Saratoga Spa State Park

Water is Saratoga’s chief elixir, the current that races throughout The Gideon Putnam guest experience. Built directly on top of the actual springs, the hotel is surrounded by more than a dozen active, mineral-rich sources. Guests have long embraced their restorative powers, soaking in the same waters that have drawn visitors for generations. After all, water is a powerful force — it can carve and smooth even the hardest rock. Imagine what it can do for you.

Saratoga is home to the only active carbonated mineral springs east of the Mississippi River. Deep below the surface, underground water passes through layers of limestone and shale, dissolving minerals and absorbing carbon dioxide before bubbling to the surface through natural fissures. The result: a collection of Saratoga’s legendary springs — including Ferndell, Polaris, Karista and the Coesa Spouter — that continue to flow with nature’s original wellness remedy.

While there is typically a fee to use the Victoria Pool, as a guest of The Gideon Putnam Hotel, your Victoria Pool admission is waived. Just ask the front desk for your free entrance vouchers as well as complimentary beach towels. This historic pool is surrounded by arched promenades and poolside tables. Built during the Depression as part of the Saratoga Reservation, the pool opened in 1935 in connection with the hydrotherapy program at our own Roosevelt Baths & Spa.

Seating and lounge chairs are available at the Victoria Pool on a first-come-first-served basis. Poolside lounge chairs fill up fast, so pro-tip: bring your own chairs to ensure you have seating. Food and beverage services, showers, locker rooms and restrooms are also available. The Victoria Pool is operated by Saratoga Spa State Park, and is open seasonally.