Austin, Texas

 

Project Details:

Location: Austin, Texas

Client: City of Austin

Completed: 2026

Service: Underwater Demolition and Underwater Infrastructure Removal

Project Type: Municipal Infrastructure Rehabilitation

Environment: Spring-fed Aquatic Habitat

Project Overview

When the City of Austin identified aging underwater infrastructure that posed potential safety and environmental concerns at Barton Springs Pool, they needed a contractor capable of performing precise underwater demolition and underwater infrastructure removal work in one of Texas' most iconic and environmentally sensitive aquatic environments as part of municipal diving services.

AUS Dredge & Dive, a commercial diving contractor, was selected to remove portions of the original skimmer bypass system, an abandoned structure dating back to the 1940s. The project required specialized commercial diving operations, underwater demolition expertise, and careful coordination to protect the surrounding habitat while safely removing deteriorated infrastructure.

Before image of underwater concrete pipe

The Challenge

Barton Springs Pool is one of Austin's most recognized landmarks and is home to the endangered Barton Springs salamander. Over decades, flood events and erosion had undermined portions of the original skimmer bypass system, creating concerns about long-term structural stability.

Traditional excavation methods were not practical within the pool environment. The project required underwater removal of aging infrastructure while minimizing impacts to water quality, aquatic habitat, and the surrounding park environment.

Adding to the complexity, the work was performed within a highly visible public facility where environmental protection and public safety were critical project priorities.

 

Before image of underwater infrastucture
Barton Springs underwater construction site

The AUS Solution

As the underwater demolition contractor, AUS deployed an experienced commercial diving team to perform underwater demolition and underwater infrastructure removal operations within Barton Springs Pool.

Working below the water surface, divers carefully removed sections of the abandoned skimmer bypass pipe through targeted underwater pipe removal while adhering to project requirements designed to protect the surrounding ecosystem.

The project required:

  • Commercial diving operations
  • Municipal diving services
  • Underwater demolition and underwater pipe removal
  • Specialized underwater tools and equipment
  • Environmental protection measures
  • Coordination with project stakeholders
  • Detailed planning and execution in a confined aquatic environment

Project Highlights

  • Removal of aging skimmer bypass infrastructure dating back to the 1940s
  • Commercial diving operations performed in a spring-fed aquatic environment
  • Work completed within sensitive salamander habitat protections
  • Support of long-term infrastructure improvements at Barton Springs Pool
  • Specialized underwater demolition and underwater infrastructure removal techniques
  • Safe execution in a high-profile public setting

Results

The successful removal of the deteriorated skimmer bypass infrastructure helped advance the City of Austin's long-term goals for safety, environmental stewardship, and infrastructure management at Barton Springs Pool.

By utilizing commercial diving and underwater demolition techniques, AUS was able to perform complex infrastructure removal below the water surface while supporting the protection of one of Texas' most unique aquatic ecosystems.

Concrete pipe removed

Services Provided

  • Commercial Diving
  • Municipal Diving Services
  • Underwater Demolition
  • Infrastructure Removal
  • Environmental Diving Support
  • Underwater Construction Services
  • Specialized Public Works Support

FAQs

Question: What was the goal of the Barton Springs Pool Skimmer Bypass Removal project?

Short answer: The project aimed to safely remove deteriorated sections of the original skimmer bypass system—an abandoned pipe structure from the 1940s—that had been undermined by floods and erosion. Taking out this aging infrastructure addressed safety and environmental concerns and supported long-term infrastructure improvements at Barton Springs Pool.

Question: Why couldn’t traditional excavation methods be used?

Short answer: Traditional excavation wasn’t practical inside a spring-fed public pool and risked disturbing water quality and aquatic habitat. The team instead relied on underwater demolition and targeted pipe removal performed by divers, which allowed precise work below the surface with minimized environmental impact.

Question: How were environmental and public safety protected during the work?

Short answer: AUS Dredge & Dive used specialized underwater tools, environmental protection measures, and detailed planning to work within a confined, sensitive habitat that includes the endangered Barton Springs salamander. The team coordinated closely with project stakeholders and executed the work safely in a highly visible public setting to protect both the ecosystem and the visiting public.

Question: What services did AUS provide on this project?

Short answer: The scope included commercial diving operations, municipal diving services, underwater demolition and infrastructure (pipe) removal, environmental diving support, underwater construction services, and specialized public works support, all tailored to a sensitive spring-fed aquatic environment.

Question: What were the key outcomes of the project?

Short answer: The removal advanced the City of Austin’s goals for safety, environmental stewardship, and infrastructure management at Barton Springs Pool. By executing complex underwater demolition with minimal habitat disturbance, the project helped protect a unique aquatic ecosystem while improving long-term facility resilience.