Article: Taking the Waters at Bath

TAKING THE WATERS:
A guide to the use and enjoyment of the Baths at Berkeley Springs

Berkeley Springs State Park is located in the center of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. The yellow brick building at the southwest corner of the Park is the Main Bath House. Owned and operated by the State of West Virginia, the State Park Bath House first opened in 1928. Since then, thousands have enjoyed the variety of baths and treatments in the warm mineral waters that flow from the springs at a constant year 'round temperature of 74.3° Fahrenheit.

How do I make a reservation?
Simply call 1-800 CALL WVA and ask for Berkeley Springs State Park, or 304-258-2711 direct 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or come to the Bath House. (Please keep trying if the line is busy; the busiest time is 10 to 10:30 a.m.) Bathing in these waters has been popular since the days of George Washington. The Park will accept reservations up to two weeks in advance and we strongly recommend making this early.

Weekends and holidays always book quickly, and from early April to mid-November weekdays are also busy.

Reservations must be held with a credit card or by mailing a check for the amount due for your appointment. The Bath House accepts Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Deposits are fully refundable with at least 24 hours' notice.

What can I reserve?
Roman Bath
Not a whirlpool or a Jacuzzi, but 750 gallons of water in a ceramic-tile, walk-in private tub (can be shared with someone of the same sex). Heated to a maximum water temperature of 102°F, the Roman Bath is a tub big enough to stretch out in, to float, read or just relax. There are metal railing for exercise use and safety.

Bath time is 15 minutes if you are also having a massage; 20 minutes without a massage.

Victorian Bath
Luxuriate in a 6 1/2-foot Victorian-style footed bathtub with water heated to a maximum temperature of 102°F. Bath time is 15 minutes if you are also having a massage; 20 minutes without a massage. Footrests and pillows are available.

Heat Cabinet
These steam cabinets heated to 124°F enclose the entire body, except the head, for 8 to 10 minutes. A Victorian Bath follows the steam treatment.

Massage
Enjoy twenty minutes of Swedish-style full body rub down with massage oil in a traditional mixture of pure imported olive oil and 190 proof ethyl alcohol. Massagers are trained and instructed by the West Virginia Division of Parks and Recreation. There are woman massagers on the women's side and men massagers on the men's side. You will be fully draped at all times during your massage.

Infra-red Heat
This treatment with a standard heat lamp and hot pack is available for 8 to 10 minutes at a time a-an excellent treatment for isolated body parts (shoulder, hip, etc.)

Shower
At the end of your massage you may take a 5-minute shower with adjustable water. Or you may elect to shower immediately following your bath. (Another option is to follow your treatment with powder and no shower - especially good for those with dry skin.)

How are the baths kept clean?
The baths are drained and rinsed after each use, fresh water is run for each customer, and the baths are thoroughly scrubbed at the end of each day. The baths are for soaking and relaxing only; soaps and oils are not permitted in the tubs. You may wish to bathe or shower before coming to your appointment if you feel the need for lathering up.

How hot is the water? Are there health restrictions?
The water bubbles from the springs a constant 74°F and is heated to 100-102°F for the baths. The attendant cannot heat the water above 102°F for safety reasons; the temperature can be lowered if it is too hot for you. Expectant mothers should consult with their physicians before taking the baths. If you are pregnant, water temperature should be no higher than 98°F. Please tell the attendant if your are pregnant so the water temperature can be lowered for you.

People with high blood pressure or heat conditions should not use the baths without consulting their physicians prior to scheduling an appointment.

Children ages six to twelve may share the bath with their same-sex parent for half price; massages are full price. Children under six are not permitted in the bath areas of the Main Bath House.

Do I wear a bathing suit?
The baths are private and men's and women's areas are separate, so bathing suits are not necessary, nor are they recommended during a massage. You may, of course, choose to wear a bathing suit if it makes you more comfortable. The Park provides towels, and sheets for women guests to wrap up in while going from tub to massage. Please provide your own shower shoes if you would like them, although they are not necessary. While the Park provides lockers for street clothes and personal effects, it is not advisable to wear valuable jewelry or watchers or carry large amounts of cash with you when you visit the Baths.

Do I tip?
When you finish your bath, massage, and shower or powder, you return to the locker room to dress. If you wish to tip the massager and/or the attendant for a job well done, you may certainly do so at your own discretion.

What else is there in the Park?
The Berkeley Springs State Park also features a public outdoor swimming pool open Memorial Day - Labor Day, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. The water is from the springs, but it is filtered and chlorinated to meet the health department regulations. A Red Cross - certified lifeguard is on duty at all times. There is a nominal admission fee; seasonal passes are available.

The Old Roman Bath House (in continuous use since circa 1815) offers family-style bathing. Nine separate private bathing rooms, which feature 750-gallon ceramic tile baths, are available for half-hour or one hour rentals. The tubs hold four adults comfortably and family bathing is permitted. Fees are per person. Showers and massages are not available in this building, but towels are provided. Once again, fresh water is used for each bath and no soaps or oils are permitted in the baths. Suits are not required.

The Berkeley Springs State Park operates a gift shop in the historic Poor People's Bath House Memorial Day through the last week in October, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. The shop features T-shirts, West Virginia arts and crafts, souvenirs, and postcards.

A public tap is available under the historic Gentlemen's Spring House by the Old Roman Bath House where jugs may be filled for free. Gallon jugs are available for sale at the Main Bath House for those who forget containers.

The Museum of the Berkeley Springs is located on the second floor of the Old Roman Bath House. Open seasonally form May through October and on certain holiday weekends, the museum highlights the history of the Springs and the Town of Bath. The museum also features a small gift shop. Please check for hours.

What if I can't get an appointment?
If you don't get an appointment at the baths at the time of your choice, other bathing options are available in Berkeley Springs. Massage and/or whirlpool baths or hot tubs are available at the Country Inn's Renaissance Spa, Coolfont's Spectrum Spa, The Bath House Massage & Health Center or Atasia Spa