Recently, I found myself in Austin, Texas with an afternoon to myself, so I set off to see Barton Springs Municipal Pool. It’s a large, natural, spring-water-fed pool that’s been cooling off Austinites for decades. The 100-degree temperatures made this decision a no-brainer.
I arrive, and oh, how charming, how lovely and idyllic a setting it is! Shady trees dot both sides of the wide, 3-acre pool, and the 68-degree water offers bathers a blissful respite from the heat. Lifeguard stands are stationed judiciously along the sides, with attentive guards scanning the water.
I walk the length of the long pool, but as I look into the water, I realize that a “natural” pool also means natural things in the water. Carpets of bright green algae float on the surface, dark slimy moss coats the concrete floor, mysterious fields of aquatic plants sway underwater, and ducks actively poop nearby.
I pause, undecided. I see an aquatics staffer walking my way, so I strike up a conversation with him and ask about the pool’s history and engineering. He explains that the water continuously flows in through an underground vent, and that both ends of the pool have dams that prevent the “dirty” water from the nearby river from coming into the pool. RWIs are not a factor; the biggest danger comes from people overestimating their swimming abilities and underestimating the depth of the water.
Armed with these very interesting facts, I muster up the courage to step into it from the zero-depth entry area. The water is shockingly and wonderfully cold! But, oh, the feel of the slippery algae under my toes and seeing debris, sediment and who knows what else clinging to me as I rise from the water give me the heebie-jeebies. I scamper out after about 10 seconds.
Yes, I’m a wuss and, as it turns out, a sucker for unnaturally chlorinated pools.
But the most impressive thing about Barton Springs Pool happened as I was leaving. I heard a sharp whistle and a splash. Everyone paused, knowing exactly what that signified. A few seconds later, a lifeguard successfully brings out a troubled swimmer to safety, and spontaneous applause breaks out in relief.
It was sweet to witness the crowd’s profound appreciation for the lifeguards who work so hard to ensure everyone’s safety. Hats off to all of you who have made this summer a joy for families to gather in and around the water, helping to make lifelong memories!
