June 21, 2023 |
Photo – Hobo Hot Pools in Saratoga – Courtesy Carbon County Visitor’s Council (Discover Carbon County)
In Saratoga, town workers Tuesday finished preparing the famous hot pools for opening after flood waters shut them down this spring. The hot pools are now open with the North Platte River receding.
Heavy, high-country snowpack put the town in danger of possible flooding. Spring snowmelt caused the North Platte River to overflow into the Hobo Hot Springs. The naturally-fed mineral pools drain into the river, and if the river level is too high, the water sits in the pools and stagnates, resulting in a breeding ground for algae.
Town officials closed the hot spring facility in mid-May. Mayor Chuck Davis said algae growth has increased the chances of people getting hurt. Mayor Davis said the town was required to close the Hobo Hot Springs for safety reasons.
With the North Platte returning to normal, the town has begun to reopen the hot springs. Earlier this month, the smaller, not-so hot pool was opened along with the bathroom and changing facility.
The large hot pool remained closed due to the water level. Mayor Davis said town maintenance crews were hard at work Tuesday morning preparing to reopen the facility. The mayor said the larger pool should open soon, if it isn’t already.
Town crews needed to wait until the river subsided before they could drain the pool and perform necessary maintenance. If ground water levels are too high when crews drain the pool, the empty pool could float up out of the ground and be damaged. Mayor Davis said the water receded enough for crews to begin work.
The swimming pool is scheduled to open on July 1st. All water aerobics classes should begin shortly afterwards. Also announced yesterday was the new date for Open House Luau for the reopening of the pool. The event will be held July 22.
