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| Deep Eddy Pool |
| Written by Chelsea Wallace | |
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There’s history in them there waters. Deep Eddy originated as a swimming hole in the Colorado River, where cold, natural springs mixed with the river at a (you guessed it) deep eddy behind a large boulder. The first concrete pool was built in 1916. Shortly thereafter, Deep Eddy transformed beyond a family-friendly pool to a full-on resort. The grounds were ideal for pitching a tent and camping, but cabins were available for those not so outdoor-savvy. The popular site also included a Ferris wheel, steep slides, a zip-line across the pool, and the still-talked-about diving horse named Lorena. It was a vacation dream for those who visited. Sadly, shortly after the City of Austin purchased the land in 1935, a terrible flood destroyed many of the amenities, including the famous Deep Eddy Bathhouse. Fortunately, FDR’s New Deal program, the Works Progress Administration, restored the bathhouse and pool just a year later, and the space was opened once again as a public park. More recently, the Friends of Deep Eddy, a non-profit organization for the protection of Deep Eddy, initiated a campaign to land the pool and grounds on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. The bigger project was a fund-raising effort for much-needed renovations on the aging bathhouse. Their devoted time and efforts paid off, and the historic bathhouse was reopened in June of 2007, restored to its original condition. Sister to well-known swimming area Barton Springs , Deep Eddy is still considered the hidden oasis of the city. The pool is spring-fed from a hand-dug, 35-foot well that maintains the water temperature between 68 and 72 degrees year-round. It boasts a large free-swim area, plenty of lap lanes, and a spacious wading area for the kids. Towering oak trees shade the surrounding lawn, which bring a hint of that old-fashioned charm. Although food is not allowed on the park grounds, shaded picnic tables adjacent to the entrance offer a convenient spot for lunch.  No sticky floors at this theater. On slow summer days, tote the entire family down to Deep Eddy Pool for a classic Austin afternoon. Whether you’re there to relax on the soft, breezy lawn, exercise in the lap lanes, or wade into the chilly water, Deep Eddy is just as distinguished as it was over 90 years ago. Deep Eddy Pool is located just off Lake Austin Blvd., on the north shore of Lady Bird Lake four blocks west of Mopac. More specifically: 401 Deep Eddy Drive. Fees (mid-March through Octover only) are $3 for adults, $2 for juniors, $1 for kids and seniors. Call 512.472.8546 for up-to-the-minute information. |
