The first hot tub sold to the public was in 1968. The inventor of hot tubs, Roy Jacuzzi, used his great uncle’s idea and officially marketed a self-containing whirlpool bath system. By looking back on the history of hot tubs, we’re able to see how significantly they have evolved in the 50 years they have been on the market. But when and how did they originate? What was his great uncle’s idea, and how have things changed since then?
The History of Hot Tubs
The idea for a hot tub first came about in 1948, when Roy Jacuzzi’s great uncle decided to place an aerating pump in a bathtub. He came up with the concept to provide relief for his son, who had rheumatoid arthritis at only 15-months old.
The Jacuzzi family immigrated to California from Italy in the 1900s and made their living as inventors. Initially creating water pumps for agriculture, they developed the world’s first submersible pump. This was created to pull water from the ground but was what inspired them to come up with the idea of a hot tub years later. By taking their knowledge of hydraulics, they created the first hydrotherapy pump, which turned any bathtub into a spa. This was the beginning of the wellness industry as we know it today.
Using his great uncle’s original idea, Roy evolved the technology to create the Roman, a whirlpool bath with jets that had a 50/50 air-to-water ratio. As the first of its kind on the market, people were raving about the health benefits they were receiving from this invention. Although originally only intended for indoor use, hot tubs eventually became a place where people could gather, relax and unwind outdoors, too.
The Popularity of Hot Tubs
Now, of course, hot tubs come in many different shapes, sizes, makes, models, etc. They are made to fit both inside and outside the home and have various therapeutic jet options to choose from. But looking back to the original days of hot tub production, the idea was rather revolutionary. In fact, many people in the public eye began endorsing hot tubs and ultimately became its spokesperson. Big names like Jayne Mansfield and Suzanne Somers provided testimonials on how effective a hot tub’s relief was. The rise of hot tub culture came through many tv shows and movies, as people were often depicted to relax and unwind in hot tubs worldwide.
Rather than being looked at as an invention created for one person’s health and wellness benefits, hot tubs are now enjoyed by family members and friends worldwide.
The Evolution of Hot Tubs
Today, hot tubs include a wide range of healing properties and unique features that can help up to 9 people at once. In addition, hot tubs have come a long way with the development of ergonomic seating, comfortable and personalized jets, massage options, energy efficiency, and more. Like Hydropool’s hot tubs, some even feature self-cleaning technology that is the only of its kind.
Originating in the mid-1900s and changing health and wellness as the world knew it, many additions to the original idea continue to be revolutionary. Hot tubs of today’s world can also include features like LED lighting, aromatherapy, speakers and more. Whether you’re looking to relax and improve your wellness through warmth and jets alone or elevate your experience with these unique features, there are endless options and opportunities within hot tubs today. They provide more benefits now than ever before, including pain and stress relief, improved digestion and sleep and increased blood flow, just to name a few.
Created with the idea of arthritis pain relief in mind, hot tubs today provide that same great benefit and countless others to those that need it most. The perfect environment to improve one’s physical and mental state, hot tubs have come a long way. Starting out as an invention created to help one person in particular, it has now helped millions worldwide.
To learn more about hot tubs and finding the right one for you and your home, download our free hot tub buyer’s guide.