THE OLD INDOOR POOL

In 1892, as the main Homestead building was taking shape, a large Spa was constructed adjacent to the hotel. With separate floors for men and women and numerous dressing rooms, a variety of treatments were available. This included Boiler Baths, Sulphur Baths, Mud Baths, Octagon Baths, and separate Pleasure Baths for Ladies and Gentlemen. A connecting viaduct allowed guests to walk from the hotel in comfort and style.

While mineral springs the world over were long valued for their medicinal benefits, modern methods have shifted away from these claims towards relaxation and holistic wellness. Despite the original treatments no longer being offered, one remaining attraction is the spring-fed indoor pool, which was built in 1904. It is housed in a separate building accessible from the bathouse by a connecting corridor.

 

1915 HOMESTEAD BROCHURE
"The swimming pool, 85 1/2 ft. x 30 1/2' ft. with a depth ranging from 4 to 7 ft., is supplied with constantly flowing water from several springs, with a temperature of 82 to 85 degrees. This pool is in a handsome building adjoining and communicating with the bath house. It is complete in every appointment and is kept at a temperature which makes bathing enjoyable the year 'round."

 

A photograph in the brochure shows rough wooden walls, railings, and steam radiators lining the perimeter of the building. Interestingly, what appears to be a tarp is stretched across the pool's surface. The tarp was colored blue in the brochure which suggests the photograph may have been taken during early construction and later retouched to create the appearance of water. A later image reveals a more finished appearance with the radiators secured behind grills.

Doors to the outside were later added at the far end which led out to a veranda and stairs to the outdoor pool.

To feed the pool, a continuous flow of warm water exited from a small sluice at one end. In the 1970s children would congregate beneath it to feel the novelty of the waterfall fed by a hot spring. Originally a flat, square slice of marble this sluice has been replaced with the modern version below. A 2026 hand-test revealed the waterfall temperature was the same as the pool and seemingly no longer fed by a hot spring.

 
     
 

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