Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What do your prices include?
A: The recreation pool pass includes the 10 man hot tub during the summer along with the hill slides, pool and water playground. The Soaking Pool Pass only includes the soaking pools. An everything pass may be purchased to allow entry to both sides of the pools.
Q: Do you have restrooms and showers, dressing rooms and lockers?
A: Yes, Indoor showers and dressing rooms are provided with paid entry. Lockers cost $1 with a $2 rental deposit that is returned when key is returned. You can get in and out of the lockers as needed.
Q: Do you offer Military, Student, Local or Scout group rates?
A: We offer Military (thank you for your service), It is the same rate as the group rates. It is not valid on any other discounts.
Q: Do you have weekend passes?
A: We only offer two-day passes for Friday & Saturday. The two day pass is only valid for Recreation Pool & Water Slide pass. No two day everything pass available. No refunds are given if the second day is not used. Passes are non transferable.
Q: Can I purchase tickets in advance?
A: Advance tickets can be purchased through our website, Please make sure you read our hours of operations prior to purchasing tickets. Please indicate the day you will be picking up the pass and swimming at Downata so we can have your passes ready. This will save you time when checking in.
Q: Can a non-Swimmer come into the facility without paying?
A: NO, Every person entering the Swimming Pools is required to pay the regular admission fees. We offer a spectator rate for a special rate.
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 ages 2 & under.
Q: Can I bring food and drinks into the pool area?
A: Yes. We do allow outside food and drinks into our facilities. For the safety of you and others, Glass, alcohol, BBQ grills or cooking are NOT allowed in the facility. We have the right to check all bags and coolers that enters our facilities. We do not allow food or drinks on any of the concrete decks or in the pools at our facilities and ask you keep food and drinks on the grass. In the winter, you may reserve the Bunk Room for parties and food.
Q: Can I bring in Shade Tents, Tables & Chairs?
A: Yes. We provide two pavilions, tables, and some chairs we DO allow patrons to bring in these items. Please do not use stakes to anchor down the tents to protect our sprinkler system, please use weights instead. We do not allow shade tents or big umbrellas at the Hot Soaking Pools.
Q: Do you allow flotation devices?
A: Yes. We allow flotation devices for children . Please note that non-swimmers are not allowed in the deep end of the pool; therefore, anyone in a flotation device must remain in the shallow end. Flotation devices must be less than 36" in diameter. We do not allow large tubes or layout inflatable devices. Life jackets and arm bands are allowed in the shallow ends. Flotation devices such as water noodles, baby floats, or water rings are not allowed on any of the water slides. We do allow a certified lifejacket or puddle jumpers on our Dragon slides on the hill only. Parents must still be with their children. None of the pools slides and black hole slide allows lifejackets and patron must know how to swim to ride these slides.
Q: What are your height requirements for water slides?
A: You must be 48” tall to ride Big Slide in the pool and Black Hole Slide. All other slides except the family slide is single riders only and patron must know how to swim to ride the slides. Parents cannot catch their children at the bottom of the slides with the exception of the family slide.
Q: If you close the pool due to inclement weather, can I get a refund?
A: No, refunds are not given due to inclement weather – Rain, thunder, lightning, and snow etc., no exceptions.
Q: Can I drop my kids off at the pool without adult supervision?
A: Non-swimming children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. If a child is under the age of 12 but at least age 9 they must pass a swim test by a lifeguard of being able to swim 15 yards and tread water for 1 minute in the deep end. Children under 9 must be accompanied by a supervising adult regardless of swimming ability.
Q: What is the temperature of your pools?
A: The outdoor pool is about 93 degrees except for Thursday and the temperature can be in the upper 90's. During the summer the 10 man hot tub can reach a temperature of 105. The soaking pools range from 98 to 104 during the winter and summer months from 102 to 105. Our recreation pool is completely drained and cleaned twice a week during the summer months. Wednesday night and Saturday night is the usual schedule. Thursday is the hot day because the pool is filled with fresh hot water from the spring. Our cold water is 83 degrees and does not have a big cooling effect the day the pool is filled. The hot pools are drained and cleaned once a week.
