The Jefferson Pools in Warm Springs

Just a mile from The Inn at Gristmill Square bed and breakfast is The Jefferson Pools. Experience complete relaxation of mind and body as you restore your spirit in the natural mineral spring waters of the legendary, rustic Jefferson Pools. For over 9,000 years, these springs have refreshed and rejuvenated the fortunate few who knew of their powers. Thomas Jefferson sojourned here for over three weeks in 1818, soaking in the Gentlemen's Pool House three times a day, and he described these spring waters as being "of the first merit."

Today you can follow in the footsteps of Jefferson and so many other renowned Americans by "taking the waters" in the colonial tradition, for an experience that is truly of the first merit! Soak in these legendary mineral spring waters for an hour and you will understand why Jefferson pronounced them to be the very best.

The dressing rooms are primitive, much like they were in the 1800s. Since the men's and women's spas are separate facilities, The Jefferson Pools are bathing suit optional. The men's pool is deeper and not as wide as the women's. Both share the same clear water, and there's a whiff of sulphur in the air.

The magnificent, naturally warm mineral springs developed as a spa resort in the mid 1750s, and on June 1, 1761, an octagonal wooden building was opened to the public. It had been constructed around the pool of warm spring water, and it remains today very much as it was then. The pool inside is about 120 feet in circumference, and holds 40,000 gallons of constantly flowing, crystal clear mineral spring water. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a Virginia Historic Landmark, it is considered the oldest spa structure in America.

Thomas Jefferson arrived in 1818 at the age of 75, suffering from what he described as "rheumatism." He stayed for over three weeks, taking the waters several times each day, in the Gentlemen's Pool House that continues to be used to this day. On June 1, 1836 a separate Ladies Pool House was opened, fed by a separate spring whose waters have the same properties as those which supply the adjacent Gentlemen's Pool House. The Jefferson Pools are continuously fed by several natural mineral springs from deep beneath the earth. The superlative, crystal clear spring waters at the Jefferson Pools are rich in minerals, and are a constant 98 degrees at their source - perfect, natural body temperature. Taking the waters at the Jefferson Pools continues to be a favorite activity today, and it is just as relaxing and restorative as it was in 1761 when the Gentlemen's Pool House was built.

Jefferson Pools are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily from April through October or November, depending on the weather. It's owned by The Homestead resort, so call them 540-839-7741 for more info or go to their website.