Geothermal Resources
Fairmont Taps Geothermal Resource
to Reduce Heating Energy Costs
Fairmont Hot Springs Fairmont
Hot Springs, 15 miles west of Butte, is known throughout the Northwest for its
generous pools. The resort, which is open year around, has two Olympic-size swimming
pools and two soaking pools, one of each located indoors and outdoors.
 The
pools are fed by a virtually unlimited supply of 157-degree natural hot springs
water, cooled to various temperatures for comfort and enjoyment. The large indoor
and outdoor pools are kept at between 89 and 92 degrees F, while the smaller indoor
and outdoor pools are kept between 100 and 105 degrees F. A 350-foot enclosed
waterslide also uses hot springs water to provide guests with a wet and wild ride
into the outdoor pool.
Before 1984, Fairmont drew its hot water from artesian wells that bubbled out
of the ground at 125 degrees F. That water heated the building, with a gas booster
for winter heat.
Water from the artesian wells still
supplies the swimming and soaking pools. Another 600-foot well drilled in 1984
also supplies hot water to the facility. That well is fitted with a 50hp submersible
pump that delivers water at 170 degrees F at the rate of 150-180 gallons per minute.
The water is pumped from the well house to the resort through a four-inch fiberglass
pipe and deposited in a collection pit.
Some of that water is used to heat
resort buildings directly. Return water from the system goes into a second collection
pit, which in turn feeds the steam rooms and pools and preheats domestic hot water
for the resort’s showers, kitchen and laundry, providing an estimated savings
of $5,000 a month in heating costs, according to Vern Cook, maintenance supervisor.
Visit the Fairmont Hot
Springs website.
Fairmont
Hot Springs photo |
