Barton Springs Pool repairs: City explains origins of old pipe causing the issues

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin released more information on Friday about the ongoing repairs at Barton Springs Pool and the origins of the abandoned pipe causing all the issues.

How was the pipe found?

Last month, Austin Parks and Recreation staff noticed water being pulled into an abandoned pipe during weekly pool cleaning and maintenance. After checking it out, the city said the hole had grown to be two feet long and a foot wide, and a secondary, smaller hole was discovered.

City officials said a "strong suction force" drew water into the pipe, which could trap a swimmer underwater. Now crews are working to plug the outlet of the old pipe in the Barking Springs area.

Where did the pipe come from?

The city explained Friday that the abandoned pipe was installed in the 1940s and previously used as a skimmer pipe. The pipe, made of concrete, is 18 inches in diameter.

"When it was originally installed, it ran the entire length of the pool and served as a bypass, keeping storm water out of the pool," the city said in a news release.

In the 1990s, part of the pipe was rerouted and repurposed, but most of it was taken out of use. The city said the rerouted part of the pipe is still in use today.

"It runs from the shallow end to the bypass tunnel underneath the sidewalk on the bathhouse side of the pool and helps to circulate water in the shallow end," the city said.

The City of Austin provided a detailed diagram showing where repairs would be taking place, as well as where the skimmer pipe runs underneath the pool and the location of the holes.

What is the plan for repairs?

The city said it's working with contractors to fill the end of the unused skimmer pipe with concrete in the Barking Springs area. During this time, the pool will remain closed.

Repairs may begin as early as next week, according to the city, and will likely last a few weeks. Much of that time will be used to prepare and clean up the site. The Barking Springs area, a section of Barton Creek next to the pool's dam, will be blocked off, and water will be pumped out of it to create a dry work area.

Parts of Barking Springs will stay open, but people are encouraged to visit other parks while repair work is underway.

The city said the contractor plans to access the Barking Springs area by using the path beside the creek that runs past the kayak rental. Construction equipment will move in and out of the route a few times a day.

"Temporary environmental and sediment control measures, including coffer dams, will be put in place while repairs are being performed," the city said in a news release.

The city reminded patrons of the popular pool that these repairs are being treated as an emergency, and the plan may change as the repairs progress.

The contractor also plans to use sediment and erosion controls to keep dust and material out of Barton Creek, according to the city, and the plan is to restore Barking Springs back to its original condition before ending the repairs.

Where can I go to swim instead?

The city said Deep Eddy Pool will open daily at 6 a.m. to accommodate swimmers. A list of other pools to use while Barton Springs Pool is closed can be found online.