Indoor swimming pool with lane ropes, a lifeguard chair and large windows, with pennant flags overhead

Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center

Developed pool · Salida

Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center is a municipal recreation center run by the City of Salida. It is built around two public pools, and it has private soaking baths that use hot spring water.

The main pool is a 25-meter, six-lane pool kept at about 84°F, which suits lap swimming, diving and recreational play. Next to it is a smaller, warmer leisure pool held at 98°F. It has a zero-depth entry as well as stairs, and the water gradually deepens to four feet, so it works for soaking, aqua-therapy and young children. An ADA-compliant lift gives access to either pool, and both have stepped entries with handrails.

The private soaking pools are European-style baths with no jets, for up to two guests, rented by the hour. You fill the bath yourself with hot spring water (117°F at the source) mixed with regular water to the temperature you like, and each bath is cleaned and disinfected after every use.

Open swim hours change with the season. In summer, the center is open Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m., with shorter or split hours in fall, winter and spring. Pools clear 15 minutes before closing. The center sells memberships (an individual annual membership is $370) that cover the locker rooms, showers, lap lanes and leisure pool. Reservable lap lanes and private soaking pools cost extra.

The pools

  • Lap pool · 25-meter, 6-lane pool for swimming, diving and recreational play
    About 84°F
  • Leisure pool · Zero-depth entry, gradually deepening to 4 ft. Good for soaking, aqua-therapy and young children.
    98°F
  • Private soaking pools · European-style baths with no jets, for up to 2 guests, rented by the hour
    Chosen by the guest

Amenities

Facilities

  • Locker rooms and showers
  • ADA-compliant pool lift
  • Reservable lap lanes
  • Fitness classes
  • Swim lessons

Family & kids

  • Zero-depth leisure pool
  • Swim lessons

Before you go

Best time to visit: This is an indoor municipal pool open all year, so reviewers visit in every season, and a warm soak is a popular break after a cold day in Salida. Hours change with the season, so check the schedule before you go. Reviewers do not describe it as crowded, though the small warm pool fills up first at busy times.

  • Check the seasonal schedule before you go. The city posts different summer, fall/winter and spring hours.
  • Use the warm leisure pool for soaking and the cooler main pool for laps. Reviewers like having both, with warmer water for kids and slower swimmers.
  • Book a private soaking bath ahead if you want a quieter, hotter soak. They are rented by the hour for up to two people.
  • Bring your own towel, lock and swim gear. Reviewers mention extra charges for lockers and showers, and the city's pages do not list towel rental.
  • Come with kids. Many reviewers praise the shallow zero-entry area for children.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Warm, spring-fed water in a clean, well-run city facility
  • A warm leisure pool plus a cooler lap pool for different needs
  • Family friendly, with a shallow zero-entry area for young children
  • Private soaking baths available by the hour
  • Fair price compared with many Colorado hot springs, according to reviewers
  • Friendly staff and lifeguards

Cons

  • The warm pool is small and can feel crowded
  • Some reviewers find the building and locker rooms dated
  • The main pool is on the cool side for those hoping for a hot soak
  • Hours change by season and day, so plan ahead

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a reservation?

Not for general open swim. The private soaking baths and reservable lap lanes are booked ahead.

How warm is the water?

The city lists the main lap pool at about 84°F and the leisure pool at 98°F. Reviewers describe the lap pool as cooler and the small pool as hot-tub warm.

Is it good for kids?

Yes. The leisure pool has a zero-depth entry and deepens gradually to 4 feet, and many reviewers bring children.

Are there private soaking tubs?

Yes. There are European-style baths with no jets, for up to two guests, rented by the hour. You mix hot spring water with regular water to your preferred temperature.

How much does it cost?

The city's current drop-in price was not available when this page was written. Reviewers mention about $14 for lap swim and about $17 for a day pass including soaking, so check with the center for current prices.

Are there lockers and showers?

There are locker rooms and showers. A few reviewers say lockers cost extra, so bring a lock and a towel.

Nearby hot springs

Last checked October 26, 2026

Sources: app.amilia.com