Barton Springs: the best swim training in Austin

Barton Springs Pool is 900 feet long and 68°F in August when it's 103°F outside. It is objectively the best thing in Austin.

The logistics:

• Open 5am–10pm most days (hours vary, check Austin Parks)
• Free before 8am (this is when you should be there)
• $5 entry during peak hours
• Lifeguards on duty — they will whistle at you if you do something weird

How to use it for tri training:

One lap = ~300 yards. Three laps = a little under a mile. For a full 2.4-mile race sim you need about 14 laps. It's a pool, not a track. Counting is your problem.

The turtles:

They live near the far end. They do not move, and at the end of a swim session I don't really blame them.

The cold:

68°F feels cold for the first 30 seconds. Then it's perfect. By the end of summer it feels warm because outside is 105°F and you've lost all reference.

Wetsuit practice:

If you plan to wear a wetsuit in the race, you can practice here. You will get very warm. This is the point.

The vibe:

Early morning (5–7am) is serious lap swimmers and a few triathletes. After 9am it fills with people cooling off, kids, and dogs who are not technically supposed to be there but always are.

→ Go early. Swim your laps. Maybe go for a run. Perfect morning.