HOT SPRINGS, Va. – A Bath County resort is closing one of its main attractions until further notice.
The Omni Homestead Resort will close the historic Jefferson Pools, also known as the bathhouses, based on a directive from Bath County officials. According to the nonprofit Preservation Bath, the closure is due to a safety issue.
Building officials expressed great concern for the bathhouses' structure and vertical framing.
On Wednesday this week, the building official for the County of Bath visited the bathhouses and notified us that afternoon that they were no longer safe for use," said Lynn Swann, director of marketing and communications for Omni Homestead Resort.
Over 20,000 people visited the Jefferson Pools in 2016. Despite the closure of the bathhouses there are other activities that can be enjoyed on the property.
"Of course, we have more than 30 activities here, everything from our new zip tour, Segway tour, mountain biking and golf," said Swann.
There have been plans mentioned in the past for repairs, but now the time has come officially come.
"The bathhouses are in need of just some attention, love and care," said Richard Armstrong, president of the Bath County Historical Society. "It is a good thing that they closed them, because they are in serious despair."
The closing could impact tourisim of Bath County, said Armstrong.
Click here to learn about the rich history of the crystal springs.