Step into the fascinating world of the Roman Baths and witness the daily rituals that keep this ancient wonder sparkling clean!
Every day, visitors marvel at the grandeur of the Great Bath, a colossal pool built over 2,000 years ago, filled with naturally heated spa water. But what happens after the crowds have gone?
The Great Bath’s Cleansing Ritual
Behind the scenes, our dedicated Operations Team perform a remarkable dance of draining, cleaning, and refilling the Great Bath, a process that showcases the ingenuity of Roman engineering. Let’s take a closer look!
The day begins with the draining of the King’s Spring, the source of the hot water, located beneath the smaller medieval King’s Bath. Hoses and brushes tackle the algae that thrives in the warm water, ensuring the spring is sparkling clean.
Simultaneously, the Great Bath begins its own draining process. A valve controlling the flow from the King’s Spring to the Great Bath is shut, redirecting the water into a Roman drain. This impressive drain runs for half a kilometer, finally emptying into the nearby River Avon, a journey you can witness through a glass floor in the Roman Baths Museum!
Next, a Roman sluice gate is opened, releasing the water from the Great Bath. This water flows into the same drain, showcasing a method that has remained unchanged for two millennia.
The draining process takes several hours, a controlled operation to prevent overwhelming the drain with the combined flow from the spring and the bath. While the Great Bath slowly empties, the Operations Team carefully descends the original Roman steps, gently cleaning the sides with soft brushes to avoid damaging the ancient stonework.
Once the water level is low enough, staff equipped with Wellington boots enter the Great Bath, tackling the algae and debris at the bottom. The cleaning process includes brushes, sponges, and a water hose, all carefully employed to preserve the delicate lead sheets lining the base.
All this happens in full view of the public, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the behind-the-scenes care of this historic site.
Evening Clean and Refilling
As the day ends and visitors depart, the remaining water and algae are removed using a powerful pump, sometimes extending into the evening hours. The Roman Baths Collections Team meticulously inspect the stonework and lead sheets for any signs of damage.
An external contractor assists with the final cleaning, ensuring every last trace of algae and debris is removed. Finally, the sluice gate is closed, and the paddle is put back in place, preparing the Great Bath for its nightly refill.
The King’s Spring pours its warm water back into the Great Bath, flowing at a rate of 13 liters per second, ready for the next day’s visitors.
Maintaining Pristine Perfection
Between the major draining and cleaning operations, which occur roughly four times a year, the Great Bath receives daily attention. Each morning before opening, the surface of the water is meticulously swept and hosed down, ensuring a pristine view for visitors.
The daily rituals that keep the Great Bath clean and sparkling are a testament to the dedication of the Operations Team and the enduring power of Roman engineering. These behind-the-scenes efforts preserve this ancient wonder for generations to come, allowing visitors to experience the grandeur of the Great Bath in all its glory.
