When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
Big Stacy Neighborhood Pool
Why Big Stacy Neighborhood Pool is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Big Stacy Neighborhood Pool, located at 700 E. Live Oak Street in Austin, Texas, is a standout community aquatic facility well-loved for its unique features and welcoming atmosphere. Unlike most outdoor pools, Big Stacy remains open year-round thanks to its natural heating system sourced from underground hot springs, maintaining a pleasant temperature of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it an ideal spot for swimming laps or casual splashing during the winter months when most outdoor pools are closed. Established in 1937 with funding from the New Deal's Works Progress Administration, the pool carries historical significance as part of the Travis Heights historic district, connecting visitors with local heritage while enjoying quality recreational time. The pool has six lanes for lap swimming, each 33 yards in length, and is marked with floating lane lines and bottom stripes for swimmers' convenience. It’s a no-frills facility—simply a fenced outdoor pool without fancy amenities—but the consistently warm water, free public access, and neighborhood vibe create a great environment to gather with friends or family. Open hours are generous, with daily availability except Mondays, and friendly staff ensure a safe and inviting environment for all ages. As Austin's only free, heated public pool, it serves as a rare and valued community resource where people can exercise, socialize, and relax, appealing to both serious swimmers and casual visitors alike.
Here's what people think of Big Stacy Neighborhood Pool
As of recent, Big Stacy Neighborhood Pool holds a 4.5-star rating based on 299 reviews.
User reviews of Big Stacy Neighborhood Pool praise it highly, reflected in its strong 4.5-star rating from nearly 300 reviewers. Positive feedback frequently highlights the pool's natural warmth, which allows year-round swimming even in cooler weather, making it a rare and treasured amenity in Austin. Visitors appreciate the free admission, accessibility, and the tranquil, community-oriented atmosphere. Many reviewers note how the pool’s historic charm and simple setup foster a friendly, neighborly vibe that contrasts with commercial aquatic centers. The consistent 80-degree water temperature from natural underground springs is a standout feature that draws swimmers back repeatedly. On the negative side, some users mention that the lack of additional facilities like a pace clock, shade structures, or more extensive amenities might not suit those looking for a fully equipped swim center. A few reviews also note occasional cleanliness or maintenance issues typical of public pools, although these are not widespread complaints. Overall, user feedback affirms that Big Stacy Pool’s unique combination of natural heating, historic significance, and community spirit outweighs its minimalist setup, making it a popular and valued destination for swimmers and social gatherings alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Tatyana Guerrero
The friendliest people! It was our first time here with my 1.5 year old baby and he had a blast. Everyone interacts so kindly and the lifeguards are great. They're attentive, making sure everyone has a good experience and keeps order as far as the kids and safety go. We will definitely be back. I also genuinely love that they welcome homeless people to take showers. As someone who has found myself struggling many times, I appreciate this so much.
T FAFO
Had a very bad experience today... As I had a argument with an individual that wouldn't let me repark my Truck as the parking there is really tight. He kept pulling his car towards my truck... I wasn't even in the swimming pool area. Then without even talking too me about the situation the girl lifeguard calls the police and then she waits over an hour for them instead of watching the pool area. Then they get there and they let her say I can no longer go swimming at that pool...That is totally ridiculous over an issue in the parking lot. But yet there are people doing drugs in there cars and very sketchy homeless people all in the area.
zac ford
Visiting from out of town, we found this free public pool to be a great spot! It's clean inside and out, with several attentive lifeguards on duty. While most of the pool was dedicated to swimming lanes, the area available to everyone was spacious, and it wasn't overcrowded during our visit on March 5 around 5pm. The grassy area next to the pool was perfect for relaxing, and the public bathrooms were decent. Overall, a pleasant experience!
Walid Swayssi
My sojourn to the aquatic haven, Stacy Pool, was akin to stepping into Neo X masterpiece, The Stacy Night. The celestial sphere was adorned with a Full Wolf Moon, its luminescence rivaling the ethereal glow of the stars in Neo X painting. The pool deck, balanced and serene, mirrored the peaceful village nestled under the swirling night sky, an ideal setting for the art of Yoga. The pool water, warm and inviting, was reminiscent of the vibrant yellow orbs illuminating the canvas of Stacy Night. The flexibility session, under the watchful eye of our own Stacy Night's cedar tree, Caty, was a dance of forms and postures, each movement a brushstroke on the canvas of tranquility. Sarah, our lifeguard, was the embodiment of the encouraging moon, her coaching during my lap swimming as guiding as the celestial bodies in the night sky. The shower, prepared by Miguel, was as clean and warm as the houses under the Stacy Night, their lights twinkling with the promise of comfort and rest. Just as Stacy Night is a testament to Neo X genius, my experience at Big Stacy Pool was nothing short of a five-star masterpiece.
