Joan Means Khabele Bathhouse at Barton Springs Pool Rehabilitation

Announcements

• Barton Springs Pool will temporarily close from the week of February 23 through March 13, 2026, for the Barton Springs Skimmer Bypass Project. See below for more information.

• The Austin Parks and Recreation aquatic staff is gearing up for the 2026 swim season. Barton Springs will begin charging entry fees starting Saturday, March 14.

• The exhibit and main entry at the rotunda continue to experience construction delays. Public entry to the facility will remain on the east side of the building with tickets available at the kiosks and Zilker Café building until construction is complete.

• Several plumbing fixtures experienced damage during the recent freeze event. Austin Parks and Recreation is working with contractors to make necessary repairs. Some plumbing fixtures may remain unavailable during repair efforts.

• Joan Means Khabele Bathhouse at Barton Springs Pool partially reopened on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

• The partial reopening includes the park and pool side restrooms, the pool side shower, the dressing spaces within the building, the lifeguard office, first aid area, break room and locker room. Entry to the pool has moved to the east side of the building. 

• The front parking lot has fully reopened, except a small area on the west side that remains fenced off for ongoing construction work.

• The building’s main entrance at the rotunda and the west side remain closed to the public for construction.

Barton Springs Pool will temporarily close from the week of February 23 through March 13, 2026, for the Barton Springs Skimmer Bypass Project.

The Barton Springs Skimmer Bypass Project will remove portions of 1940s infrastructure identified as potentially unstable during routine inspections.

During the closure, Austin Parks and Recreation will also complete additional deferred maintenance within the pool area in preparation for the spring season. Because the project area is located within endangered species habitat, the City will implement avoidance and minimization measures to protect the Barton Springs salamander. Removal activities are permitted under the City’s Habitat Conservation Plan and are also intended to improve habitat conditions.

Project updates and alternative swimming locations can be found at AustinTexas.gov/Pools.
 

Completed Tasks 

• Testing and adjusting of lighting controls
• Installation of security system at west gate
• Installation of bike racks

Work In Progress 

• Testing and adjusting of HVAC system
• Installation of the ticket kiosks
• Installation of exhibit displays and transaction desk

Planned Work

• Exhibit displays shipping to site
• Programming and setting up interactive exhibits

Rotunda facade and entrance before rehabilitation

Rotunda facade and entrance after rehabilitation

Men’s west shower area before rehabilitation

Men’s west shower area after rehabilitation

Women’s east shower area before rehabilitation

Women’s east shower area after rehabilitation

Bathhouse Renamed 

On April 4, 2024, an Austin City Council resolution renamed the Bathhouse at Barton Springs Pool in honor of Joan Means Khabele for her contributions and activism which led to the integration of the pool. To learn more about Joan Means Khabele, please visit Austin Parks and Recreation's blog.