Using hot water as a therapeutic treatment has roots in ancient history. Romans, Egyptians and Greeks were well known for their warm baths, in some instances even infamous for them.
This makes determining who created the very first hot tub a bit difficult, if you want to be 100% accurate!
However, hot tubs as they are known today, with bubbling jets and seating came to be not so long ago.
Invention of Modern Hot Tubs
The modern day hot tub has come together thanks to many efforts and influences. Early tubs were quite similar to the Japanese Ofuro, a steep sided wooden tub which was used for ritual type bathing. The goal of these tubs is not necessarily cleanliness but more for relaxation and warmth.
During the “free love” hippie era, oak and red wood tubs became even more popular, though cleanliness and heating were a bit hit or miss. Old wine barrels, olive vats and wine tanks were commonly used for “hot tubs”.
It would be 1956 before the idea of pumping water for better circulation would be born, in the minds of none other than the Jacuzzi brothers. They created and began selling the J-300 to hospitals and schools.
It was a third generation Jacuzzi who invented and sold the very first whirlpool bathtub. Jets were incorporated into the side of the tub and the modern day hot tub or Jacuzzi was created.
At this point, the tubs were still mainly constructed of wood, which had several shortcomings. By 1970, fiberglass tubs were being constructed and the rest, as they say, is history.
Hydrotherapy
Most people hear the phrase hot tub and merely think of the recreational uses, when in fact there are medicinal uses as well.
Hydrotherapy defined is the use of water to treat injury or illness and is as old as the hot tub itself.
Today amputees, arthritis sufferers and burn victims all benefit from the use of hot tubs and whirlpool baths. It is important to note if your skin is not intact, such as burns, using a home hot tub is not a good idea.
There are naturally occurring microbes in hot tubs that can cause serious infections.
This type of therapy should only be considered under the advice and supervision of your family doctor.
Hot Tub Options
Now that you know a bit more about hot tubs and saunas you could feel it is time to add one to your décor. You are going to find that hot tubs have several different options for you to consider.
First of course is size and shape, hot tubs are available in many different shapes from the traditional round tub to heart shaped options.
How large a tub or which shape to purchase will depend a good deal on your personal preference and available space.
Maintenance
Installation is only the beginning when it comes to owning a Jacuzzi tub, you should be prepared to perform weekly maintenance as well as drain and refill the tub approximately every two months while in use.
Proper maintenance keeps the water clean and safe while at the same time prevents damage to key elements.
Improperly handled your hot tub could wind up costing you a small fortune in repairs.
Conclusion
Hot tubs have many uses not the least of which is some well-earned relaxation. Take your time when determining which the best choice is for you.
Some manufactures offer hot tubs with specific therapeutic jet placements, in other words each seat will target a different area of the body!
This is particularly nice for athletes who alternate exercises in order to target different muscle groups.
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