Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are your prices for the Hot Pools?
A: Rates are listed under the Hot Pools page. You can also download and print the prices for your convenience. There are price sheets for each facility (Hot Pools and Swimming Pools). Wednesdays are Family Day for parents and dependent children under 18 years of age (up to 10 total in a family group). This rule also applies to the Season Family Pass in the summer.
Q: Where are you located?
A: The State Foundation owns and operates the two main attractions in Lava Hot Springs. The World Famous Hot Springs are located at 430 E. Main Street, Lava Hot Springs, ID and the Olympic Swimming Complex and Indoor Aquatic Center is located at 195 N. Center St., Lava Hot Springs, ID.
Q: Can I come back later?
A: All passes are a one-time entry. You can come back but will have to pay the admission fee again upon entry. You can purchase a Buy 10 get 1 Free punch pass if you plan to visit more than one time. These passes are good for 1 year from date of purchase.
Q: How does the Combination Passes work for both the Hot Pools and Swimming Pools?
A: Combination passes will be a one time visit to the Hot Pools and an all day pass at the swimming pools. When you purchase a combination pass you will be given a token to be redeemed at the other facility. If you need to leave the swimming pool temporarily, you can still get a re-entry stamp at the front office. Suggestion: If you want to end your day at the Hot Pools start at the swimming pool first. Purchase your ticket where you want to go in first.
Q: Do you have restrooms and showers, dressing rooms and lockers?
A: Yes, Restrooms, showers and dressing rooms are provided with paid entry. Lockers are coin operated, cost is 50¢ - $1.00 and are a one time use.
Q: Can I purchase tickets in advance?
A: Yes but is not required. Advance tickets can be purchased through our website, be sure to click on the facility you want to purchase the passes for. You will have a sale ID# on your receipt. Present the sale ID# at the time of your visit to the cashier at the location you purchased the passes for either print the receipt or from your electronic device. Passes can be redeemed up to 1 year from date of purchase. We do not offer refunds, no exceptions.
Q: Do you have group rates?
A: Yes, Monday - Thursday only (excluding holidays). Go to our Group Pricing https://lavahotsprings.com/group-rates page. We prefer you contact the administrative office if you plan to take advantage of the group rate so we can let our cashiers know to when to expect your group. Groups must pay in 1 lump sum in order to receive group rate and your entire group must be here at time of entry or have a printed sheet with all the names and ages of who you are paying for so they can check-in with the cashier upon arrival.
Q: Can I pre-pay for my entire group or family?
A: Yes, You can pre-purchase tickets online for your group or family reunion. You will be given a sale ID to be used at the time of arrival to enter the facility. If you pre-purchase passes and have some left over, you have 1 year from date of purchase to use them. If you choose to buy tickets the day of play you can provide the cashier with a list of all the names and ages of who you are paying for so they can check-in with the cashier upon arrival. We do not offer refunds! NO EXCEPTIONS.
Q: Do you offer Military, Student, Local or Scout group rates?
A: We do not offer Military (thank you for your service), Student or Scout group rates. Local discounts can be purchased in the form of Wednesday family day, Punch passes, 3-month passes or Annual passes to get the best bang for your buck.
Q: Can a non-swimmer come into the facility without paying?
A: No. We do not offer a spectator rate. Every person entering our facilities is required to pay the regular admission fees, No exceptions.
Q: Are babies free?
A: No, everyone entering the facility is charged the admission fee. Cost for babies is $3.00 (includes swim diaper)
Q: If my child is potty trained do they need a swim diaper?
A: All children under the age of 3 must wear a swim diaper at all times when in the water, potty trained or not. We DO include a complimentary swim diaper with the $3.00 admission fee for the children under 3.
Q: Can I bring food & drinks into the Hot Pools?
A: No, As of March 1, 2022 Food or drinks will no longer be allowed into the Hot Springs facility. You are welcome to bring a EMPTY water bottle and utilize the new water fill station, sealed water bottle or purchase drinks or snacks from the Gift Shop. We do not offer a drink service at our facility. We have the right to check all bags that enter our facilities. Patrons are not allowed to eat while sitting in the pools. Thank you for your cooperation.
Q: Can I come into the hot pools after having alcoholic beverages?
A: NO, for your safety and safety of others it is not safe to combine alcohol and hot water. For safety reasons the use of alcohol is prohibited. No exceptions! We have ZERO TOLERANCE for intoxicated patrons or patrons bringing in alcohol. You will be asked to leave immediately and will not be offered a refund.
Q: What can I wear in the hot springs?
A: We allow appropriate swim wear, non-street worn clothing such as a t-shirt (not white) and gym shorts. We do not allow thongs or g-strings. We are a family friendly facility and ask that all attire be appropriate or you can see the office to rent appropriate suit attire. We reserve the right to ask you to cover up and if you refuse we will ask you to leave.
Q: Do you have Suits and Towels for Rent?
A: YES, We do have suits and towels available for rent. Suits are $3.00 plus a $5.00 deposit and Towels are $3.00 plus a $5.00 refundable deposit. Deposits are refundable when you return the items to the Gift Shop.
Q: Do you have lockers to lock up your personal items?
A: YES, we have coin-operated lockers and are $0.50 - $1.00 per use. We are not responsible for items left, lost or stolen.
Q: Do you have lodging on-site?
