The Fascinating History of Hot Tubs
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Long before scientific studies showed the benefits of a hot water soak, hot water was revered for its healing abilities. From the days of hot water springs to the pre-Victorian era of public bathhouses, people longed for the comfort of warm water. Without a hot spring or indoor plumbing, hot water was hard to come by and a good, hot soak was almost sacred.
Hot Water Springs
Long before hot tubs, there were hot water springs. The Roman Baths are home to one of the most famous springs in history. After the discovery of the hot water spring in 832 BC, structures and temples were built over it, creating a grand bathhouse. Over the next many hundred years, different rulers built and rebuilt the structures. In the 18th Century, it was completely renovated, and it remains there today, preserved for posterity. This and other relics like it are often thought of as the original hot tub.
1950
The earliest technology behind the hot tub was with the invention of hydrotherapy pumps, which were used in hospitals and schools.These were used in hydrotherapy pools as a tool in physical therapy, and also in psychiatric hospitals. Mainstream production would not happen for another 40 years.
1960
In the 1960s, affluent homeowners began to build gunite hot tubs into the ground near their pools. These were essentially bathtubs, without the jets or features associated with modern hot tubs.During this time a new kind of hot tub emerged in Southern California. Wooden hot tubs, resembling and sometimes made out of winery barrels, gained traction.
1970
With strides in technology, hot tub manufacturers began to add better filtration systems and pumps. Experimentation with various materials led to the development of fiberglass hot tubs. There was a lot of trial and error in finding surfacing that could withstand heat, sun and water exposure. This resulted in low product longevity and in turn, low customer satisfaction.
1980
The popularity of the wooden hot tubs begins its decline in the 1980s. For the first time, hot tubs were introduced with basic features, such as temperature and pressure options.
1990
The 1990s saw great improvement in product quality and efficiency. Before now, the majority of hot tub owners resided in California. This decade saw a burst of growth in mainstream popularity throughout the country. This was due in part to the fact that previous marketing focused on the luxury and fun of the hot tub, while 1990s advertisements highlighted the health benefits.
2000
The early 2000s were hit by a crippling economic downturn. Homeowners dramatically curbed their spending and the hot tub industry was hard hit. This did help curb the number of low-level manufacturers who capitalized on the hot tub’s popularity with low-quality products.
Today’s Hot Tub
With the economic rebound from the financial crash of 2007, hot tub popularity is once again on the rise. Marketing provides a balanced picture of hot tubs as both therapeutic and fun. Designs have more bells and whistles than ever, from iPod docks and speakers to advanced massage jets. The quality has increased substantially, which means that today’s hot tubs last longer than ever. Whether you want a luxurious in-ground hot tub, or a versatile plug and play, the possibilities are endless.
The Rich History of Hot Tubs
The idea behind the hot tub has been around for centuries. People have long seen the value in a hot water soak, and it’s easier than ever to bring that value into your backyard. A great stress reliever and headache cure, your hot tub can improve your health and change your lifestyle for the better.
Contact Us to find out for yourself why a hot water soak is one of the oldest and most valued practices in history!