Raspberry Hot Springs in Colorado ordered to Cease and Desist due to public health nuisances

The Idaho Springs company that operates the pool was cited for several violations, including not meeting minimum sanitary standards

Raspberry Hot Springs northwest of Idaho Springs, Colorado was given a Cease and Desist Order by the Board of Commissioners in Clear Creek County (BOCC) on Tuesday, July 14 due to public health concerns.

“Acting as the Board of Health, the BOCC officially issued the Order (Resolution BOH-26-03) to the owner and operator, Earth One LLC, located at 899 Chinook Road in Idaho Springs,” BOCC said in a statement on Thursday, July 16.

BOCC said following a public hearing, the Board declared the commercial operations of the unregulated pool to be a public health nuisance under Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) § 25-1-518, citing “substantial risks to public health, safety and welfare.”

BOCC said the Order was effective immediately, and the Board has ordered that all commercial use of the pool must stop, the BOCC said. The owner, Alexander Ginzburg, was given 24 hours from the issuance of the order to fully comply.

According to Raspberry Hot Springs’ website, the hot springs began as a 5-acre parcel in 2011, built from the ground up by Ginzburg. By 2024, the parcel had grown to 30 acres.

According to Ginzburg, he wanted to build “a legacy of conservation through a vision brought to life with blood, sweat, and tears, a vision that has, for the past 9 years, been rated by 99% of his patrons as a 5-star experience.”

Ginzburg said, as of 2024, he had seven years experience as a short-term rental host on Airbnb, and threes years hosting a daytime private wellness spa experience.

Why the Order Was Issued

The action followed a series of investigations, and coordination with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE):

1. June 11: Clear Creek County Environmental Health staff received a complaint regarding an unlicensed and unregulated pool being used for commercial purposes at the property.
2. June 29: County and CDPHE staff met to review state regulations. They concluded that Raspberry Hot Springs does not meet the definition of a “Private Pool” and must be regulated under state public health laws.
3. July 7: Public Health staff conducted an onsite inspection, confirming multiple health and safety conditions that risk injury and disease to the public.
4. July 14: A formal public hearing was held where the Board determined that continued commercial operation without proper safety standards posed an unacceptable risk to the community.

Difference between Regulated vs. Private Pools:

Regulated Pool: Any pool or mineral bath open to the public or operated for commercial/business use. These must comply with strict state health, sanitation, and water-quality regulations (5 CCR 1003-5).

Private Pool: A pool associated strictly with a single-family dwelling or residential complex, used solely by residents and their private guests.

Under the Cease and Desist Order, the pool may only be used as a strictly Private Pool. All commercial operations, public access, and paid bookings must cease.

BOCC said a physical copy of the Cease and Desist Order must remain posted at the entrance of the property’s parking area and near the pool.

Enforcement and Next Steps

BOCC said the Cease and Desist Order will remain in place indefinitely.

In order to resume commercial operations in the future, BOCC said the operators must apply for and receive all necessary permits and approvals.

1. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)
2. Clear Creek County Public and Environmental Health
3. Clear Creek County Planning and Building Departments

BOCC said failure to comply with this order is a class 2 misdemeanor under Colorado law, which carries penalties of fines and potential imprisonment.

BOCC said the property owners could be held liable for any expenses incurred by health authorities during enforcement, as well as separate civil damages.

“Clear Creek County is committed to protecting the health and safety of our residents and visitors,” the BOCC said in the statement. “We encourage all local business owners to work closely with our Environmental Health team and the Planning and Building Department to ensure compliance with public safety standards.”

For questions regarding commercial pool regulations or to report a public health concern, please contact the Clear Creek County Public and Environmental Health Department.