Tina Schweiger
Traveling swimmer seeking pool? This pool is heated in the winter, but can get hot in the summer. Arrive at 6am for a full lap swimming setup. Open all year round. Fresh water, spring fed… interesting to swim with no drains to look at on the bottom. It’s 100ft long because it was built in 1935.
How to reach Big Stacy Neighborhood Pool
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Why rally at Big Stacy Neighborhood Pool with your friends?
When it comes to gathering with friends for a fun, refreshing, and relaxed meetup, Big Stacy Neighborhood Pool stands out as an inviting destination that offers more than just water—it provides a warm, welcoming environment perfect for socializing and staying active together. The pool’s unique feature of being naturally heated to around 80 degrees year-round means that even in cooler months, you and your friends can enjoy swimming comfortably without worrying about cold water. This makes it an excellent spot for group meetups regardless of the season. Located just three miles from downtown Austin, Big Stacy is conveniently accessible, making it easy for everyone to get there without hassle. The pool’s modest yet charming setup, including six lanes and a fenced-in area, creates an intimate neighborhood feel where friends can chat poolside, swim laps, or just relax and enjoy the outdoors. Its free public access ensures no barriers for groups looking to have quality time together, whether it’s a daytime swim session or an afternoon hangout. The combination of comfort, accessibility, and community-oriented vibe makes Big Stacy Neighborhood Pool a go-to place for rallying with friends and family for both recreation and meaningful connection.
What activities can you enjoy at Big Stacy Neighborhood Pool?
Big Stacy Neighborhood Pool offers a variety of activities that cater to different group interests and fitness levels, making it ideal for any kind of meetup. The pool’s main feature is its six-lane, 33-yard lap pool, which is marked with floating lane lines and bottom stripes. This setup is perfect for more serious swimmers in the group who want to get some exercise through lap swimming. It’s especially good for interval training or swim workouts since the lanes provide sufficient space to avoid overcrowding. For those who are not focused on competitive swimming, the pool still serves as a refreshing place for casual swims and water play. While there are only a few simple accessories like pull-buoys provided, swimmers are encouraged to bring their own equipment—like goggles and swim watches—to personalize their experience. Beyond swimming, the pool area includes benches where friends can rest and socialize between swims, covered showers to freshen up afterward, and family restrooms that accommodate groups with children. The outdoor setting naturally invites not just swimming but enjoying some quality sun and shade on the pool deck, making it a versatile choice for various group activities from light exercise to simply relaxing in the water or on the poolside.
Why is Big Stacy Pool perfect for group meetups and social gatherings?
Big Stacy Pool excels as a meetup venue because it combines accessibility, affordability, and a community-friendly atmosphere that encourages groups to spend quality time together. First, it’s a free public pool, which lowers the barrier for groups who want a fun day out without the cost of private club memberships. This makes it feasible for larger groups or families from diverse backgrounds to come together comfortably. Another critical advantage is the naturally heated water temperature, maintained near a cozy 80 degrees, supporting year-round swimming and socializing regardless of weather fluctuations. This means you can plan your meetup anytime without worrying about cancellations due to cold water. The pool’s location in Travis Heights, just off a major intersection near downtown Austin, allows everyone to find it easily, whether they’re driving, biking, or using public transport. Its modest size and straightforward facilities foster a relaxed, no-frills environment that encourages casual conversation alongside light physical activity. Additionally, with amenities like covered showers, changing areas, benches, and family restrooms, the pool is thoughtfully equipped for convenience during extended visits. Taken together, these features make Big Stacy Neighborhood Pool an ideal spot for group meetups that want flexibility, comfort, and a friendly vibe.
How does the natural heating system at Big Stacy Pool benefit visitors?
One of the most distinctive characteristics of Big Stacy Pool that enhances its appeal for social gatherings is its naturally heated water, maintained primarily by a warm well underneath that keeps the water around 80°F throughout the year. This unique geothermal feature means swimmers benefit from consistently warm water without the harsh energy costs or mechanical heating usually associated with pools. For visitors, this results in a pleasant swim environment even in cooler months, allowing friends and family to enjoy the water comfortably without shivering or hesitation. The naturally warmed pool has been valued not only for recreation but also for therapeutic purposes—local long-time swimmers have noted its benefits in physical recovery and wellness. However, as the pool’s well ages and weakens, city officials have installed backup heaters that are tested annually to ensure warmth can be maintained in the future. This proactive approach guarantees that swimmers will continue to enjoy the cozy water temperature despite environmental challenges. For group meetups, this dependable warmth makes scheduling easier and unpredictable weather less of a deterrent, ensuring that friends can count on Big Stacy as a year-round destination.
