The Balmorhea State Park pool is one of the most photographed and popularly visited attractions in Texas. Every year, thousands of people flock to the scenic oasis to cool off during the warm summer months.
But as the temperature starts rising, so does the question: is the pool open?
While the pool is available to everyone, there are some restrictions. Hours of operation vary by the season, but the general rule of thumb is that the pool is open from mid-May to early October.
If you plan on visiting the park and swimming, you should probably know the rules and restrictions beforehand to have the best possible experience.
Table of Contents
The Season
The seasons in Texas are unique. In Spring, the weather is relatively mild and pleasant. The days are warm but not overly so, and the air is fresh and brimming with new life. Few states experience the transition from spring to summer more quickly than Texas. In just a few short weeks, the snowbirds that flock to the state in the winter time have their feathers replaced with sunblock and the temperatures rise rapidly. Summer in Texas is a beautiful time of year, with the air being fresh and cool, ideal for a swim.
As a result of this, the best times for visiting the pool at Balmorhea State Park are from June to September. During the hottest months, the pool will be at its hottest and least desirable for swimming. The water is also at its most dangerous, due to the heat making it more likely to boil over. If you would like to cool off during the hottest season, you should visit the pool in the early morning or late evening, when the temperatures are at their lowest.
Access
Like most other state parks in Texas, Balmorhea State Park is open to the public. However, access to the pool is through a club. The memberships vary by the season, but for the best swim, you will have to pay $60 a year. Children under the age of 18 are free, but they must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
As a result of this, the pool is generally not open to children. Even if your children are old enough to walk by themselves, they will most likely not be able to join you for a swim. The exception is at the Kids’ Center, where they have a swim lesson every week during the summer. But again, this is a membership-based pool.
Hours
As mentioned above, hours of operation vary by the season. During the summer, the pool is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and it closes in the winter. In April and May, the pool opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. The days and the times can change as the seasons evolve, so it is important to check the website or the phone book to confirm the current hours of operation.
Rules
Another thing that can be different during particular seasons is the rules. For example, if you are a non-member, you cannot enter the pool area after hours. You also cannot leave the parking lot without first obtaining an employee’s permission, as there is usually someone on patrol checking papers. Another thing that you need to be aware of is that dogs are not allowed in the pool area. This is because the water is not chlorinated and can be dangerous for pets if they drink it. This rule also applies to people with pools in their front yards. In case of an accident, it is important to note that the park is not liable for any damages, as this is not a commercial enterprise. However, it does offer a gym, an outdoor amphitheater, and a playground. All of these amenities are free of charge.
Allergies And Chemicals
If you are allergic to any substances, you need to know what is in the water before you get into it. Even if you are not allergic to something, you might still have trouble with chemicals in the water that cause corrosion in metal. Corrosion is the process by which a substance eats away at the integrity of the metal in your body. It is a serious issue, and not something to take lightly. This is why you need to be sure that you are not allergic to anything in the water before you get in.
Temperature
The water at the pool at Balmorhea State Park is at a comfortable temperature for swimming. Unless you are going for a particularly long swim, you do not need to worry about the temperatures being too hot or cold. However, if you are visiting the park in the winter, you might need to bring some extra layers. Even with all the heat from the sun and the park itself, the water can still be a bit chilly. If you plan on staying in the park after hours, you might want to bring a sweater or a jacket to the pool area. If you get cold, even in the heat, there is an indoor pool available for public use. It is adjacent to the outdoor one, and has the same hours of operation. If you need to get out of the heat, you can always head there for a swim. The outdoor pool is also the best place to enjoy a sundowner swim on a balmy evening. The water is a beautiful, tranquil pool, and it provides a stunning view of the sunset. The downside is that it gets very crowded during the summer. There are also no lounges or beach chairs available at the outdoor pool, so you will have to bring your own to sit on. It would be best to enjoy a swim at the indoor pool during the summer, when the temperatures are at their peak. This way, you can be sure that the water will be at a comfortable temperature for you and your family.
Children
Children are a key priority for most states, as they are for the federal government. As a result, most state parks put a lot of effort into providing fun and educational activities for children. One of the best things about the pool at Balmorhea State Park is that they have designed it with children in mind. For starters, there are coloring books available on the park website, which you can use to educate yourself and your kids as you sit by the pool. You and your kids can also explore the outdoors together, as part of the park’s initiative to get kids more active. There is a playground, volleyball court, and baseball diamond available for adults to use (indoor and outdoor), as well as horseshoes and cornhole sets for those over the age of 12. The park is also home to several animals, including alligators, snakes, turtles, and frogs. Spotting a creature of the land and water world is a beautiful way to conclude the day. After all, even the great Jacques Cousteau had his limits, and he did not dare venture into the waters of Balmorhea State Park. The park ranger will not be pleased that you have violated one of his rules and entered the forbidden zone without prior authorization. He might even call the police, as it is not wise to break the law in a state park. This could lead to trouble. If you want to take a dip in the pool with your children, then you should probably obey the rules and refrain from entering the area outside of the designated hours, as this is where the dangerous creatures reside.