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Whether you like diving, floating, or just laying out in the sun, Austin has plenty of ways to beat the heat and enjoy a nice dip. Luckily for residents, most of these places are either free or very inexpensive to visit! We think spending a day with a picnic basket and a pool would be just lovely---just remember to wait 30 minutes after eating to go swimming!

Even if you already have some favorite Austin spots to cool off, check out this list of six great Austin swimming holes to find some place new!

• Barton Springs A South Austin favorite, you can either spend a few bucks to swim in the pool portion or take a chance in the wilder free part. Either way the water's a cool 68 degrees year round. And how many other pools have their own species of salamander?
• Deep Eddy Pool Another old Austin favorite, Deep Eddy actually the oldest swimming pool in Texas and features a bathhouse that was built during the Depression-era and recently rennovated.
• Hamilton Pool Reserve A historic swimming hole featuring jade green waters and a 50 foot waterfall, Hamilton Pool is a beautiful location for swimming and birdwatching.
• Sculpture Falls on Barton Creek Requiring a bit of hike to visit, Sculpture Falls features a nice swimming hole and lovely geographic rock features as well.
• Stacy Pool The perfect spot for those who like to swim when it's both hot and cold outside, this neighborhood pool is warmed by a natural artesian well.
• Hippie Hollow For those Austin residents and visitors looking to really cool off, Hippie Hollow is clothing optional.

[Photo credit: UTexas and The Lobby]