The Texas Pool: what you need to know before you go!

Do you want to experience the thrill of swimming across Texas? The Texas Pool is the perfect place. It is a nonprofit and membership-supported community pool. Every summer it opens for the season.It runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

We put together all the top tips that you could ever need to include the Texas Pool in your Summer plans, enjoy your visit or maybe consider it for a birthday party!

We appreciate that every fee collected from members and visitors goes towards pool maintenance and American Red Cross-certified lifeguard costs.

Most of the Texas Pool lifeguards are Water Safety Instructor certified as well and also offer swim lessons.

More: Around Plano: The top Public Swimming Pools & Splash Pads

Where is the Texas Pool in Plano?

Address: 901 Springbrook Drive, Plano, Texas 75075

Call: 972-881-8392

The Texas Pool is a 168,000-gallon saltwater pool. It is shaped like the state of Texas. The pool was opened in 1961 by Herbert Hunt, who was part of the well-known Hunt family from Dallas.

When you want to go swimming in Plano we recommend a visit to the Texas Pool, which is built in the shape of the state – the only Lone Star-shaped pool in the United States. 

It’s a piece of calm in the middle of a quiet neighborhood in Central Plano, 75075.

“The Texas Pool in Plano is a legendary place for fun in the sun. It does not disappoint. I like that I am supporting a nonprofit historic landmark and that it’s saltwater. Mermaid/monofin swimming is welcome. There are cool slides, diving, and an island. I was able to bring in my own cooler with drinks and food. A super place to #SwimAcrossTexas!”

Sarah, Plano TX

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How much does it cost to visit the Texas Pool?

You can visit for $10 per person for the day

Membership: $160 individual/$295 family. Members’ guests pay $5 per person.

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What can we do at The Texas Pool?

The pool has a diving board and a regular slide.

For babies and toddlers, they have a toddler slide and a 1-foot wading area based in “South Texas”.

For older kids, they’ll love the water and sand volleyball and “Dallas Fort Worth” center island and enjoy the Children’s playhouses.

What can I bring to The Texas Pool?

So you can enjoy a full day at the Pool, you can bring your own coolers with food and non-alcoholic drinks.

They have free-to-use BBQ grills, picnic tables, and a snack bar with items for purchase.

Can I host a Birthday Party at the Texas Pool?

It’s a great place to book a party. It’s ideal for Birthday Parties or a club get-together.

Party packages include the price of admission and reserved picnic tables for you and up to 25 guests (swimmers and non-swimmers).

You can set up for the party 30 minutes before your event and use the pool’s fridge to keep your birthday cake or treats cold. You can also add on cabana upgrades and mermaid or pirate appearances.

Swim parties are hosted when the pool is open to the general public. Parties are 2 hours long and can be scheduled Tuesday – Friday.

Texas Pool members get 20% off swim party rates. The cost for up to 25 guests is $280 with a $100 deposit when you book.

Private events are also available for booking at various rates. To reserve any type of party, contact the Texas Pool for bookings.

What makes the Texas Pool Historic?

In 2019, the Texas Pool achieved a listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Research recently revealed that they are the first ever Texas-shaped pool in existence. 

Since 2013, they’ve operated as a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, led by a team of dedicated volunteers who serve as their Board of Directors.

The Texas Pool also completed a major renovation project in the last few years, which included re-plastering the Pool’s surface, replacing coping and tiling, and upgrading its water filtration system.

They had an exciting discovery as the demolition phase was being completed in November 2018. 

As the fiberglass surface was removed, they uncovered remnants of original city tiles. Cities such as Austin, San Antonio, Beaumont and El Paso had been laid in small mosaic tiles. 

While we had heard stories of these tiles from former swimmers, this was the first time in decades these tiles could be seen first-hand. As part of the restoration, they worked with Plano artist, Tony Holman, who helped them create new city tiles, inspired by the originals.

They now have eleven city tiles and one Texas Pool tile for all to visit and explore!

Fun Facts about the Texas Pool

• Opening Day at the Texas Pool was on Memorial Day, 1961, and featured the Miss Plano Contest and a Boat Giveaway, sponsored by Plano’s Lone Star Boat Company.  The winner won a brand new fishing boat, motor, and trailer.
• According to Herbert Hunt, developer of the Texas Pool, he chose the name “Dallas North Estates” for the neighborhood surrounding the Texas Pool, because “no one would know where in the heck Plano was.”  He envisioned the Texas Pool as the centerpiece of the neighborhood—a unique amenity that would draw young families to move to Plano in the early 1960’s. At that time, Plano’s population was just over 2,000 residents.
• The Texas Pool has been featured in media across the country, including the New York Times, USA Today, Texas Monthly, and the Washington Post. They have visitors from all over the country who come to Swim Across Texas.
• It’s filled with a 168,000-gallon saltwater pool shaped like Texas.

Photo Credit: Art is Life Motherhood and the Historic Texas Pool.

The Texas Pool is also featured in our Coloring Book, which is super fun for kids!