05/31/2023

Hot Springs Etiquette

Maybe it’s your first time soaking in natural hot springs or perhaps a refresher course in basic hot springs etiquette might be helpful. Golf, tennis, hiking, biking, skiing and almost any outdoor pastime have some general rules of thumb to keep everyone smiling and safe.

We put our noggins together to come up with a list of things that should be helpful at any hot springs and includes a few items that are specific to Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, which has been a place for relaxing and enjoying the amazing health benefits of hot springs since 1888. We like to think of it as a nod to the Ute Native Americans who respected land and resources and were the first known visitors to the mineral-rich hot springs in Glenwood Springs.

Arrival – Welcome to the Hot Springs

  • Our team is ready to welcome you in the pool lobby. Please have your pool pass, bracelet from a stay at the Lodge or payment available to keep lines moving.
  • Proceed to the newly renovated locker rooms on the first and second floors of the historic bathhouse. Complimentary lockers are available for your personal belongings so there is no need to lug everything out to the pool area.
  • When changing clothes in the locker room, there are private changing areas if disrobing in front of others isn’t your deal. No worries! Make sure to be thoughtful as others are changing.
  • Phone usage is not allowed in the locker rooms.
  • Please shower before entering the pools to remove dirt, sweat, lotions, etc. Everyone will thank you!
  • If you feel sick, have an infectious or communicable disease or an open wound, stay out of the water to keep everyone healthy. Also, stay home if you feel sick.

Pool Time – Have a Blast

  • Wear proper swim attire. Underwear, street clothes, pajamas, thong swimsuits, and your birthday suit are not allowed. Use your common sense regarding what is appropriate. If you happen to forget your swimsuit, goggles or other items, we have a great selection to purchase at the Shop located in the pool lobby.
  • Spread out and give people space. We’re the world’s largest hot springs pool! The main pool is large and the place to thoughtfully play and use small inflatables (avoid huge unicorn and other floaties please) and appropriate-sized toys like diving sticks and soft foam balls.
  • Let people chill out in our warm waters. The Therapy Pool is place of relaxation, but there should be respect for those in the large pool as well. The lap lanes are set aside for swimming, and you should not cross under the ropes but walk around to no interrupt workouts.
  • Sopris Splash Zone is our family-friendly aquatic park that is open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends and at specific times during spring break and fall. It’s a good place to get the wiggles and energy out. We are thrilled that many families have been visiting the pool for multiple generations!
  • Make sure to keep an eye on your youngsters; we want them and everyone at the pool to be safe and have an exceptional time. Children up to age 12 must have adult supervision at all times.
  • Running and screaming are for parks and playgrounds, we are neither. However, we love seeing our guests smiling, laughing and having a great time!
  • Be thoughtful about lounge-chair use as they are in demand especially during busy times. Save only those that you will really use, and if you plan to be in the pool more than out, consider placing towels and bags on our soft, grassy lawn.
  • Rent a cabana if you want to be certain to have seating and a place to spread out while at the pool.
  • Be considerate when taking photos. Not everyone wants to be photographed while relaxing or hanging out in swimwear.


Food & Drink – Expect Hunger & Thirst

  • Please take periodic breaks from the thermal hot springs and drink plenty of water so we don’t have to peel you off the pavement. Soaking in warm, mineral-rich hot springs is truly delightful, and we know it can be hard to get out.
  • Don’t bring glass containers on the pool deck. No one wants hurt feet.
  • No outside food and drink other than water is allowed at the pool. Tasty meals and treats are served at our Grill and Snack Bar as well as the Red Brick Eats food truck in the summer. Keep food off the pool deck. Sorry, your French fries floating in the water is not appealing!
  • Feel free to enjoy a beer or glass of wine if you are of age. It just needs to be purchased and savored in the Grill and its adjoining patio. And go easy on the alcohol as soaking in hot springs will magnify the impact.

Departure – A Fond Farewell

  • Pick up your trash, just like you would at home, work or school. Our staff will love you for it!
  • Make sure to check around the pool and locker room for all your belongings. It makes us sad to see half of your swimsuit or a cool new pair of flip-flops left behind.
  • Squeeze out your swimsuit in the showers or sinks instead of on the floor in the locker room so it doesn’t get slippery. There also are the handy machines in the locker rooms to squeeze out your suit so it dries quicker at home or your hotel room.
  • On slower days, you can take your own sweet time in changing rooms and showers. If it is busy, make sure to let others take a turn.
  • Make a reservation on your way out for the next visit. Just kidding! We don’t take reservations. We also let you come and go as you please when purchasing a day pass or season pass. Soak for a while, head out for a hike or bike, grab dinner downtown, and return to soothe tired muscles.


Make sure kids and everyone in your party knows about hot springs etiquette. We are never too young or old to learn the ropes. Happy soaking at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort!