As the semester comes to a merciful end, students may find themselves looking for a swimming fix on the cheap. Luckily, Austin has plenty of indoor and outdoor year-round pools that are affordable or free, but always fun.

The best option for St. Edward’s students can be found on campus at the Recreational and Convocational Center (RCC). St. Edward’s pool is open Monday through Friday, and a lifeguard is on duty at all times. There is no admission fee for students, and the pool is indoors.

The Northwest Austin YMCA offers free admission for first time swimmers and charges $10 for each subsequent visit. Memberships can be purchased for unlimited year-round access. Although the club isn’t free to students, the “Y’ is a great option because it’s indoors, includes two pools–a lap pool and instructional pool–and is open Monday through Sunday. Specific times can be found on the YMCA’s website.

Another free option is the Stacy Neighborhood Pool, which is open Monday through Sunday–their operating hours  are on The City of Austin’s website. Though the Stacy Neighborhood Pool is outside, it is heated, and there are always lifeguards on duty.

We all know our fourth entry–Barton Springs. It only costs $3 to swim at Barton Springs. Swimmers must partake at their own risk during the winter months, as Barton Springs is unheated. On the night of a full moon, the pool hosts a “Full Moon Swim,” and admission is free from 9:00 p.m. to midnight.

Last, but certainly not least: the Deep Eddy Municipal Pool. Admission to Deep Eddy’s is $3, and like Barton Springs, Deep Eddy is an outdoor pool fed by a natural spring. Deep Eddy has a wealth of history, as it is the oldest swimming pool in Texas.

Students hoping to find an affordable and enjoyable time do not need to look any further than these five locations where all of their swimming needs can be met.