AUSTIN, Texas — Barton Springs Pool will close for two weeks in an effort to remove all or part of a skimmer bypass that was installed nearly a century ago, according to an announcement from the Austin Parks and Recreation Department.

The city’s Barton Springs Skimmer Bypass Project will close the pool from Feb. 23 through March 13 as crews work to complete other deferred maintenance projects to prepare for the spring season.

Barton Springs Pool currently has two bypass skimmers, the original one from the 1940s and a second one that was installed in 1975. According to Parks and Recreation, past flood events have damaged the original bypass and the city’s Watershed Protection Department (WPD) concluded that the damage could cause it to collapse. This would threaten the endangered salamander habitat that lives in the spring and create a safety risk for guests.

Because of this, city staff determined that removing the bypass was the best option based on cost, feasibility and duration. The city says it will implement several avoidance and minimization measures to protect the Barton Springs salamander as the pool undergoes maintenance. During the maintenance period, Austin WPD staff will be onsite to monitor activities and remediate the habitat.

“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services has concurred that removal and remediation is allowed under the City’s Barton Springs Pool Habitat Conservation Plan and Incidental Take Permit. These activities are also intended to be a benefit to the species by reconnecting habitat separated by erosion,” a statement from the city said.

The city outlines the following objectives as part of the Barton Springs Skimmer Bypass Project: 

Remove some or all sections of the old skimmer bypass
Protect Barton Springs landscape grounds during demolition
Protect salamander habitat during demolition
Enhance salamander habitat if possible
Enter into an agreement with WPD on monitoring of the 1975 bypass

The public can stay up-to-date on the project through a dedicated page on the city’s website. For a list of alternative pools and splash pads to visit while Barton Springs Pool undergoes maintenance, visit here.

Barton Springs Pool is one of the city’s most famous swimming holes and is located within Zilker Park. The pool is three acres in size and is fed from underground springs that keep an average temperature of 68-70 degrees, making it a popular spot to cool off during scorching Texas days.