Splash Across Texas!

The Definitive Guide to Swimming in Central Texas

by Chandra Moira Beal

La Luna Publishing, 392 pp., $16.95 (paper)

Splash Across Texas! touts itself as the definitive guide to swimming in Central Texas, and from a practical standpoint, it could very well be just that. Chandra Moira Beal’s opus on getting wet in Austin and surrounding areas, a place she calls “heaven on earth,” is truly staggering in its breadth. This book covers everything from public pools and natural springs to health clubs and water theme parks in San Antonio. It’s all in there, and then some. There’s even a lap distance conversion chart and a page devoted to Austin’s ubiquitous moon towers. The first part of Splash Across Texas! is devoted mostly to the history of Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department, and is the most interesting read. Photos are numerous, with some great shots of people enjoying local watering spots in the early 1900s. Splash Across Texas! offers concise and factual information on the unbelievable number of options for swimming in Central Texas, including hours of operation, prices, directions, and even a map.

This article appears in May 26 • 2000.

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