Quick FactsOverview
About Warm Springs Pools
Warm Springs Pools, Virginia is a pair of historic mineral spring bathhouses in the town of Warm Springs in Bath County, operated as part of the Omni Homestead Resort. The pools are fed by four naturally heated springs that maintain a constant temperature near 98 degrees Fahrenheit and flow at a combined rate of roughly 1,700,000 gallons per day. They are among the most historically significant hot springs in Virginia, with the Gentlemen's Pool House dating to 1761 and recognized as the oldest spa structure in the United States.
The pools were formerly known as the Jefferson Pools, named for Thomas Jefferson, who spent three weeks soaking in them in 1818 and described the waters favorably in a letter to his daughter. The name was officially restored to Warm Springs Pools in 2021 following a $4 million renovation by the Omni Homestead Resort that preserved the historic character of both bathhouses. The mineral water contains magnesium sulfate, lithium, silica, and other dissolved minerals. Each bathhouse encloses a central soaking pool beneath a distinctive wooden roof with an open oculus at the top, giving bathers a view of the sky while they soak. The experience is closer to a natural soaking pool than a modern spa, with a stone bottom visible through the clear water.
Location & Access
Getting to Warm Springs Pools
Warm Springs Pools is located at 11 Bath Street in the town of Warm Springs, approximately five miles northeast of the Omni Homestead Resort on US Route 220. The bathhouses sit right beside the road at the point where Mountain Valley Road (VA 39) meets Sam Snead Highway (US 220), making them visible from the road and easy to find by car. No hiking is required. The site has a small parking area adjacent to the bathhouses.
Directions to Warm Springs Pools
From Interstate 64, take US Route 220 north for approximately 30 miles. The town of Warm Springs is in Bath County in western Virginia, near the West Virginia border. The drive from Staunton takes roughly one hour, and the drive from Covington is about 30 minutes. For visitors already staying at the Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, the pools are a short five mile drive north, and the resort also provides shuttle service. GPS navigation to the address on Bath Street will bring you directly to the site. Reservations are required before arrival and can be made by calling the resort. Walk-ins are not accepted, so it is important to book in advance. The pools are one of the more accessible hot springs near Warm Springs for a day visit, provided you plan ahead.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit Warm Springs Pools
Warm Springs Pools suits a wide range of visitors, from families with children to couples and solo travelers, thanks to its designated soaking times that separate family and adult sessions. Family soaking is typically offered during morning hours, when children of all ages are welcome and swimsuits are required. During adult-only hours in the afternoon, the pools switch to clothing optional with the two bathhouses separated by gender. This structure allows families and adults to each enjoy the pools in a way that matches their comfort level.
Accessibility at Warm Springs Pools
The bathhouses are historic wooden structures on the National Register of Historic Places, and their original architectural design does not include modern accessibility features such as ramps, lifts, or accessible changing areas. Visitors with mobility concerns should contact the Omni Homestead Resort in advance to discuss specific needs and current conditions. The soaking experience is calm and unhurried, with each reservation providing a 50 minute session in the pool. Towels are provided on site. For those seeking family hot springs near Warm Springs with a historic character, this is one of the few places in the region that offers naturally heated mineral water in its original setting. The pools hold particular appeal for visitors interested in American history and traditional bathing culture, as the experience has changed remarkably little since the 18th century.
Safety & Etiquette
Warm Springs Pools Safety Tips
Warm Springs Pools is generally safe for soaking, though visitors should be aware that the water temperature remains near 98 degrees Fahrenheit year round and may feel warm upon extended immersion. The pools are managed and staffed by the Omni Homestead Resort, and an attendant is present during operating hours to assist visitors and maintain the facility. The mineral water is naturally clear and the pool bottom is visible, but the stone surface can be uneven underfoot, so entering and exiting the water should be done with care.
Visitor Etiquette at Warm Springs Pools
Visitors should arrive on time for their reserved session, as the pools operate on a set schedule and late arrivals may reduce available soaking time. During family hours, swimsuits are required for all bathers. During adult-only sessions, clothing is optional, and each bathhouse is designated for a single gender. The atmosphere is quiet and meditative, and visitors are expected to keep noise to a low level. No food or glass containers should be brought into the pool area. Photography policies may apply, so confirm with the attendant upon arrival. The mineral water is safe for skin contact but should not be ingested. Visitors with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or who are pregnant should consult a physician before soaking, as prolonged immersion in warm mineral water may affect circulation. Cancellations should be made at least 24 hours in advance to avoid being charged the full fee. The pools are part of a National Register of Historic Places listing, and visitors should treat the historic wooden structures with respect. Among the hot springs in Virginia, Warm Springs Pools is one of the most carefully maintained and historically preserved.
