Mid-Atlantic states are known for their motley and always changing weather. In summer, for instance, many people are fond of having a relaxing day at swimming pools and other places surrounded by the already mentioned in previous articles landscapes. As Sudir Raju has already covered in other articles, Virginia and other mid-Atlantic states are the perfect scenario for carrying out several outdoor activities. When it comes to enjoying the sheer array of natural pools, the case is not the exception.
Imagine if your own swimming pool or the one you normally visit during warm days was filled by chemical-free fast-slowing spring waters and natural minerals. Sounds quite appealing, right? Almost two centuries ago, swimming and visiting spring-natural pools was rather a very popular and traditional activity: many of these ponds near the eastern portion of the country had very comfortable water temperatures, thusly becoming the perfect spot for finding relief from the summer burning heat. And since back then the population would struggle to afford the luxury of air conditioning, these pools were the perfect opportunity to promote natural ways of healing, soaking into mineral water and drinking.
Nearly 130 years ago, the University of Virginia wrote a document describing the pond near Capon Springs—about 90 miles towards the west of Washington—as one of the largest natural swimming pools containing lithia water (also known as lithium) in the country. This type of water was back then highly valued and desired for people would believe it was able to produce many benefits at different levels, ranging from indigestion to other cognitive functions. This spring natural waterpool at Capon Springs was perhaps one of the most famous destinations for locals who could afford the luxury of traveling all the way there to simply bathe in such waters. Washington residents would make the trip by both rail and stagecoach, which obviously was just a part of a whole day destined for outdoor activities.
Bathing in natural pools is not as new as one could actually think. In fact, directly from the start of the history of the United States, natural ponds and spring water were thought to provide certain healing. Native Americans, for instance, would drink and bathe in natural ponds at a sheer array of locations all across the country, as these springs were traditionally referred to as sacred to the Native American population. Therefore, it should not be surprising to realize that the vast majority of these places also have a history that begins with the first individuals to inhabit this land. Besides, even the founding fathers like George Washington was fond of visiting this kind of natural pools, as it has been covered many times that he visited Berkeley Springs numerous opportunities just to bathe in mineral spring water. Back then, these waters were also used to alleviate aching bodies and fever, and additionally, people would also soak in this waters to help themselves get some sleep.
The vast majority of these ponds can be found in the eastern portion of the country. All across mid-Atlantic states, for example, there are several. Today, it is known that bathing in this type of thermals does provide individuals with many benefits ranging from reducing physical pain to inflammation and stress. Moreover, some of them are even drinkable. Some local springs you can visit in case you are located near West Virginia are as follows:
As mentioned earlier, this pool is located in the eastern portion of West Virginia and is perhaps one of the oldest natural pools in the country. This pond is about a three-hour drive from Washington and the resort is somewhat of an ancient building. The water temperature is always near 63 degrees which is quite appealing for those seeking out to alleviate aching bodies, etc.
Also located in West Virginia, and given the fact that it was frequented by George Washington himself, Berkeley Springs is also one of the most coveted springwater pools in this mid-Atlantic state. The pool actually produces more than 1,500 gallons of water per minute at nearly 70 degrees, which is why both locals and foreigners are fond of this place in particular. Besides, just like Capon Springs, Berkeley Springs is one of the country’s oldest pools.
This sulphur spring located in West Virginia is also one of the most coveted locations given its nature. As mentioned earlier, sulphur is thought to provide those who bathe in sulphur water with relief, hence the number of visitors it receives every year.
These are just some of the most visited locations; however, there is a sheer array of them. If you are looking forward to spending a day outside your home, visiting one of these pools is perhaps a rather advisable idea: you will surely not regret it! If you are planning on also taking your children with you, bear in mind that some pools have age restrictions. Do your research and plan ahead so that you do not come across undesired complications.