How cold is Barton Springs Pool?

68–70°F, year-round. The pool is fed by the Main Barton Spring out of the Edwards Aquifer, so the temperature barely moves between January and August. In a Texas summer that reads as a cold shock for the first minute and about perfect after; in winter the water is often warmer than the air.

Water temp68–70°F

Seasonal changeNone

SourceEdwards Aquifer

ChlorinatedNo

Hardest partThe first minute

What 68°F feels like

On a 100°F August afternoon, the first plunge takes your breath for a few seconds, and then it’s the best thing in the city. I’ve swum laps here before work since 2009 and the first length is still the hard one. Nobody eases in gracefully; jump.

Dawn vs afternoon

The water is the same at 6 AM as at 4 PM — what changes is the air. At dawn, when the air is cooler, the water feels almost mild; on a scorching afternoon the contrast is maximal, which is exactly what most people come for. Crowd patterns by hour are in best time to visit.

Winter swimming

Same 68–70°F in January, and entry is free from November through spring break (the fee calendar). Cold-water swimmers get the pool nearly to themselves half the year.

Insider tip

Bring a towel you can reach fast. Getting out is colder than getting in.

Warmer option: stay on top of the water

If 68°F is a no, the sunset bat kayak tour keeps you dry on Lady Bird Lake — around $50, two hours, kayak and life vest included.

Check availability & book

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Frequently asked questions

Does Barton Springs water ever warm up?

No — it holds 68–70°F all year because it comes straight from the Edwards Aquifer. August doesn’t touch it. Whether that’s a feature or a bug is the subject of is it worth it.

Why is Barton Springs so cold?

It’s spring water: the Main Barton Spring feeds the pool directly from the aquifer, unchlorinated and constant. That same water quality supports an endangered salamander — more in is it safe.

Is Barton Springs too cold to swim comfortably?

For most people, only for the first minute. If you genuinely hate cold water, it won’t win you over — the honest breakdown of who should skip it is in is it worth it.