Deep Eddy Pool--an Oasis in the Heart of Austin

At Deep Eddy next to the Lap Lanes

The Carful of Kids live around Austin, Texas, and we love the city: it's a fabulous place and everyone we meet on our travels LOVES Austin. But if there is one thing that I could change about ATX it would be the sizzling summers. That's not going to happen so we like to hang out in the water, preferably a natural pool.

At the edge of the wading pool, waiting to go in.

The Austin area is home to several natural pools and swimming holes, everyone has their favorite. There is the popular one--Barton Springs Pool, it's awesome and everyone visiting Austin is there right now.

The carful of kid's favorite is more a locals hangout, Deep Eddy Pool (401 Deep Eddy Avenue, open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., March 14 to October 31 for the wading pool, year-round for the lap pool). The admission for adults is $ 4, juniors--ages 12 to 17 is $ 3, children under 12 is $ 2 and babies are free.

What I love about Deep Eddy Pool is the old Austin vibe and of course the beautiful fresh water. Thanks to a recent remodel to the pool, it has a zero-entry wading pool, great for the kids.

The zero-entry wading pool, great for all kids.

Deep Eddy Pool is the oldest swimming pool in Texas. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and it was named after the large boulder on the Colorado River that runs through Austin. The boulder was responsible for creating an eddy that early residents used to swim in.

The beautiful mosaic was added in a recent remodel.

In 1915, A. J. Eiler, Sr. bought the land on the Colorado River next to the boulder and constructed a pool with a 35-foot deep hand-dug well that supplies the fresh water to the pool. A few years later a resort was established at Deep Eddy Pool.

Families and Lap Swimmers swim in peace, side-by-side.

In 1935, the City of Austin bought the property but a flood destroyed the property just two weeks later. A bathhouse was constructed by the Works Progress Administration during the Depression, it's still in use today after a recent restoration.

The water at Deep Eddy Pool is the draw for most swimmers because it isn't treated with chlorine, fresh water is pumped into the pool every other day. The temperature ranges from 65F to 75F, it takes a couple of minutes to adjust but quite refreshing on a hot summer day.

Because it's Texas.

Deep Eddy Pool hosts movie nights throughout the summer. There is a concession stand and a few picnic tables, though food is not allowed next to the pool. There is plenty of grass around the pool for spreading out your beach towels.

If you are headed to Austin in the summer and need to cool down for a bit, stop by Deep Eddy Pool. You can make it a day or stay a few hours, it's one of the unique features of ATX that locals and visitors alike love.

Up Next: Another Austin Swimming Hole