Those who live near any springs in Texas have a difficult time denying their natural beauty. They’re so welcoming on a warm day, and there’s something calming about them just to be near them on gray days or in tough times. That same beauty and sense of calm are found at Barton Springs in the Texas Hill Country, and finding a prettier spot in the Lone Star State could be almost impossible.
Flowing into Barton Creek at Zilker Park in Austin, Barton Springs is a set of four natural water outlets stemming from the Edwards Aquifer. The Main Barton Springs (the largest, which is also known as Parthenia) feeds Barton Springs Pool. The smaller of the four natural springs are close by, two of which have man-made structures around them to contain and guide their flow.
Photo: Facebook/Barton Springs Pool
Parthenia is the least visible of the four Barton Springs, although it’s also the more well-known. It’s completely submerged in the pool and can be found close to the diving board. It produces a natural water flow of approximately 31 million US gallons/day.
Photo: Facebook/Barton Springs Pool
The pool, itself, covers more than three acres and is approximately 900 feet in length. Formed when the creek was dammed, it’s been noted as the largest natural swimming pool in America. It consists of depths that vary and a natural rock bottom. Its natural temperature averages approximately 70 degrees year-round, with some portions cooler than others, making for a refreshing swim.
Photo: Facebook/Barton Springs Pool
Its history is extensive in terms of its prominence during the settling and establishment of Texas. It was home to many an original Native American tribe, hosted missionaries, white settlers, and eventually became a meeting place for community members and politicians alike in the state capital. Still, its beauty is something one can’t overlook when discussing Barton Springs. It continues to draw locals and visitors to its refreshing and clear water, making it a natural oasis in the all-too-hectic hub that is Austin. It is, in fact, a true gem of the Texas Hill Country.