Overview
- The pool will close the week of Feb. 23 with work scheduled through March 13 under the Barton Springs Skimmer Bypass Project.
- Inspections found portions of a decommissioned 1940s bypass undermined and unstable, and a study warned flood erosion could cause pieces to break off into the pool.
- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service concurred the removal is allowed under the city's Habitat Conservation Plan and Incidental Take Permit, with measures to protect the endangered Barton Springs salamander.
- Watershed Protection staff will be onsite to monitor activities and remediate habitat, and the winter schedule is intended to limit disruption for swimmers.
- Officials say the work is unrelated to the 2024 emergency repair, and the city has posted a project webpage with updates and alternative swimming options.