Austin’s beloved Barton Springs Pool will keep its late-night hours, allowing residents and visitors to continue enjoying evening swims and the famously quirky full moon howling events. A recent proposal to end nightly access at 9 p.m., eliminating the 9 to 10 p.m. free swim hour, has been withdrawn following public concern and a reassessment by city officials.
Over the weekend, a sign at Barton Springs indicated that new operating hours would begin June 1, closing the pool nightly at 9 p.m. The announcement spread quickly on social media, with many Austinites reacting strongly to what would have been a major shift in local tradition. The 9–10 p.m. free swim has long been a treasured ritual for night owls and summer revelers, and the idea of cutting it caused a stir online.
City of Austin Communication Director Jessica King clarified that the proposed change was part of broader cost-saving discussions in light of a potential budget shortfall. Departments were asked to identify 1.5% in cuts, and reduced pool hours were considered by the Parks and Recreation Department. However, this option was never officially approved.
City Manager T.C. Broadnax ultimately determined that the impact to the public did not justify the potential savings. Because the summer season is already underway and any changes would require advance notice, the city confirmed that pool hours will remain unchanged for 2025. That means both early morning (5 to 8 a.m.) and late-night swim sessions are safe for now.
The possibility of losing Barton Springs’ late access sparked widespread disappointment on platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter). Lifeguards United shared an image of the sign announcing the change, noting the lack of explanation. One commenter wrote, “Free night swim saved my life when I went through a divorce. Why end it with no notice?”
Community feedback appeared to influence the city's final decision, reinforcing how much Barton Springs Pool is embedded in Austin’s culture. Despite this win for night swimmers, the city hinted that future budget talks could still bring tough choices across departments. For now, though, the pool’s unique after-dark appeal continues to thrive.
