Barton Springs Pool to Close for Critical Repairs

Austin's iconic natural pool will shut down for several weeks to address aging infrastructure issues

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Austin's beloved Barton Springs Pool will temporarily close on February 23rd for critical repairs to an unstable bypass structure built in the 1940s that has been eroded by floodwaters over the years. The closure, expected to last until before March 14th, is a proactive measure to prevent a potential collapse that could lead to a significantly longer disruption. The project will also address other deferred maintenance during the downtime.

Why it matters

The Barton Springs Pool closure highlights the growing challenge of aging infrastructure in cities across the U.S. Many public spaces and facilities are grappling with the consequences of deferred maintenance, often leading to reactive, emergency repairs that are more costly and disruptive. This situation underscores the need for proactive investment to preserve cherished community assets.

The details

The issue centers around a decommissioned bypass system originally designed in the 1940s to manage flow from Barton Creek. While a larger, redesigned bypass was constructed in 1975, the original structure has gradually deteriorated due to repeated flooding. City staff discovered the unsupported and potentially unstable section during routine inspection and maintenance. To minimize disruption, the city is prioritizing these repairs now, during the winter months, and will also use the downtime to address other deferred maintenance projects.

  • Barton Springs Pool will close on February 23, 2026.
  • The pool is expected to reopen before March 14, 2026.

The players

Jesús Aguirre

The Director of the Austin Parks and Recreation Department, who has experience addressing infrastructure challenges in previous roles in Washington, D.C., and Seattle.

Kirk Watson

The Mayor of Austin.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The federal agency that has approved the removal of the unstable bypass structure under the city's existing Habitat Conservation Plan and Incidental Accept Permit.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must prioritize proactive infrastructure maintenance to preserve our cherished community assets and avoid costly, disruptive failures down the line.”

— Jesús Aguirre, Director, Austin Parks and Recreation Department

What’s next

The city will closely monitor the repair work to ensure the project is completed on time and within budget, with minimal disruption to the community. Once the pool reopens, the city will continue to assess the condition of the infrastructure and plan for future maintenance and upgrades to prevent similar issues from arising.

The takeaway

The Barton Springs Pool closure is a cautionary tale about the consequences of neglecting aging infrastructure. By taking a proactive approach to address this issue, Austin is setting an example for other cities facing similar challenges in preserving their cherished public spaces and facilities.