Home > The M.O. > Archives > 2008 > June > 25 > Entry
Your A-List: Best Swimming Hole
You’d be hard pressed to find a more popular and beloved attraction in Austin than Barton Springs Pool, with 42 percent of the vote, the winner of the Your A-List poll winner of the Best Swimming Hole.
I was talking to the wife of a touring musician a few weeks back, and the first thing she mentioned in her list of Austin loves? Not the live music scene, not the weather, not the friendly people or the access to the Hill Country or how “weird” the city is .. she went on and on about the greatness of Barton Springs. And who could argue?
In a town where 94 degree days linger into the fall like an unwanted couch crasher, “the springs” is a most welcome relief, its constant 68 degrees an icy salvation. Beyond being a place for sun worshipers, the springs also has a vibrant night scene, with free swimming after 8 p.m. And on nights when there is a full moon, the Austin of old makes its way down to the water’s edge, as people take part in ritual drum circles, dancing and general merrymaking. Sure, it may be a bit over the top for some, but it is part of what makes Austin great, just as the springs itself is.
And should there be any question of the love for and stewardship of this beloved natural landmark by the citizens of Austin (with a special nod here to the Save Our Springs Alliance), one needs look no further than the beautiful documentary “The Unforseen,” by local filmmaker Laura Dunn. How many other towns have swimming holes that have prompted award-winning documentaries? My guess, not many.
Others receiving votes
- Hamilton Pool, 21 percent
- Krause Springs, 9 percent
- Deep Eddy Pool, 6 percent
- Hippie Hollow, 6 percent
- Blue Hole, Wimberley, 5 percent
- Sculpture Falls, 4 percent
- Enchanted Rock, 2 percent
- Blue Hole, Georgetown, 2 percent
- Campbell’s Hole, 2 percent
- Stacy Pool, < 1 percent
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By Daniel Norton
August 20, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
Perhaps I’m nitpicking, but at the risk of destroying a beloved myth, I point out that the water at Barton Springs Pool is not a “constant” 68°F. It can change slightly higher or lower (depending on the season) over a few hours in response to heavy rain.
It is unusual for the water to be much cooler than 68°F (20°C), even in January. In August it’s closer to 71.6°F (22°C).
But I feel it’s still relatively steady compared to the much more variable air temperature and 71.6°F water in August still makes my lips turn blue!
By Erika Pellegrino
February 16, 2009 6:19 PM | Link to this
Our area‘s numerous recreational amenities, although beautiful, also pose a threat to our young children. A national aquatic safety program is now available to parents in the Austin area. Feel free to access my Website www.IswimAustin.com or our national Website www.infantswim.com for further info about why this method (which teaches children 6 mos to 6yrs of age)is so effective and the right program for our little Austinites. thx