Barton Springs Pool will be closed for several weeks to address repairs for a leak in an old water pipe, according to a Tuesday press release from the city.

During a weekly maintenance check, city staff discovered two large holes in a pipe that pose a safety hazard for people swimming in the pool due to its strong suction, said an Austin Parks and Recreation Department spokesperson. 

Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department, the Watershed Protection Department and Austin Water Department will conduct repairs at the pool and come up with a more permanent solution, according to the press release. It also said the pool will be closed so water levels can lower and departments have access to repair the pipe. A Watershed Protection Department spokesperson said the departments are still developing the repair plan. 

“Pool visitor safety is a top priority for the City, and the damages created conditions that pose a significant safety risk, up to and including loss of life,” the city said in the press release. “City engineering staff are working to develop a long-term solution that accounts for environmental issues, protection of endangered species, as well as public safety.”

Advertising sophomore Soloman Meza said he and his friends wanted to go to Barton Springs Pool over Labor Day weekend and were surprised it was closed. They ended up going to Barton Creek, but it was not as enjoyable as the pool would have been, he said.

“It was (my friends’) first time going to Barton Springs, and I wanted it to be enjoyable,” Meza said. “I was really, really hoping it would be open, and when I got there, I was super bummed out. I felt bad.” 

Economics senior Rhianna Roberts said she had never been to Barton Springs Pool before in her three years living in Austin, but she said she was more disappointed that her Labor Day plans had to change at the last minute. 

“I do (plan to go to Barton Springs), but I don’t think it’ll happen for a very long time,” Roberts said. “It’s going to take several weeks. I expect that it’s probably going to be kind of cold by then, so it just sucks that it has to (wait) until spring to be enjoyable.”