One of our favorite pursuits while traveling is looking for hot springs
and even if you don't have a hot spring,
you may want to build a pool and here are some ideas.
These first three photos are from a hot springs near the small town
of Aconchi, Sonora, Mexico in the north central part of that state.
The water flows down from a spring on the side of the hill
to these delightful soaking pools.
They also have larger pools for wading and swimming.
As I recollect this is operated as a state park
and they have primitive camping for a small fee;
bathing suits are required.
The only time we were there was in the spring of 2008.
Further north is Essence of Tranquility Natural Hot Mineral Springs
on the outskirts of Safford in eastern Arizona.
They have a small group pool but most of the pools are private...
...and each has a different theme.
The interesting thing about these small pools (above) is that there are a series of steps
that go down so that you are standing in water up to your neck
or you can sit on the steps.
Standing submerged in hot water is a great way to soak.
The one problem is there is no drain so the water must be pumped out for cleaning.
The stone pool above is at El Dorado Hot Springs
50 miles west of Phoenix, Arizona...
...as well as these other stone and concrete pools...
...and the cast iron tubs (above), in both private and semi private settings.
El Dorado is a favorite stop along I-10 for many hot springers,
and even though the water is actually from a well,
it is some of the clearest and cleanest water I have been in.
One of the newer pools is this stone and concrete tub
that I profiled in the posts:
It is still in the finishing stages and has not yet been used.
Keep in mind that hot springs have plenty of free flowing water
and leaks are not a major concern.
If you are planning on building your own tub with limited water
extra precaution should be taken to avoid leaks.
If you are building your own pool I think
a single pour reinforced concrete pool may be your best bet.
That is the bottom and sides are poured at the same time to avoid any leaking joints,
something for a person experienced with concrete work.
And finally this concrete tub next to the Brietenbush River,
not too far from Detroit, Oregon, is the ruins of an older facility
that is now part of the Willamette National Forest.
To see more on pools go to the right side bar and click on
Water Features under the heading of LABELS- OUTSIDE.
Next time we will look at nearly natural hot spring pools in the post:
Enjoy your soak.
