The right kit turns a good soak into a great one. This list covers everything from resort spas to backcountry pools.
- Swimwear you don’t love. Iron-rich and sulphur waters stain. Bring a dark, older suit for wild springs.
- Quick-dry towel. Microfibre packs small and dries fast — essential when you’re hopping between pools.
- Water shoes. Travertine, river rock and hot sand are slippery and sharp. Non-negotiable for natural sites.
- Dry bag. Keeps your phone, keys and clothes dry at pools with no lockers — which is most wild ones.
- Water bottle. Hot water dehydrates you faster than you expect. Drink before, during and after.
- Hair conditioner. Silica-rich water (Iceland, New Zealand) turns hair to straw. Coat it before you get in.
- Coins and small cash. Lockers, parking and rural entry fees are often cash-only.
- Headlamp. For dawn missions, dusk soaks and finding your shoes afterwards.
For resort days, add flip-flops and a robe if you have one. For backcountry days, add the ten essentials — remote springs are still the backcountry.