Q: Do you have Lockers to lock up your personal items?
A: YES, we have lockers cost is $3 with a $2 deposit. We are not responsible for items left, lost or stolen.
Q: What can I wear in the swimming pool?
A: We allow appropriate swim wear, non-street worn clothing such as s 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. Shorts with rivots and buckles are not allowed on any slide.
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. We do have some used towels for sale at $5 each and you don't have to return them.
Q: How deep is your pool for children?
A: The recreation pools is 4 feet in the shallow end and goes to 7 feet in the deep end. The baby pool is 2 feet deep. We do not allow any diving because of the depth of our pools.
Q: I want to have a birthday party for my child. Can I do that at the pool?
A: Yes, we have a meeting room that can be rented during the winter months or pavilions during the summer months. No outside food or drinks are allowed in the Snack Bar dining room. We must save the room for a guests to eat from the Snack Bar. If you purchase food from the Snack Bar you are only allowed to use the table until your meal is finished. Lingering in the snack bar is not allowed due to space for our other guests.
Q: Do you have group rates?
A: Yes, Friday & Saturday we offer a guest rate a group of 10 more people. Group rate is only available on the Recreation Pool & Slide Pass.
Q: Can I pre-pay for my entire group or family?
A: Yes, We allow a sign in list. The responsible party must register with us and give us a credit card for a guarantee. After the group is in, the guarantee can pay for the entire group at the same time.
Q: Do you offer Scout group rates?
A: We do only offer a special Scout rate during the winter months. We charge per person for tent camping and the Friday night recreation pool pass is discounted. Soaking pools are not discounted and if scouts purchase the pass, the soaking rules must be observed which is no splashing or swimming in the soaking pools. We allow splashing and swimming the the recreation pool only.
Q: Can I bring in my dog or other pets? A: No, pets are not allowed inside our facilities except official service dogs. Official service dogs may be at the pool side by their owner but they are not allowed in the pool or pool showers. If you plan to leave your dog tied to the fence outside the facility, you are required to provide shade and water for them. No therapy, emotional support or companion animals allowed, NO Exceptions.
Q: Do you have pavilions that we can reserve for a family reunion or party?
A: Yes. We have pavilions that you can reserve for family reunions etc. outside of our pool facilities. You can find pictures on our website. The cost to reserve a park is $100 for one day. We do offer a multiple day discount. Reservations can be made by contacting us Monday through Friday for reservations. (208) 897-5736. Do not call the camp host. They cannot make any reservations at their extension. The pavilions in our slide area cannot be reserved and are a first come first serve basis. Other tables and umbrellas are also provided in the slide area. We encourage all food and beverages to be taken to the slide area. This helps keep our pools and pool decks clean. Nobody wants to swim with your child's peanut butter sandwich.
Q: Do you have lodging at your facility?
A: Yes, we have yurts, cabins, houses, covered wagons, Teepees, Cowboy Hangout and campground. Please check out pictures and make reservations online. www.downatahotsprings.com or call (208) 897-5736 at extension 0 to make a reservation. Do not call the camp host. They cannot take a reservation on their extension. Thank you.
Q: Can I smoke at your facilities?
A: No. We do not allow smoking or vaping on or near our swimming pools or hot pools, there are designated smoking areas outside in the parking lot. You must be 25 feet from any door entrance.
Q: Can we bring in or walk in and around 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 offer a refund!
Q: Are you handicap accessible?
A: Yes, we have ramps going into both our recreation pool and the large soaking pool. You can enter through a hot tube gate to avoid any stairs to the dressing rooms or we have a ramp from our main building down to the slide area and recreation pool. You will need to make arrangements with the receptionist to get the hot pool gate open and then notify a lifeguard or ring the bell when you need to leave.
Q. Can I use SCUBA equipment in the pool?
A: Not during open swim or morning lap swim hours. You may rent the pool for use with SCUBA equipment.
Revised 2/8/22
