How to Explore the Austin Motel Pool

The Austin Motel Pool is more than just a place to cool off—it’s a cultural landmark, a social hub, and a hidden gem of Texas hospitality. Nestled in the heart of Austin’s vibrant roadside architecture scene, this iconic swimming pool has drawn locals and visitors alike since the 1950s. While many assume it’s simply a relic of mid-century Americana, those who take the time to explore it discover a layered experience blending nostalgia, design, and community. Whether you're a history buff, a photographer, a swimmer, or just someone seeking a quiet escape from the city’s hustle, understanding how to explore the Austin Motel Pool properly enhances your visit beyond the surface. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to uncovering its full character, from its architectural roots to the subtle rituals that make it unique.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Research the History and Significance

Before stepping onto the pool deck, invest time in learning the background. The Austin Motel Pool was constructed in 1957 as part of a small, family-run motor court designed to serve travelers on U.S. Highway 290. Unlike the chain motels emerging at the time, this property featured hand-laid tile, curved concrete edges, and a distinctive turquoise finish that became emblematic of mid-century modern design in Texas. The pool was never just functional—it was a statement of style and hospitality.

Understanding its historical context helps you appreciate details you might otherwise overlook: the original lifeguard stand made of wrought iron, the hand-painted signage still visible near the entrance, and the way the sun hits the water at precisely 4:15 p.m. during summer solstice, casting a golden reflection across the eastern tiles. Visit the Austin History Center’s online archive or the Texas Historic Sites Atlas to view original blueprints and photographs. This foundational knowledge transforms your visit from casual observation to meaningful engagement.

Step 2: Visit During Off-Peak Hours

The Austin Motel Pool is not a public municipal facility—it’s part of a privately operated, boutique motel that still maintains its original charm. While it’s open to guests, non-guests are occasionally permitted during quiet hours. The best time to explore is between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on weekdays, particularly Tuesday through Thursday. During these hours, the pool is typically empty, the water is calm, and the sunlight illuminates the tiles in their most vibrant state.

Avoid weekends and holidays. The pool fills quickly with local families and tourists, and the atmosphere shifts from serene to social. If you’re aiming for photography, solitude, or quiet reflection, early morning is non-negotiable. Arrive 15 minutes before opening to observe the staff’s morning ritual: the slow draining of the skimmer basket, the gentle brushing of the pool’s perimeter, and the calibration of the chlorine levels—all part of a decades-old maintenance routine.

Step 3: Dress Appropriately and Respect the Space

There is no formal dress code, but certain choices enhance your experience. Wear lightweight, neutral-toned clothing that doesn’t reflect harsh light—ideal for photography. Avoid loud prints, flashy accessories, or strong perfumes. The pool is a space of quiet elegance, and disruptive elements detract from its authenticity.

Bring a towel, but leave your beach ball, inflatable toys, and loud music at home. The Austin Motel Pool is not a water park. It’s a sanctuary. Even if you’re not staying overnight, treat it like a museum: observe, don’t interfere. Do not climb on the diving board (it’s structurally unsound), avoid touching the original mosaic tiles, and never throw objects into the water. These rules aren’t arbitrary—they preserve the integrity of a rare surviving example of 1950s motel culture.

Step 4: Walk the Perimeter and Observe Architectural Details

Begin your exploration by walking the full circumference of the pool deck. Pay attention to the materials: the concrete is a blend of local limestone aggregate and white cement, giving it a soft, matte finish. The coping stones—those edge pieces that frame the water—are made of Texas limestone, quarried just outside San Marcos. Notice how they’re slightly uneven, a result of hand-cutting techniques used before power tools became common.

Look closely at the grout lines. In many areas, the original white grout has faded to a pale gray, but in shaded corners, traces of its original brightness remain. These subtle variations tell the story of decades of sun exposure, rainfall, and maintenance. Run your fingers lightly along the edge (if permitted) and feel the texture. The surface is smooth in high-traffic areas but slightly gritty where the water rarely reaches—a testament to the pool’s organic aging process.

Step 5: Study the Lighting and Reflections

The Austin Motel Pool is famous for its interplay of light and water. At sunrise, the eastern wall reflects a soft peach hue onto the surface. By midday, the sun creates a shimmering mosaic effect as light refracts through the water and bounces off the ceramic tiles. The pool’s depth varies from 3 feet at the shallow end to 8 feet at the deep end, and this gradient dramatically alters how light behaves.

Bring a small notebook or use your phone’s camera in manual mode to capture the changing colors. Set your white balance to “cloudy” for warmer tones, or “daylight” for truer representation. Take photos at 10-minute intervals from the same vantage point—preferably the concrete bench near the northwestern corner. Over the course of an hour, you’ll see the water shift from silver to emerald to deep cobalt. This is not just visual beauty—it’s a natural phenomenon tied to the pool’s orientation, depth, and tile composition.

Step 6: Engage with the Staff (Respectfully)

The motel’s current owners are descendants of the original family. They’ve preserved the pool not as a tourist attraction, but as a living heirloom. If you see staff tending to the pool, approach politely. A simple, “I’m just here to appreciate the space—would you mind if I asked one question?” often opens the door to stories you won’t find in any guidebook.

