As someone who has traveled the world for ten+ years in search of hot springs on all 6 continents, I have been privileged enough to experience such an enormous wealth of different aspects involving these natural thermal wonders. As someone who has visited everything from inaccessible volcanic pools to well-groomed resort springs, I can tell you with a high degree of certainty that no two hot springs are exactly the same. For the curious first timer to seasoned soaker, knowing about the different types of hot springs can narrow down where are best suited for your next therapeutic dip.
Hot Spring Types by Temperature
I’ve soaked at 100s of hot springs and found that the number one thing to help distinguish these types of natural wonders is temperature. I will break it down into the main temperature clusters which should help you realise what to expect at different springs.
The cold springs we know of do not have a low temperature — they exist up to 25°C (77°F)! In the heat of summer, after some walking around you may enjoy a cool dip in these springs. They seem to be especially popular in areas with tropical temperatures.
These are what I consider the coolest of springs (in my comfortable zone), ranging from 25°C to 34°C. The springs are made warmer by the earth around them, making it a warm soak great for longer soaks. While they are fun outside of spring and fall months, the seasons with less humid air make for some refreshing rides in your sports car!
Most people, when searching for hot springs, are referring to more traditional ones that average around 93°F and 108°F (34°–42°C). This range provides just the right balance where you are able to feel therapeutic benefits without experiencing too high of an intensity. After using it you do notice the perfect muscle warming temperatures.
Caution should be used for high-temperature hot springs in excess of 42°C (108°F) Although the therapeutic benefits can be intense, I always suggest that they limit there solaking time in these springs as well. A few of these springs are too hot indeed for soaking and provide better enjoyment from afar.
Safety tip: Make sure to feel the temperature of every hot spring if it is permitted, whether or not they are man-made. Seasonal changes and geothermal activity can cause natural springs to go through temperature variations.
Types of hot springs by mineral composition
Hot spring water is more than just chemicals; it’s all those minerals like silver, sulfur and other trace elements that work a little magic to make every different body of hot mineral springs special. I will tell you about each type according to my huge soaking experience.
Simple Spring
The tastiest waters are simple springs, which have the fewest dissolved minerals and the least amount of impurities found in other forms. They are basically just hot groundwater made under pressure from a recharge area with an indifferent to good water source protection provided by some nearly impermeable bedrock — either rock or fine-grained sediments that don’t absorb as much precipitation water available at depth percolation points. I have found these springs to be some of the most refreshing — even as simple items, they refresh your superficial senses. The good quality water is free from strong mineral smells and tastes, allowing visitors to enjoy a true soaking experience.
Chloride Spring
High in sodium chloride(what think of as table salt), these springs are great for the skin. After my first few visits to the chlorine springs, I felt that each time my skin was way softer afterwards. The water is typically a bit salty and extra slippery.
Sulfur Spring
And, you’ll know these springs instantly from their characteristic “rotten egg” odor! Don’t worry — sulfur springs are known for their medicinal benefits. People also told me that they will only swim in these springs during certain times of the year because it heals skin issues, joint pain and tons more.
Sulfate Spring
Sulfate — Athletes and those seeking help for muscle soreness should seek out a spring with minerals like Epsom salt. It has a slightly viscous feel and you will notice that it leaves a fine mineral film on your skin. After a full day of hiking, I especially find these springs enjoyable.
Carbonated Spring
First up, the naturally-carbonated springs bubble with CO2 for a buoyant soaking experience you can’t find anywhere else. The tiny bubbles produce a soothing massage effect. Its like being in an organic champagne soaking pool!
Iron Spring
Iron springs — usually in a rusty color and these can stain light colored swimsuits (I found out the hard way!) These springs are an important resource for those in need of iron supplements. It typically has a metallic flavor and smell in the water.
Radioactive Spring
Fear not, the springs are only naturally replete with a trace of radon). In fact, they are all the rage in certain markets around Europe and Japan. The radiation levels are on par with taking a short flight.
Acidic Spring
They are also often associated with volcanic areas and have a naturally lower pH. Even though these springs are interesting scientifically, not all acidic hot springs are enjoyably soakable. Be sure to always take a look at local rules before heading in.
Carbon Dioxide Spring
Not like sparkling springs, these have been defined by their elevated CO2 level. Your skin starts tingling from the gas concentration. These are particularly popular in the likes of Germany and the Czech Republic.
Final Thoughts
Therefore, visiting a variety of hot springs will allow you to enjoy the diverse creation and therapeutic properties each different kind manifests. It could be the nutrient-stuffed swimming pools or the calming sulfur springs, or those volcanic types cranking up warmth and delivering an powerful sauna — either means presents a especial sensation. Some of them are focused on Earth’s geothermal wonders that bubble up in the form of hot springs, while others simply spring forth to provide a soothing soak within landscapes designed for peace and well-being. When one does so, he or she enters into a deeper level of nature connection and self-regeneration.