A: NO, We do not have lodging or camping on premises but most accommodations are in and around the City of Lava and have over 500 rooms, campsites, vacation homes, cabins, cottages etc. in Lava Hot Springs and are independently owned. We own and operate the State owned Lava Hot Springs World Famous Hot Pools, the Olympic Swimming Pool & Indoor Aquatic Center facilities and reserve 4 parks for reunions/parties. To see accommodations visit the Lava Chamber website at: http://www.lavahotsprings.org not all accommodations are listed as they may not be Chamber members.
Q: Can I bring in Shade Tents, Tables & Chairs?
A: Shade tents or tables are not allowed into the Hot Pools. Umbrellas can be held but we do not allow the ones you can stake into the lawn. We DO allow you to bring in chairs and we have a couple picnic tables at the hot pools that are first come first serve. We do not have pavilions in the Hot Pool area.
Q: Do you allow flotation devices?
A: YES, we do allow flotation devices for children in the hot pools, life jackets, arm bands or water rings up to 24”in diameter. We do not allow large tubes, layout inflatable devices, water noodles, squirt guns or balls.
Q: Can I drop my kids off at the pool without adult supervision?
A: No, Children 11 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult at all times in our hot pools facility.
Q: What is the temperature of your hot pools?
A: The hot pools start at 112⁰ down to 102⁰. The temperatures are always the same because they are all natural mineral hot springs and we do not regulate the temperature or add anything to the water. There is no sulfur odor. Over 2.5 million gallons of water flow through the hot pools in 24 hours.
Q: Do you close the hot pools due to inclement weather and can I get a refund?
A: Rarely, do we close for inclement weather and refunds are NOT given due to inclement weather – Rain, thunder, lightning, and snow etc., no exceptions. If the staff feels the lightning is too close according to the weather meter and unsafe we may possibly ask everyone to get out of the pools until the lightning passes. We are open every day of the year except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Q: Do you have parks that we can reserve for a family reunion or party?
A: Yes. We have four parks we reserve for family reunions etc. outside of our pool facilities. You can find pictures on our website. The park names are: East, West, Majestic, and Garden Park. Other parks in town are first come, first served. The East and West have 2 pavilions, public restrooms, 8-9 picnic tables, cornhole boards, volleyball net poles and power. The Majestic Park has 2 small pavilions, picnic tables, volleyball net poles, cornhole boards and portable toilets. The Garden park has 1 pavilion, 4 tables and cornhole boards, no volleyball at this park. No water, fire, or BBQ amenities are provided and you are welcome to bring generators if needed. These parks are located within the City of Lava Hot Springs. The cost to reserve a park is $75-$125 per day depending on the park. Volleyball net sets and cornhole bags are available for rent from the Hot Pools office or you can bring your own. Cost is $20 plus $10 refundable deposit. Reservations can be made online or contact 208-776-5221 Monday through Friday for reservations. The City of Lava rents the Buddy Campbell Park contact City Hall for reservations 208-776-5820.
Q: Can I rent a tube for the river from you?
A: No, The river tubes are not affiliated with our facility and tubes are not allowed in our facilities. There are tube stands in town that you can rent tubes from to float the Portneuf River. The river is a natural river that flows through Lava and is at your own risk. Tube stands may have you sign a waiver of liability. River closes at dusk.
Q: Can I bring in my dog or any other pets?
A: No, pets are not allowed inside our facilities except CERTIFIED SERVICE DOGS. Service dogs must not enter the pools. No therapy, emotional support or companion animals allowed, NO Exceptions.
Q: Can I park my Semi-Truck in your parking lots?
A: No, It is posted that NO Semi-Trucks are allowed to park in our parking lots or on our streets adjacent to the pools. There is no overnight parking allowed in the town of Lava Hot Springs for Trailers, Motor Homes or Semi Trucks. You will be towed!
Q: Do you have a cold pool at your Hot Pool facility?
A: We do not have a cold pool but we do have an outside cold shower spout near the coolest pool.
Q: Can pregnant women go into the Hot Pools?
A: Per our guidelines we do not recommend pregnant women to soak in the hot pools and suggest you speak with your physician before doing so.
Q: Can I take my 10 year old son into the women’s dressing rooms with me OR Can I take my 10 year old daughter into the men’s dressing rooms with me? What are the age restrictions?
A: Boys, 4 years and older will use the family or men’s dressing rooms only. The Men’s dressing rooms have showers and restrooms. Girls, age 4 years and older will use the family or women’s dressing rooms only. The women dressing rooms have showers and restrooms. We do have a unisex bathroom on site as well. Guidelines only, special circumstances will occur. Exceptions may be made for the handicap.
Q: Can I smoke at your facilities or go out and have a smoke?
A: We do not allow smoking or vaping on or near our swimming pools or hot pools, there are designated smoking areas outside both facilities. We do not allow persons to go in and out of the facility to smoke. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Q: Can we bring in, walk in and around town with alcoholic beverages in hand?
A: NO, We have ZERO TOLERANCE for alcohol entering our facilities and intoxicated patrons. You will be asked to leave immediately and will not be offered a refund. The City of Lava Hot Springs has an OPEN CONTAINER LAW in place. If you are caught with alcohol walking down the streets or on the sidewalks, Bannock County Sheriff can and will cite you. If you are in one of our parks it must remain in park not outside of park. No exceptions.
Q: Are you handicap accessible?
A: 2 pools of the 5 pools, restrooms and dressing rooms are handicap accessible, if you would like to borrow a wheelchair to use to put into the pools please ask the cashier. If we have one available you are welcome to borrow it.
Revised 2/7/2024