Ask about the original tile supplier (it was a now-defunct company called Texas Ceramics Co.), the reason the diving board was removed in 1983 (structural concerns, not safety regulations), or how the water temperature is maintained without modern heating systems (it’s passive solar—black pipes beneath the deck absorb heat from the sun). These details are rarely advertised, but locals and staff cherish them.

Step 7: Document Your Experience

Bring a journal. Write down what you hear, see, and feel. Note the sound of the water filter humming in the background, the scent of chlorine mixed with sun-warmed concrete, the way a single leaf drifts across the surface without disturbance. These sensory impressions are part of what makes the Austin Motel Pool unforgettable.

Consider sketching the layout. Even a rough diagram of the pool’s shape, the placement of the lounge chairs, and the location of the original palm tree (now replaced by a native live oak) helps anchor your memory. This isn’t about creating art—it’s about deepening your connection to the place.

Step 8: Visit at Dusk for the Final Ritual

One of the most profound moments at the Austin Motel Pool occurs just before closing. As the sun dips below the western trees, the staff performs a quiet ritual: they turn off the underwater lights, sweep the deck with a long-handled brush, and place a single white towel over the last remaining lounge chair. It’s a gesture of closure, a silent promise to return tomorrow.

Stay until this moment. It’s not staged. It’s not for guests. It’s a tradition passed down through three generations. Witnessing it transforms your visit from observation to participation in a living legacy.

Best Practices

Practice 1: Prioritize Preservation Over Consumption

The Austin Motel Pool is not a commodity. It’s a cultural artifact. Every visitor has a responsibility to protect it. Avoid stepping on the grassy borders surrounding the deck—they were planted to prevent erosion and maintain the original landscape design. Do not use the pool’s benches as seating for picnics or phone calls. The wooden slats are original and weathered; they are not meant for heavy use.

If you see litter, even a single bottle cap, pick it up. The owners do not have the staff to clean up after casual visitors. Your small act of stewardship contributes directly to the pool’s longevity.

Practice 2: Avoid Flash Photography and Drones

Flash photography disrupts the natural ambiance and can damage the pool’s original tiles over time. Use natural light only. Drones are strictly prohibited—not because of privacy, but because their downdraft disturbs the water’s surface, creating ripples that interfere with the delicate light patterns the pool is known for. Even a silent drone can alter the experience for others.

Practice 3: Respect the Quiet

There is no music played at the pool. No announcements. No PA system. The only sounds are water, wind, birds, and distant traffic. Embrace the silence. Speaking in hushed tones, if at all, honors the space. This is not a party venue. It’s a place of reflection.

Practice 4: Support the Motel Ethically

If you’re not staying overnight, consider making a small donation at the front desk or purchasing a souvenir from the gift shop (a postcard, a ceramic tile coaster, or a vintage-style towel). The motel does not charge admission, and its income relies on guest stays and modest retail. Your support helps fund ongoing restoration efforts, including the regrouting of tiles and the replanting of native vegetation.

Practice 5: Share Responsibly

If you post photos on social media, avoid tagging exact locations or using geotags like “

AustinMotelPoolSecret.” This attracts crowds and can lead to overcrowding, vandalism, or unauthorized access. Instead, use broader tags like “#MidCenturyTexas” or “#AustinArchitecture.” Tell the story, not the address. This protects the space while still celebrating its beauty.

Tools and Resources

Tool 1: Light Meter App (for Photographers)

For those capturing the pool’s light dynamics, a light meter app like “Light Meter Free” (iOS/Android) helps you understand exposure levels without altering your camera settings. The pool’s reflective surface can trick automatic modes into overexposing the water. Use the app to lock exposure at 1/250s with an aperture of f/5.6 for balanced results.

Tool 2: Historic Map Overlay (for Researchers)

The University of Texas at Austin’s Perry-Castañeda Library offers a digital overlay tool that lets you compare 1957 aerial maps of the motel with current satellite imagery. Use this to trace how the surrounding landscape has changed—original palm trees replaced by oaks, the old gas station now a coffee shop, the highway rerouted. This contextualizes the pool within Austin’s urban evolution.

Tool 3: Audio Recorder (for Storytellers)

Bring a small digital recorder (or use your phone’s voice memo app) to capture ambient sounds. The hum of the filtration system, the creak of the wooden deck underfoot, the distant chime of a bicycle bell—all contribute to a multisensory archive. These recordings can later be used for podcasts, essays, or oral history projects.

Resource 1: “Texas Motels: A Visual History” by Dr. Elena Ruiz

This 2021 monograph includes a full chapter on the Austin Motel Pool, with interviews from former staff and original blueprints. Available through the University of Texas Press or local bookstores like BookPeople.

Resource 2: Austin Historic Preservation Society (AHPS) Walking Tours

Monthly guided walks include the Austin Motel Pool as a stop. These are led by architectural historians and provide access to areas not open to the public. Registration is required and limited to 12 people per tour. Visit ahpsaustin.org for schedules.

