypass tunnel underneath the sidewalk on the bathhouse side, helping circulate water in the shallow end.
Repairs may begin as early as next week and will involve filling the end of the unused skimmer pipe in the "Barking Springs" area with concrete. The process is expected to take several weeks due to preparation and cleanup requirements. At "Barking Springs," adjacent to Barton Creek’s dam, sections will be cordoned off and water pumped out to create a dry work area.
While portions of "Barking Springs" will remain open, visitors are encouraged to explore other parks and waterways during this period. Construction equipment will access Barking Springs via a path beside the creek that passes by kayak rentals. Environmental controls like coffer dams will be implemented during repairs. The plan may need adaptation as work progresses.
"Barton Springs is a federally protected habitat for endangered salamanders," city officials stated. No construction equipment will enter Barton Springs Pool itself; sediment and erosion controls will prevent dust and material from entering Barton Creek. The Barking Springs area will be restored to its current condition before project completion.
For updates on repairs, visit austintexas.gov/bsprepairs.
On Thursday, August 29, 2024, Parks and Recreation staff discovered water being pulled into an abandoned pipe during routine maintenance at Barton Springs Pool. Further investigation revealed holes posing serious safety risks due to strong suction forces capable of trapping swimmers underwater.
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