Hidden in a crater in Midway, Utah, is a pool built in a very peculiar setting. It’s a natural limestone crater 18 meters high with water at a temperature of 32°C. The top of the hole allows fresh air and sunlight to enter, while the interior is kept warm by the mineral water.
Taking advantage of this natural phenomenon, the crater was adapted for human use. A tunnel was created through the rock face to the ground, and covered areas and a diving zone were built to provide access to the crystal-clear water. Visitors can swim, dive, or enjoy a therapeutic bath.
The crater formed about 10,000 years ago. Water from the Wasatch Mountains ice seeped deep underground. At 3,200 meters below ground, the water was heated and forced to the surface. As it rose, minerals were trapped, creating the honeycomb-shaped deposit we now know as Homestead Crater.
This is a good example of a swimming pool that has adapted to nature and taken advantage of it to make it accessible to people.