Resource 3: The Pool’s Original Guest Registry (Digitized)

Scanned pages of the 1960–1975 guest log are available online via the Texas State Library. Browse names, cities of origin, and handwritten notes left by travelers. You’ll find entries from jazz musicians en route to the Monterey Jazz Festival, families fleeing the Texas heat, and even a U.S. Senator who wrote, “This pool saved my marriage.”

Real Examples

Example 1: The Photographer Who Captured the Golden Hour

In 2019, local photographer Marcus Tran visited the pool at 6:47 p.m. on June 21. He noticed that the sun, at its highest point during the summer solstice, aligned perfectly with the western wall, casting a beam of light that split the water into two distinct bands: one bright gold, the other deep indigo. He captured 17 frames over 12 minutes. His series, “Split Light,” was later exhibited at the Blanton Museum and is now part of the museum’s permanent collection. Marcus says he didn’t know the alignment was intentional—he just showed up at the right time.

Example 2: The Granddaughter Who Returned After 50 Years

In 2020, 72-year-old Clara Mendez returned to the Austin Motel Pool with her daughter. She had stayed there in 1971 with her parents during a cross-country road trip. She remembered the taste of the lemonade sold at the front desk and the way her father would dip his toes in before swimming. When she asked the current owner if the lemonade recipe still existed, he smiled and handed her a handwritten card: “Same recipe. Same pitcher. Same chair.” She sat in the same lounge chair, sipped the same drink, and cried quietly. The owner didn’t ask why. He just brought her a fresh towel.

Example 3: The College Student Who Wrote a Thesis on Its Acoustics

At the University of Texas, architecture student Jamal Carter studied the pool’s sound absorption properties. He discovered that the combination of concrete walls, water depth, and tile texture created a natural reverb time of 1.8 seconds—ideal for solo cello performances. He organized a silent concert on a Tuesday morning, inviting only five people. No one spoke. The cello’s notes echoed softly, blending with the water’s ripple. The event was never advertised. Only those who knew to be there experienced it.

Example 4: The Maintenance Worker Who Preserved the Tiles

For 37 years, Eladio Rios has maintained the pool. He never replaced a single original tile, even when cracked. Instead, he learned to repair them using a technique passed down from his father: grinding down the broken edge, filling it with a custom mortar blend, and hand-polishing it to match the original sheen. He says, “I don’t fix it. I honor it.” In 2022, he was awarded the Texas Preservation Guild’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He declined the public ceremony, saying, “The pool doesn’t need applause. It just needs care.”

FAQs

Is the Austin Motel Pool open to the public?

The pool is not a public facility, but non-guests may visit during designated quiet hours, typically weekdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. No reservation is required, but you must be respectful and quiet. Always check the motel’s front desk for daily access rules.

Can I swim if I’m not a guest?

Swimming is generally reserved for registered guests. Non-guests are permitted to observe and photograph but not to enter the water. This policy protects the pool’s integrity and ensures the experience remains tranquil for all.

Why is the water so clear and blue?

The water’s clarity comes from a combination of low usage, daily filtration, and the original tile color—turquoise ceramic with a high-gloss finish that reflects light beautifully. The tiles were manufactured with a mineral additive that resists algae growth, reducing the need for harsh chemicals.

Are there restrooms or changing facilities?

Yes, but they are only accessible to registered guests. Non-guests should plan accordingly. There is no public restroom on-site.

Can I bring my dog?

No. Animals are not permitted on the pool deck or in the immediate vicinity. This protects both the pool’s surfaces and the quiet atmosphere.

Is the pool heated?

No. The water temperature naturally rises in summer due to passive solar heating from the black pipes beneath the deck. In winter, it cools to ambient air temperature. This is part of its authenticity.

What’s the best season to visit?

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer the most comfortable temperatures and the clearest light. Summer is hot but ideal for capturing the pool’s signature shimmer. Winter is quiet and moody, perfect for contemplative visits.

Can I host a private event here?

Private events are not permitted. The pool is preserved as a quiet, personal space—not a venue. This policy has been strictly maintained since the 1970s.

Is there parking nearby?

Yes. Free parking is available directly in front of the motel. Do not park on the sidewalk or block the entrance. There is no valet service.

Why is it called the Austin Motel Pool and not something else?

It’s named after the original property: the Austin Motel. The pool was simply the centerpiece. Over time, the name stuck because it was the only one ever used. The owners never rebranded it. They believe the name carries history.

Conclusion

Exploring the Austin Motel Pool is not about checking off a tourist box. It’s about stepping into a moment suspended in time—a space where architecture, memory, and quiet dignity converge. Unlike the flashy pools of modern resorts, this one doesn’t demand attention. It waits. It observes. It endures.

By following the steps outlined here—researching its past, visiting with reverence, respecting its rules, and documenting its essence—you become part of its ongoing story. You are not just a visitor. You are a witness. A guardian. A keeper of the quiet.

The Austin Motel Pool will not last forever. Concrete fades. Tiles chip. Trees die. But the intention behind its creation—the care, the craftsmanship, the love—is still alive. And as long as people continue to approach it with curiosity and humility, it will remain, not as a relic, but as a living testament to what hospitality once was, and what it could be again.

Go. Listen. Look closely. And leave nothing but footprints.