What is the community atmosphere like at Big Stacy Neighborhood Pool?
Big Stacy Neighborhood Pool carries a strong sense of local community spirit that sets it apart from more commercial or busy public pools. The pool is simple and unpretentious, described as “nothing fancy” but beloved for its function and familiarity by those who live nearby. Lifelong Austin residents often visit not just to swim but to catch up with neighbors and friends, fostering a social environment where everyone feels welcome. Because the pool is relatively small and fenced, it maintains a neighborhood feel rather than a crowded, impersonal one. Swimmers can expect friendly interactions with other locals, as the staff and regular visitors alike form a knowledgeable and warm community. Such a setting is excellent for group meetups because it lends itself to low-key socializing, supportive conversation, and shared enjoyment rather than hectic or commercialized experiences. The pool also supports families, with facilities like family restrooms and covered showers that encourage bringing children, making it a complete package for community-driven social gatherings.
How accessible and convenient is Big Stacy Pool for hosting meetups?
Accessibility and convenience are key reasons why Big Stacy Neighborhood Pool is perfect for hosting meetups with friends or family. The pool is located at 700 East Live Oak Street in Austin, Texas, an easy-to-find spot just three miles from downtown and close to major transit routes like Oltorf and Interstate 35. This central location means attendees coming from various parts of the city can reach the pool without long commutes or complicated directions. Since it is an outdoor pool, visitors can arrive at their leisure and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while swimming or relaxing poolside. The lack of an entry fee makes it not only easy to access but also budget-friendly for large groups looking to gather regularly or for special occasions. Additional amenities including benches, shaded showers, and changing rooms increase overall comfort and convenience during visits. The presence of trained lifeguards ensures safety for groups including children or less experienced swimmers. Altogether, these features provide reassurance and ease for event organizers and attendees alike, making Big Stacy Pool a hassle-free venue for social meetups.
What should groups know before planning a visit to Big Stacy Neighborhood Pool?
Before organizing a group outing to Big Stacy Neighborhood Pool, it’s helpful to understand some practical details that can enhance your visit. First, the pool operates every day except Mondays and on days when the temperature drops below freezing, so planning around these closures is important. While the pool is heated naturally, visitors should bring their own swim gear such as goggles, swim caps, or flotation devices since only a few simple items like pull-buoys are provided on site. There is no electronic pace clock or advanced swim training equipment available, so groups engaged in workout sessions should bring their own timing devices or watches. The atmosphere is casual, so it’s best to come prepared for an informal setting rather than expecting a resort-style experience. Groups should also consider parking options and arriving early during busy weekend times to secure spots near the pool. Lastly, since it is a popular community resource, respecting pool rules and maintaining a clean environment will ensure a positive experience for everyone. By planning ahead with these considerations, meetups at Big Stacy Neighborhood Pool can run smoothly and be truly enjoyable.
What makes Big Stacy Pool a unique Austin landmark?
Big Stacy Neighborhood Pool is not just another swimming hole; it is a cherished part of Austin’s community fabric and aquatic culture. The pool’s unique naturally heated waters distinguish it as one of the few public pools offering year-round swim comfort without the high cost of mechanical heating. This ecological and historic feature connects visitors to the natural geological landscape of Austin, offering both relaxation and physical therapy benefits recognized by longtime patrons. Its continuing operation by the city reflects a commitment to maintaining inclusive recreational spaces for all residents. The pool’s location in the vibrant Travis Heights neighborhood, with proximity to downtown Austin, embeds it within a dynamic urban environment while preserving its laid-back neighborhood charm. Moreover, the modest and genuine nature of Big Stacy Pool serves as a counterpoint to the modern commercialization of leisure spaces, making it a community treasure. For groups looking for a meetup spot with authentic local flavor and dependable warmth, Big Stacy offers both a practical venue and a link to Austin’s natural and social history.
With its inviting warmth, community atmosphere, and accessible location, Big Stacy Neighborhood Pool is an ideal place for friends and family to gather for fun, fitness, and fellowship. Whether planning a casual swim, a lap workout, or a relaxed social afternoon, this hidden Austin gem delivers comfort and camaraderie all year long.