Saturday, May 21, 2011

The Short History Of Hot Tubs

By Adriana Noton


Hot tubs, also referred to as Jacuzzis and spas, are medium or large pools that are filled with water which is heated up with a natural gas, solar, or electric heater. A hot tub is usually designed to be kept outside and is generally used for hydrotherapy, soaking, and relaxing. Due to the fact that warm water is often a breeding ground for many kinds of dangerous organisms, treating the water and sanitizing the tub regularly is very important.

Most historians agree that heated water was first used in Egypt for therapeutic reasons back in two thousand BC. Back then, natural heated water was thought to possess powerful healing properties. Remains of the world's first constructed spas have been found and traced back to six hundred B. C. And were usually made out of simple cauldrons filled with a few heated stones.

Primitive hot tubs and Jacuzzis started cropping up in Finland and Japan a couple of decades later and are still very popular today. Their bathing houses were considered crucial social spots and were known to include rooms of spas, private wash rooms, steam rooms, and massage rooms.

By the nineteenth century, the usage and popularity of the hot tub had made its way over to Western Europe and America. Frequenting a spa there was considered to be a major part of the gentile and wealthy lifestyle. The bathing houses evolved with time and began including other things like hotels, shopping malls, and even casinos.

In the mid forties, smaller versions of hot tubs began appearing in modern American homes. They were reminiscent of the larger bathing centers and were generally made out of large oak barrels and cedar vats. These early prototypes were cheaply made and were often prone to leaks. In the mid sixties, people began constructing more stable spas out of smoke belched wood and wood fired heaters. These devices resembled the hot tub of today and featured better water circulation which helped promote sanitation.

The popularity of the items began to quickly spread across this country and were then manufactured in ways that let average middle class Americans afford some of their own. The spa proved to be a beneficial item for just about anyone with sore muscles or arthritis. They also proved to be relaxing for people looking to quickly unwind at the end of their busy day.

Out of a necessity to prevent warping of the wood and leaking, the product began to eventually be manufactured with and fitted with shells made of fiberglass. A shell both prevented leaks and allowed a manufacturer to mold ergonomic seatings. They also helped to ensure the water's cleanliness.

The waterproof fiber glass shells are not enough to keep organisms at bay on their own, to make sure the safety of a tub, you'll have to commit to weekly cleanings and monthly water changes too. Maintaining the spa's pH balance and other water chemistry will help you stop the spreading of any waterborne bacteria. The specialized cleaning agents and water testing products you will require are sold in any pool or specialty shop.




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