Austin is a great place to live, but summers can be very hot. Staying cool can help reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. These can be dangerous in high temperatures.
Pools, splash pads, and shaded areas help people stay active without getting too hot. Staying cool helps you enjoy summer while protecting your health. Here are some ways to stay cool and explore The University of Texas at Austin and the city when it is hot.
Gregory Gym Aquatic Complex
The Gregory Gym Aquatic Complex offers many activities, including lap swimming, leisure swimming and water basketball. Located on campus, it offers several indoor and outdoor pools.
The complex is part of UT RecSports and is open to members. ELC students can buy a discounted membership through the RecSports office.
Hours
Hours listed below are valid through April 27, 2026. View additional hours for updates.
Natatorium
Monday-Friday: 6-9 a.m., 12-2 p.m., 5-7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Outdoor Event Pool
Monday-Friday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 12-5 p.m.
Outdoor Lap Pool
Monday-Thursday: 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Friday: 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Outdoor Leisure Pool
Monday-Friday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 12-5 p.m.
RecSports Membership
The Gregory Gym Aquatic Complex is part of UT RecSports. Membership is not included in ELC tuition, but ELC students can buy a membership for $26 per month.
To purchase, students must visit the RecSports Office in Gregory Gym (GRE 2.200).
Please note: When purchasing a membership, you must tell the staff that you are an English Language Center student to receive the correct price.
Deep Eddy Pool
Courtesy of the City of Austin
Deep Eddy Pool is a historic, man-made swimming pool. It is the oldest swimming pool in Texas.
In 1915, A.J. Eilers Sr. bought the land around a natural swimming hole and built the concrete pool there. The name comes from a swirling current (eddy) in the nearby river. Cold springs from the riverbanks still fill the pool with fresh water today.
Visiting Information
Staff begin filling the pool at 8 a.m. each day; the pool opens for swimming after it is full. The pool is closed every Tuesday for cleaning and maintenance.
Daily entry fee for adult residents: $5
Location: 401 Deep Eddy Ave.
Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs Pool is a natural, spring-fed swimming pool. Locals regard the pool as “the heart of the city.” The water stays cold year-round, at temperatures of about 68-70°F (20-21°C).
The area is also a protected habitat and home to the endangered Barton Springs Salamander.
Visiting the Springs
Guarded swim (every day except Thursday): 8 a.m.–10 p.m.
Daily entry fee for adult residents: $5
Location: 2201 William Barton Dr.
Before visiting, check the list of items not to bring, listed on the visitor information page.
Liz Carpenter Fountain at Butler Park
Courtesy of the City of Austin
The Liz Carpenter Fountain at Butler Park is a popular splash pad with a view of downtown Austin. It is a fun and refreshing place to cool off, and is especially nice at night when the lights turn on.
Hours and Location
Open daily: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
It is part of Butler Metro Park (formerly Town Lake Metro Park).
Location: 201 Dawson Rd.
Pease Park Splash Pad
Courtesy of Pease Park
The Pease Park Splash Pad is close to campus at the southern end of Pease Park in the Clarksville neighborhood. The location makes it a convenient place to cool off on hot days.
Visiting the Splash Pad
Open daily: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. (May through October)
Location: 1100 Kingsbury St.
Pools and splash pads are fun ways to stay active and cool during Austin’s hot summer months. There are options for everyone, from historic spring-fed pools to modern splash pads near campus.
Exploring these places can help you enjoy the city safely and comfortably all summer. Austin Parks and Recreation operates 44 public pools and splash pads. Find one near you!
This blog post was contributed by Jack Taylor, administrative associate of global engagement at the English Language Center.
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