Are hot springs safe to swim in?

Hot-spring water is usually fairly safe from the standpoint of carrying disease-causing organisms, but some is not (see below under Stay healthy), and the surface water that cools a scalding spring to usable temperatures will be prone to the same bugs and pathogens as any other surface water.



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Taking a Dip The naturally high temperatures of the spring water make the water unsafe for bathing, so think twice before you dip your toes in. Fortunately, there are other options at the park that make it possible to submerse yourself in the therapeutic waters at a safe temperature.

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Avoid pools that are hotter than 120 degrees. Hot springs can raise heart rate and blood pressure, and can pose a threat to people with health conditions. Pregnant women should consult a doctor before soaking in hot springs, especially during the first trimester.

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We recommend getting out of the water for 5 minutes every 15 minutes or so. This largely depends on the temperature of the pool you're in. You might need to get out more often in a hotter pool and less in a mild pool. Listen to your body.

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If it's a commercial hot spring, the water is probably about as clean as it is at a water park thanks to rules and regulations that help keep the average visitor safe. If it's a natural hot spring, it may carry a slight risk. In these instances, take things like water flow (or lack of) and crowding into consideration.

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The water in most natural hot springs is relatively safe, but precaution should be taken regarding disease-carrying organisms, bacteria, and other pathogens. Research the spring beforehand to see if there have been issues in the past. Never ever drink the water! I don't even let my kids put their heads under.

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They will list the current temperature of the water as well as the maximum amount of minutes to stay in at a time. For the most part, almost all commercial hot springs in North America require swimsuits so always err on the side of caution and keep that suit on. Even if you see someone remove their suit – wait.

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