How to Choose a Hot Springs Resort: Natural Geothermal vs. Artificially Heated Pools

If you’re planning your first hot springs getaway, you may assume every resort labeled a “hot springs” destination offers naturally heated mineral water. In reality, that’s not always the case.

Some resorts are built around naturally flowing geothermal springs that emerge from deep within the earth. Others use heated municipal or mineral water that may be warmed mechanically before reaching the pools. Both can provide a relaxing soak, but they represent different experiences and different wellness traditions.

At Murrieta Hot Springs, we believe the best way to choose a resort is to understand where the water comes from, how transparent the property is about its source, and what type of experience you’re hoping to have. This guide breaks down what each type actually offers and how to make a decision.

Quick Comparison: Natural Geothermal Water vs. Artificially Heated Water

What Is in the Water?

Natural Geothermal Water 

Natural geothermal water begins as groundwater that travels deep beneath the earth’s surface, where geothermal heat warms it naturally. As it moves through underground rock formations, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals before returning to the surface.

That journey creates water with a distinctive mineral composition that cannot simply be recreated by heating ordinary water. Scientists are currently studying how much of the benefits from hot springs come from the naturally occurring minerals in geothermal water versus the effects of warm water immersion itself.

For travelers seeking an authentic hot springs experience, naturally flowing geothermal water offers a connection to the earth’s geology, documented mineral composition, and a centuries-old bathing tradition that mechanically heated pools cannot replicate.

At Murrieta Hot Springs, every soaking pool is supplied by 100% naturally flowing geothermal mineral water from the resort’s historic geothermal source. The resort has been providing natural geothermal healing since 1902, making it one of California’s oldest continuously operating hot springs. 

Artificially Heated Pools

Many wellness resorts and spas use heated pools that provide a warm, comfortable soaking experience.

Some may begin with mineral water, while others use municipal water. The water is typically heated using conventional mechanical systems to maintain a consistent temperature.

These pools can be enjoyable for relaxation, exercise, or hydrotherapy. However, travelers specifically searching for an authentic geothermal hot springs experience should verify whether the water itself is naturally heated underground or heated after it reaches the property.

One practical tip: if a resort’s website emphasizes its spa amenities but provides little information about where its water comes from, it’s worth asking before you book if natural mineral water is important to you.

Five Things to Look For When Comparing Hot Springs Resorts

1. Does the resort clearly explain its water source?

One of the easiest ways to evaluate a property is simply to see how transparent it is. Look for information such as:

● Whether the water comes directly from a natural geothermal spring

● Whether it is mechanically heated

● Whether it is recirculated or continuously flowing

● The history of the spring itself

Resorts built around authentic geothermal resources typically make this information easy to find. If a resort is not transparent about the water source, regardless of whether it is geothermal or artificially heated, visitors should exercise some caution when booking. 

2. Is a mineral analysis available? 

Natural geothermal water contains dissolved minerals acquired during its underground journey. Many resorts publish: 

● Mineral analysis reports

● Water chemistry information

● Lists of naturally occurring minerals

● Source temperature

Providing this information demonstrates transparency and helps guests understand what makes the water unique.

3. Does the resort have a historic geothermal source? 

Many of the world’s best-known hot springs have welcomed visitors for generations because the geothermal resource has remained active over time. Historic geothermal destinations often have:

● Long-established spring sources

● Historical records

● Preservation efforts

● Ongoing stewardship of the natural resource

4. Does the property offer wellness programming built around the water?

The water itself is only part of the experience. Many travelers look for resorts that combine geothermal soaking with:

● Guided contrast therapy

● Sauna experiences

● Sound baths

● Recovery programming

● Sleep-focused wellness

● Educational wellness sessions

Of note, Murrieta Hot Springs has a medical director, Dr. Marcus Coplin, on staff who oversees all wellness programming. Features like this help round out the wellness experience for guests and are important to look into before booking. 

5. Has the resort earned independent recognition?

Third-party recognition can help travelers distinguish marketing claims from independently recognized achievements. Examples include:

● USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards

● Membership in organizations, such as the Global Wellness Institute’s Hot Springs Initiative

● Independent travel and wellness publications

For example, Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is ranked #1 Hot Springs and #1 Spa Resort by 10Best 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Beyond the Water: Consider the Overall Experience

Choosing a hot springs resort isn’t only about the water source. Cost relative to what’s included is another useful lens, especially when comparing an all-day geothermal resort against a shorter spa visit.

Other factors worth comparing include:

● Number of soaking pools

● Adult-only versus family-friendly spaces

● Overnight accommodations

● Included wellness programming

● Spa services

● Dining

● Evening soaking opportunities

● Educational experiences

Choosing the Right Resort for Your Wellness Goals

Every traveler has different priorities. 

If your primary goal is:

● Relaxation after sightseeing: a heated wellness pool or a natural geothermal pool will both meet your needs.

● An authentic hot springs experience: a resort with naturally emerging geothermal mineral water will be the best fit. 

At Murrieta Hot Springs Resort, our philosophy begins with transparency. We believe travelers should know exactly where the water comes from, how it reaches the pools, and how it fits into a broader wellness experience grounded in history, education, and evidence-informed programming.

To book a visit to Murrieta Hot Springs, visit: www.murrieta-hotsprings.com/springs/day-passes/ 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a natural geothermal hot spring and a heated pool? 

Natural geothermal hot springs are heated by the earth and emerge with naturally occurring minerals acquired underground, while heated pools rely on mechanical heating systems. Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is one of the only local resorts that offers 100% natural geothermal mineral water.

How can I tell whether a hot spring resort uses natural geothermal water?

Look for clear source disclosure, published mineral analyses, information about the spring’s history, and independent recognitions. Resorts that rely on authentic geothermal resources are typically transparent about where their water originates.

Does staying overnight make a difference at a hot springs resort?

For many travelers, yes. Overnight stays allow multiple soaking sessions without the need to drive afterward and provide more flexibility to participate in wellness programming. Murrieta Hot Springs Resort provides 24-hour unlimited soaking access to all 49+ pools for overnight guests, making it easy to enjoy the geothermal experience at your own pace.