Ouray Hot Springs pool closing for 8 months for renovation work; Check out 5 other soaking options

OURAY, Colo. -- The historic hot springs pool in Ouray is closing next month for an eight-month long renovation project.

"The original pool is 90 years old," explained Kat Papenbrock, the Director of the Ouray Chamber Resort Association. "It's had a lot of patches over the years, but we passed a bond measure and sales tax last year to fund improvements. And renovation of the pool is No. 1."

Papenbrock says the renovation work will include new infrastructure in additions to more wall space, a redesigned diving platform, new space for slides and an additional hot soaking area that is separate from the kids area.

While the large pool is closed, Papenbrock stressed that there is, "still plenty of soaking available in the interim."

There are five developed hot springs in Ouray County, Papenbrock said.

"Two others are open to the public -- the Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa and historic vapor caves and Orvis Hot Springs in Ridgway."

While Orvis is best known for being clothing optional, Papenbrock said the indoor pool is family friendly. Orvis' website says, "bathing suits are required in the indoor pool from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m."

There are also two hotels with hot springs in Ouray -- the Twin Peaks Lodge and Hot Springs and the Box Canyon Lodge and Hot Springs.

"One last cool soaking experience is Chipeta Resort in Ridgway -- they have solar heated pools," Papenbrock said.

The Ouray Hot Springs pool closes September 6 and will reopen in May 2017.