Coast Spas Discusses the 4,000 Year History of Hot Tubs

You may be shocked to learn that your relaxing soaks in the spa have an extensive historic custom. For thousands of years, people have used baths and natural hot springs as places to socialize, heal, and worship. Some of the original hot tub get-togethers may have been held in calderas, with red-hot stones dropped in to warm the water. These early people may not have had massage jets or digital controls in their spas, but they surely comprehended the therapeutic powers of hot water.

Ancient Egyptians

Egyptians embraced hygiene and were known to bathe up to four times a day. The well-to-do even had bathing rooms inside their homes and as early as 4000 years ago used the healing qualities of hot water in baths, adding flowers and essential oils for aromatherapy. While the idea of a bathtub in your home seems ordinary today, most Egyptians of the time used the Nile River as not only for bathing but as a dishwasher and washing machine.

The Greeks

Ancient Grecians constructed pools around volcanic springs to capture the warm, mineral-rich water for relaxation and curing. They first fashioned simple carved out areas around springs for bathing and holding clothes, and later more refined, classy structures for entertaining as well as bathing. Archaeological sites of the Ancient Greek isle of Thera (now Santorini) exposed extravagant alabaster baths carved as early as 1500 B.C.E., well-maintained by an abundance of ash from a volcanic eruption similar to the one that swallowed Pompeii.

The Romans

The Romans took spas to the next level. The arrival of concrete and aqueducts meant that larger, more decorative baths could be engineered, and they spread these amenities throughout their colonies. Further developments in style introduced radiant heating in the floors and walls, and large, complicated boilers to heat pools and quarters. Agrippa, the right-hand man of Emperor Augustus, designed the first great thermae, or imperial public bath, in 25 B.C.E. These luxurious amenities included hot and cold baths, saunas, a gym, and massage. The Roman baths in Bath, Somerset, England are still there today. Ancient British folklores say that the Celtic kings had been using the springs in Bath for many years earlier than the Romans colonized England, but the Romans made everlasting structures starting in 60 C.E. and established the springs into an enormous bathing facility over the next 300 years.

The Japanese Baths

Onsen, or hot springs, have been used by the Japanese for at least 1,000 years, and possibly earlier according to traditional stories of Prince Shotoku in the 6th century. Most of these springs on the highly active volcanic islands of Japan are still visited today. Dogo Onsen, on the island of Shikoku, was first mentioned historically in 759 C.E. and has been in non-stop use since. The Japanese have utilized ofuro, or personal wooden soaking tubs, for centuries. These square sided tubs are not used for cleansing, but for reflection and soothing properties. Washing in advance meant the water could be reclaimed by multiple members of the family, and it was thought that the elder members infused their insight into the water for younger bathers to absorb.

Early Americas

High Rock Spring in Saratoga, NY was first used by Mahican tribe earlier than when the colonists arrived. They called the waters “Medicine Spring of the Great Spirit,” to indicate its healing powers. The British veterans of the French and Indian War, Sir William Johnson, is supposed to be the first colonist to officially visit the area. He was accepted by Mohawk tribe to the hot springs in 1771 to heal old war wounds. George Washington even visited the area in 1783. Native American people in Hot Spring, Arkansas, used the hot springs as a holy meeting place they called the “Valley of the Vapors,” from the steam that floated over the area, irradiated by the sunrise. A settlement in the area was founded in 1804 to bind the healing powers of the springs, which are still used today.

Wooden Hot Tubs

Returning from Japan after WWII, American troops carried back the bathing culture of Onsen, the wooden ofuro tubs, and encouraged the first wooden tubs in the US. Using discarded winery paraphernalia like barrels and wine vats, vineyard workers and migrant “flower children” began fashioning hot tubs in the 1960s, making home-made, wood-fired heaters with wide-ranging success. These early tubs were sieve-like, and without purification, harbored microorganisms, algae, and mold. Wealthy pool owners were having sunken concrete spas installed next to their pool. By the late sixties, in-ground spas had occupied the pool industry, using high-speed returns as the first jets. These concrete spas not only took weeks to put in but had a price tag that made them unattainable for the average American.

Fiberglass and Acrylic Spas

Fiberglass spa shells made their inauguration in the late 60’s, concurrently dealing with the health matters of wooden tubs and the install issues of gunite spas. While these shells could be quickly made, they were susceptible to blistering and stainin and were soon substituted by acrylic. In the mid 70’s, spa shell producers pulled these acrylic shells out of the ground and introduced the first portable spa, adding framework and hiding the equipment underwood skirting. As the decade advanced, more features were added, together with more advanced filtration systems, jets, and the first spa pack in 1976. The amalgamation of lower cost materials and effortlessness of installs made portable spas attractive to many more home-owners.

The Portable Spa

The 80’s and 90’s saw more and more bells and whistles added, including digital controls, synthetic skirting for easy upkeep and more complex and abundant jets. Lightweight vinyl and rotationally-molded spas were also presented, providing high-value selections for those with inadequate space or a tight budget.

Today

With such a long history of healing benefits, it’s no wonder spas are so widespread today! But with options like our Northwind Hot Tubs, you can get the Roman thermae experience in the privacy of your own home for a great value.