Barton Springs Pool is reopening to the public Sept. 19 following a three-week closure for emergency repairs.

What's happening

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department announced Aug. 29 that the pool was being shut down for a maintenance issue.

After review, city staff found a pair of holes in abandoned pipe that were drawing in water. The parks department said the breaks represented a safety hazard, creating a "strong suction force" that could have had the potential to trap swimmers underwater.

In the past few weeks, maintenance crews plugged the holes with gravel. Downstream of the pool in the "Barking Springs" area, the pipeline was also filled in with concrete. The city said repairs were made with consideration for the endangered Barton Springs salamander, with biologists on-hand to track the pool's water levels during construction.

“We are thrilled to welcome the community back to Barton Springs Pool in time for the weekend. City leadership and partner departments have been instrumental working efficiently and cooperatively to resolve the issue and ensure that the pool is safe and ready for visitors,” interim Parks Director Angela Means said in a statement. “We appreciate the patience and understanding of pool goers throughout the repair process.”

Ahead of the pool's reopening, the parks department oversaw final touches in the pool area to make sure the pipeline issues are addressed and the area is ready for public use. Staff also monitored cleanup efforts including:

• Repainting safety signs
• Completing tree and pool maintenance
• Installing new sod on the pool's south lawn

The city said some of the lawn area will be blocked off for several weeks to allow the turf to grow.

More information about the recent closure and repair process is available from the city online.