Our story begins with hot water hidden beneath the desert floor for centuries, until it was discovered in 1938 by construction workers who needed a water source to mix concrete for the All American Canal.  They found the water was full of minerals and too hot to use.  Settling pools were dug to cool the water and remove the excess minerals.  When the Canal was completed the ponds were left behind.  Rediscovered after WWII, by another group of construction workers who were improving Hwy. 111, the ponds became a favorite spot for bathing after work.  These workers were the first to recognize the therapeutic and healing effects of the artesian mineral water, and spread the word.

By the late 50's people from all over the country were coming to camp by the pools, one of whom was Clyde Hays, a carpenter from Oregon who worked winters in Brawley.  Hays convinced J.T. Trily, a local contractor, that the addition of facilities and utilities would make the area an ideal spot for an RV and mobile home park.  Trily and prospector Frank Domeno began a 2 year process of collecting water samples from all over the area to find the best location to tap into the hot water.  Once found, a well was drilled, producing 250 gallons a minute of 137 degree water.  The Fountain of Youth Spa grew up around the same well.