Austin’s Big Stacy Pool: A Natural Wonder in Danger of Losing its Warmth
Big Stacy Pool, located in the heart of the Travis Heights neighborhood in Austin, is a hidden gem that offers a unique and natural swimming experience. Unlike Barton Springs Pool, which maintains a constant temperature of 70 degrees year-round thanks to underground springs, Big Stacy Pool is naturally heated to a toasty 90-100 degrees. This warm oasis has been a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike for decades, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The History of Big Stacy Pool
Originally opened in 1937, Big Stacy Pool was funded through President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration as part of the New Deal initiative. Named after Gen. William Stacy, a Spanish-American War veteran and real estate agent who played a key role in the development of Travis Heights, the pool quickly became a popular destination for Austinites looking to cool off during the hot summer months.
Sarah Marshall, program coordinator for historic preservation at Austin Parks and Recreation, explained that Big Stacy Pool, along with its bathhouses and seawall, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The pool’s natural heating system has been a significant part of its historical preservation, attracting visitors both in the past and present. In its early days, the pool was a bustling hub of activity, drawing crowds of swimmers eager to take a dip in its warm waters.
The Geothermal Well: Harnessing the Earth’s Warmth
One of the key features of Big Stacy Pool is its geothermal well, which is responsible for capturing warm water from deep beneath the earth’s surface and transferring it to the pool. The well, which was established when the pool first opened, reaches a depth of 1,600 feet to access the earth’s natural heat. This innovative system ensures that the pool remains warm and inviting throughout the year, even during the coldest winter months.
Paul Slutes, manager of the city of Austin’s Aquatic Division, explained that the geothermal well operates on a circulation system that was updated in 1996. Previously, the pool relied on freshwater from either well water or the city supply, which would flow out to the creek once used. With the new system in place, the warm water is recirculated back into the pool, maximizing its heating efficiency.
The Threat to Big Stacy Pool’s Natural Heating
Despite its long history and popularity among swimmers, Big Stacy Pool faces a significant threat to its natural heating system. Over time, the geothermal well that feeds warmth to the pool has weakened, putting its future in jeopardy. Slutes revealed that efforts to clean the well using high-frequency sound were unsuccessful due to the fragility of its casing, which could collapse if disturbed.
In response to this challenge, the city of Austin installed backup heaters as a contingency plan in case the well fails completely. While these heaters have not been activated yet, their presence signals a shift towards relying on artificial heating rather than the pool’s natural geothermal system. The potential loss of the pool’s natural warmth not only poses a threat to its historical significance but also comes with a hefty price tag in terms of increased gas bills.
Looking Towards the Future: Preserving Big Stacy Pool
As the city grapples with the dilemma of how to maintain Big Stacy Pool’s warmth in the face of a failing geothermal well, community members like Beverly Deutsch and Anna Strong are hopeful that a solution can be found. Deutsch, who has used the pool for physical therapy following a stroke, emphasized the importance of preserving this unique swimming hole for future generations.
Strong echoed Deutsch’s sentiments, expressing gratitude for the city’s proactive approach in installing backup heaters to ensure the pool remains open year-round. While the loss of the pool’s natural heating system would be a blow to its charm and historical significance, the community remains committed to finding a sustainable solution that honors the legacy of Big Stacy Pool.
In Conclusion
Big Stacy Pool is more than just a swimming hole – it’s a piece of Austin’s history and a beloved gathering place for generations of residents. The pool’s natural warmth, provided by its geothermal well, has been a defining feature that sets it apart from other swimming spots in the city. As efforts to preserve this warmth continue, the community’s dedication to ensuring the pool remains a vibrant and inviting oasis for years to come is evident. With innovative solutions and a commitment to sustainability, Big Stacy Pool may yet retain its status as a cherished landmark in the heart of Austin.