Safety tips for natural hot pools

A soak in a natural hot pool is a restorative experience, but hot mineral water has real effects on the body, and the places where it is found are often slippery, isolated and without any assistance. This guide gathers the common-sense advice that applies to all free hot springs. It is no substitute for medical advice: if you have doubts about your health, ask your doctor first.

Temperature: always test before getting in

At many free hot springs the water leaves the source at very high temperatures, sometimes over 50 °C, and cools as it flows or mixes with river or sea water. This means that a few metres apart you can find pleasant water and water that scalds.

• Test the water with your hand before getting in, and move slowly.
• Keep away from the vents where the water comes out of the rock or the seabed.
• Above 38-40 °C, stay in for only a few minutes at a time and take breaks in the open air.
• Drink plenty of water before and after: the heat makes you sweat even if you don't notice.

Who should be extra careful

Hot water dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. That is why people with heart or blood pressure problems, pregnant women, people with circulation problems and young children, who overheat faster than adults, should be particularly careful and ask a doctor before getting into very hot water. On each page we show which springs seem best suited to families, usually those with warm water and easy access.

Sulphur, gas and fumaroles

Many Italian hot springs are sulphurous: the rotten-egg smell is normal and harmless in the amounts you breathe outdoors. In volcanic areas, however, such as Vulcano or among the fumaroles of Ischia and Pantelleria, gases can be released in dangerous concentrations. Always respect signs and local orders, don't lie down near the points where steam comes out and don't enter caves or enclosed hollows where the air doesn't circulate.

A practical tip: sulphur blackens silver and ruins light-coloured swimwear. Leave your jewellery at home and wear an old swimsuit.

What to bring

• Water shoes or sandals with good grip: travertine, algae and wet rocks are extremely slippery.
• A large towel or bathrobe, and dry clothes for the way back.
• Fresh water to drink and to rinse off: almost no free hot spring has showers.
• A bag for your rubbish: there are no bins at free hot springs.
• A torch if you plan to stay until sunset.

Rules for respecting these places

• No soap, shampoo or creams in the pools: they pollute the water and damage the rock formations.
• Don't build dams or move stones to enlarge the pools: it is forbidden and upsets very delicate balances.
• Don't break off pieces of travertine or limestone: they take decades to form.
• No glass, no loud music, no camping out.
• Respect opening times, bans and private property: many springs stay free only as long as visitors behave well.

In an emergency

Remember that the single emergency number in Italy is 112. In isolated places phone coverage can be poor: note your exact location beforehand (the coordinates are on every page) and, if you can, don't go alone. If you feel dizzy, get out of the water slowly, lie down in the shade with your legs raised and drink.

Now that you know how to go about it, choose your next destination on the map of free hot springs.