I thought I knew all about pools. I grew up in a place where almost everyone had one in their backyard and swimming season went from May to October. Coming from a large family of modest means meant that we ourselves didn't have one-but no matter. Pool parties, afternoon swims at friend's houses and church socials meant that swimming pretty much happened whenever I wanted.
Pools in Central California are always cold. The heat is a scorching dry one and the water is a nice relief. Fast forward to spending almost six years of my adult life in Portland-aka the land where you pretty much don't ever swim in a private pool. The few times I did swim in Oregon were in freezing cold rivers and waterfalls.
Texas pools are a different story. In Austin the humidity can be so high that a pool can feel like bathwater. Earlier in the summer James and I frequented our neighborhood pool. James loved the 80+ degree warm waters and I enjoyed the fun parts about swimming but never really felt refreshed.
Buying the car a couple weeks ago meant that we could finally head on over to the much hyped Barton Springs. I'll admit, I had my doubts about this place. I'd heard so many great reviews about this swimming pool that I wondered-can a swimming pool really be that amazing?
Well, yes-yes it can. Barton Springs is a man made pool-but is also surrounded by grassy fields and big shady oak trees. The water is spring fed and cold-around 68 degrees. The moment I plunged in I realized why everyone loves this place. The water instantly energized and refreshed me. It was great to float around and people watch, too. My favorite scene of the day was watching a young boy (maybe three or four years old) jump from the big old diving board. After several failed attempts he made it and the whole pool erupted in cheers and claps.
And there is something really magical about the springs...even though it was 110 degrees outside, the sunshine felt lovely. And I noticed that after my swim, the heat did not bother me for the rest of the day. That is pretty darn amazing.
Oh Austin-you are growing on me.
