Is the Blue Lagoon naturally heated?

The Iceland Blue Lagoon is not a natural spring. While Iceland is a country brimming with natural hot springs, the Blue Lagoon actually isn't one of them. The land is natural, as is the lava that shapes the pool, but the hot water is actually the result of runoff from the geothermal power plant next door.



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Catching a glimpse of the milky-blue water against the black-rock lava fields, it may not come as a complete surprise that the Blue Lagoon is man-made. Runoff water from the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant trickles into the lava fields and a blanket of mineral-rich mud lines the foundations of the Blue Lagoon.

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The water is a mix of fresh and seawater and, according to the spa website, the unique algae plants and high concentration of silica directly benefit the skin. They claim the anti-bacterial effects of silica improve psoriasis and eczema and that the mineral water prevents premature aging.

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Blue Lagoon – History It is not a natural hot spring – in fact, the water within is wastewater from the power plant! While at first glance this may put you off, it should be noted that the water in the Blue Lagoon is completely safe and contains only natural minerals.

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The Blue Lagoon was named because the water of the lagoon looks blue when reflected from the sun but in actuality, the water is a milky white color. And don't worry about the smell, the sulfur has been removed so there is no funky smell at all anymore.

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I would not recommend bringing your phone out if you have other means of taking photos – it's not worth the risk of damaging it. There's a lot of sulphur in the lagoon, which is why it has a distinct smell – one which will not be pleasing to most.

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As you walk and swim around the lagoon, you'll notice that the bottom of the pool feels squishy. Don't freak out—that's the same silica mud you'll find in the face mask hut. Think of it as a healing experience for your feet.

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The seawater in the Blue Lagoon has high levels of silica. Silica is not harmful to hair. However, if your hair gets wet, it can become stiff and difficult to manage. Therefore, we recommend that you apply conditioner to your hair before entering the lagoon--and leave it in your hair while in the lagoon.

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Like the developed springs, wild hot springs use circulation to keep the water clean. Hot springs that are running are the least likely to develop pathogens or experience insects on the surface, so these are considered safer than stagnant pools.

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Thermophilic bacteria are those that thrive within high temperatures, usually between 45 and 80 C (113 and 176F) and are found in environments such as hot springs, peat bogs, and near deep-sea hydrothermal vents.

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The Blue Lagoon does not allow any skinny dipping. You will have to bring along your swimsuit in order to enter both the water and the saunas. However, there aren't any rules about the type of swimsuit you can bring.

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