I am glad to see all Deep Creek Volunteers speaking out loudly against adding chlorine or other chemicals to the pools as that is what we have agreed to with the Forest Service.
As to the side discussion of raising the bottom of the "Womb" with sand and rocks, I agree with AZ Mike that he has valid points, however I don't think he does a fair job of looking at the disadvantages.
To start with the the cave he refers to is large enough to accomodate a full size man curled up inside, so I would think that instead of one foot of sand, you would probabbly need two or three. Although this cave does have an abundance of algae, there is algae on most of the rocks both below and above the water.
If I understand AZ Mike he would propose to fill it in up to the level of it's natural drainage. This as he points out would allow people to be able to sit or stand all around it. While he points this out as an advatage this would allow for more usage than it already receives and could increase the hygiene concerns.
As Wizard points out, when volunteers to drain or vacum it sand will be sucked out that we will then need to replace, so it may be a vicious circle.
The other issue I am concerned with is people jumping in. Many find it easier and safer to jump in from the top than risk slipping on the rocks. with several feet of sand this would create more murkyness every time someone jumped in.
No one proposed cement so I won't discuss that option as I feel it is way beyond just preserving the existing pools. Like chlorine, its another no no!
In my opinion the disadvantages are just as great as the advantages, so I am against the idea. Let's just preseve the springs and the pools as they are today!
With that said I would like to thank both AZ Mike and Wizard for bringing up the discussion and sharing your thoughts and ideas. AZ Mike, I see you still like to drop words (see your last sentence).
One final note to Kevin: Please, please, please NO CHLORINE. Thanks in the name of Deep Creek Volunteers and other hot spring lovers.