The Original Schlitterbahn: Home to the signature Schlitterbahn Castle, this section of the park uses spring-fed water from the Comal River. Nestled beneath a beautiful canopy of trees, this section of the park has eight tube chutes, seven kids' play areas, a wave pool, and swim-up bars with heated pools.

As of 2026, Schlitterbahn New Braunfels still utilizes its iconic "natural water" system for the Original Section of the park. This portion of the park diverts water directly from the Comal River, which stays a constant 72°F (22°C) year-round. This "spring-fed" water is not heavily chlorinated like a standard pool; instead, it flows through the rides (like the famous Congo River Expedition) and then back into the river system. However, the newer sections of the park, such as Sursfenburg and Blastenhoff, use standard closed-loop treated water systems with traditional filtration and chlorination to support their high-tech uphill water coasters and wave pools. For 2026 visitors, the "pro-tip" is to start your day in the Original Section for that "authentic" Texas river-chill experience, but be prepared for the water to be slightly "murky" compared to the crystal-clear blue of the treated sections—this is a natural result of the river's ecosystem and is part of the park's unique historical charm that has made it a legend in the industry for over 50 years.