Why is the water hot in hot springs Arkansas?

Thanks to the highly porous Bigfork Chert and Arkansas Novaculite, rainwater can travel down these conduits to depths between 2,000 and 8,000 feet. A natural thermal gradient heats the water. As the water moves deeper within the Earth, the hotter the water becomes.



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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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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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Famous for its hot mineral waters and Ouachita Mountain scenery as well as its hotels and nightlife, this bustling turn-of-the-century resort town was the perfect place for something no one had ever heard of: annual spring training for professional baseball. In time, five fields were built.

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The minerals in the hot springs water is no more damaging to bathing suits than chlorinated pools, saltwater or hot tubs. However, there are a few keys to keeping it in pristine condition. After you're done enjoying the soothing and rejuvenating waters, be sure to thoroughly rinse your swimsuit in cool water.

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A unique chance to stay on Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs National Park is now available. The Hale Bathhouse, one of the former bathhouses on the famous row, has been remodeled into the Hotel Hale.

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The only national park with a brewery Superior Bathhouse Brewery, which opened in 2014, is the only brewery in a U.S. national park and the only brewery in the world using thermal spring water as its main ingredient.

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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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At some hot springs, especially ones located in the backcountry, clothing is optional. Before you go, check out the policy on nudity at hot springs. At Diamond Fork Hot Springs here in Utah, nudity is actually illegal and more often than not, there are kids at the hot springs.

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