A hot spring is also called a thermal spring and has water at temperatures substantially higher than the air temperature. Most hot springs are naturally hot water springs which are typically heated by subterranean intrusions of magma, however, not all hot springs are related to volcanic activity.

Hot spring water often contains large amounts of dissolved minerals, which minerals often feed communities of extremophyles which are microorganisms adapted to extreme conditions.

Also, the area where hot springs occur that are associated with volcanic activity are often noted for its geyser, hot springs, mud volcanoes, steam jets, and other features.

Since there is no universally accepted definition of a Hot Spring, arriving at a definition for Warm Spring is even more challenging and many would suggest that the phrase, Warm Spring is not useful and should be avoided.

The US NOAA Geophysical Data Center defines a "warm spring" as a spring with water between 68 and 122 °F. I find this to be totally unacceptable for my purposes because many of the best hot springs that I frequent are less than 122 °F. In fact, all of the ones that I have experienced are less than 122 °F in the hot pool.

The related term warm spring is defined as a spring with water temperature less than that of a hot spring and since I have set the temperatures of hot springs for the purpose of rating with the lowest rating having water temperature at 75 °F and lower, then I must needs consider this to be the temperature of a Warm Spring.

Too, any hot spring that has a water temperature between 89 °F and 75 °F will henceforth be designated as a Warm Spring.

Further, with having these two designation for Warm Springs, both of which have negative point values, I can include all the so called Warm Springs in my effort to rate these spring. Finally, I have given those Hot Springs with a water temperature between 90 °F and 104 °F the designation as a Medium Hot Springs and to have this rating is to receive the point value of zero. All Hot Springs with a water temperature with 105 °F and above will be rated as Hot Springs and will have positive point values.

One caution that most people who use hot springs are not aware of, is that there is a good likelihood that the hot or warm water in hot springs pools could be infected with a brain eating amoeba.

After being told the above statement, many people have responded to me, Your just kidding, right? To them and to everyone who have not heard, I say, No, I am not kidding! This is true. ¹

The amoeba thrives in temperatures between 95° F and 115° F or higher for short periods and gains access to your brain through your nose.

1. Hold you nose or wear a nose clip if you are in fresh water

2. Always keep you head above water in hot springs and other hot water.

3. Use distilled or boiled tap water when rinsing your sinuses or nasal passages.

4. Avoid digging in, or stirring up, sediment in shallow, warm fresh water.

5. Always shower after swimming in warm water.

6. Check local advisories before heading out to a swimming spot

There is always a courtesy code when in nature and at hot springs. It is important to know the laws of the land and just as important to follow these laws.

Too, its always best to know what the local customs are, especially if the hot springs is privately owned. Laws and local customs can be and are often different from one hot spring to another hot spring.

Being aware of the law of the land and using the golden rule is always a good start.

1. Respect others who come to the hot springs.

2. Respect nature that is around the hot springs.

3. Always pack out what you pack in.

4. No dogs at hot springs.

5. No glass at hot springs.

6. No soap at hot springs, clean yourself before entering a hot spring.

7. No candles at hot springs.

8. No eating in hot springs.

9. No sex in hot springs.

10. Do not immerse you face or head in hot spring water because hot springs are known to have Naegleria fowleri, a brain-eating amoeba.

This rating system has been developed for determining how each hot spring rates with emphasis on cost together with the availability and type of other amenities, both positive and negative, located within each hot spring site.

Previous to this rating system, a random number that just felt right was chosen to determine how a hot spring would rate. However, now, with the current parameters of this new system, the rating bestowed upon a hot spring location, seems to be one that the site actually deserves.