What Are Hot Pools?

Location

• Although located on every continent in the world, hot pools remain prominent in areas throughout the United States, like the Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountains and Southwest deserts. Japan and China have numerous hot pools, and more than 100 hot pools are scattered throughout New Zealand. Some hotels, resorts and spas around the globe offer hot pools as well, using natural hot spring water found on site. Some facilities will build small sheds or steam rooms around these natural hot pools.

Man-Made

• Commonly found in hotels and spas, man-made hot pools often feature concrete or fiberglass bottoms. The facility may bring natural hot spring water into the pool via pipes, pumps or waterfalls. Some man-made hot pools use cool spring water, choosing instead to heat the water by machine and add minerals manually. The hot pools often lie outdoors, surrounded by lounge chairs and tables.

Healing Power

• Many people believe hot pools offer special healing powers. Natural hot pools feature a wide variety of minerals, varying according to location. Common minerals found in hot pools include sulfur, calcium, magnesium and potassium. Although no scientific evidence exists, some claim hot pool minerals will help heal a variety of ailments, including anemia, arthritis and gout.

Safety

• Exercise caution before entering a hot pool. Some hot springs contain acanthamoeba, an amoeba that enters through the nasal passage and causes possibly fatal meningitis. As a precaution, keep your head above water and wear nose clips. Hot pool temperatures run anywhere between 108 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit. The safe temperature for soaking in a hot pool varies among individuals. Consider your medical history, condition and age before entering. Test the temperature first and limit your soaking time in extreme hot pools. For instance, at 125 degrees Fahrenheit, visitors to Japan’s Kusatsu hot springs typically do not exceed more than three minutes of soaking time.