Thermal pools and hot springs??

Question

Is there a difference between a thermal pool and a hot spring?

For example, I have found information on Yellowstone's thermal pools and hot springs. Would I be finding the same information?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Think of the hot spring as a running faucet and the thermal pool as a tub of water. Hot springs and warm springs provide the heated water for thermal pools, or the springs may actually pour into rivers where the heated water flows downstream instead of collecting in a hollow.

Answer 2

They are basically the same thing with one differences. Hot springs are hot enough to burn you. Thermal springs on the other hand, will just feel warmer then other springs in the area. Both of these springs will often have sulfur, which will help you determine whether or not it is a hydro-sulfur spring or not.