Overview
Mineral-water swimming in Bulgaria's Sandanski spa town
Sandanski is a well-known Bulgarian spa base in the Pirin foothills, and Interhotel Sandanski is one of the big, established properties in town. The experience here is mineral-water swimming in a managed setting: indoor and outdoor pools, plus a dedicated outdoor thermal pool.
The signature detail
The hotel lists an outdoor thermal swimming pool at 38°C (100°F). That is warm enough to feel like soaking, but still usable for gentle movement and floating. Lifeguards are also explicitly listed for the swimming pools, which is not always the case at smaller mineral pool complexes.
Hotel guest vs day visitor
This is primarily a hotel experience, but the property also lists pricing for outside visitors and notes that day access can be restricted on certain dates. If you are not staying overnight, confirm current entry rules before you show up.
Location & Access
Where it is
Interhotel Sandanski sits in Sandanski, in a park setting at the edge of the town center. It is an easy base if you are combining mineral pools with town walks and short drives into the Pirin region.
By car
Sandanski is reached via main roads compared to mountain-only destinations, and the final approach is normal city driving. Parking arrangements can vary by season and occupancy, so check with the property if you are arriving at peak times.
Hours and access planning
The hotel lists pool working hours of 08:00 to 20:00. It also notes that at least one pool remains open on maintenance days, and that outside visitors can be excluded during specific blackout periods. Do not assume walk-in access on holidays.
What to bring
Bring a swimsuit, flip-flops, and a towel. A robe is useful if you plan to move between pools and spa areas. If you are coming as a day visitor, also bring a backup plan in Sandanski (park walk, cafes) in case access is limited.
Suitability & Accessibility
This is best for travelers who want a comfortable, managed mineral-water swim with reliable water temperatures and staffing. It suits couples, multi-generational groups, and anyone who prefers a proper pool lane to a natural soak.
Families
Family-friendly in the sense that it is a staffed, structured environment. Still, check any on-site age or supervision rules for spa areas, and keep children close on wet decks and steps.
Couples and solo travelers
Couples who want quiet should target mornings. Solo travelers tend to like the predictability: you can swim, warm up in the thermal pool, and be done without logistics.
Mobility realities
Hotels are often easier than wild springs, but they can still involve stairs, wet thresholds, and longer indoor walks. Without confirmed step-free routing and accessible changing facilities, I do not mark this as wheelchair accessible.
Expectations vs reality
It feels like a hotel pool and spa complex, because it is. The mineral water is the differentiator, not the setting.
Safety & Etiquette
Follow lifeguard guidance
Lifeguards are listed for the pools. Treat that as a real safety layer, not decoration: follow posted rules, especially around diving, running, and kids' behavior.
Heat and time limits
The 38°C thermal pool is genuinely warm. Take breaks, drink water, and avoid long, motionless soaks if you are prone to overheating.
Deck hazards
Most injuries at pool complexes are slips and falls. Keep footwear on until you enter the water, use handrails, and slow down on steps.
Etiquette in shared pools
Do not camp on ladders or block entry points. If lanes are in use, keep leisurely floating to the sides. Keep phone audio off and avoid filming.
Day-visitor courtesy
If you are visiting without staying overnight, be extra considerate with space and timing. Hotels are managing both guests and outsiders, and crowding is where tension starts.
FAQs
How warm is the thermal pool at Interhotel Sandanski?
The hotel lists the outdoor thermal swimming pool temperature as 38°C (100°F).
What are the listed pool hours?
The hotel lists pool working hours of 08:00 to 20:00.
Can outside visitors use the pools?
The property lists pricing and notes that outside visitors can be allowed, but also states that access may be restricted on specific dates. Confirm before you go.
Is this a natural hot spring?
No. It is a hotel pool complex filled with mineral water, in a managed setting.