The Whirlpool Bath Story – Part 1

Spas were originated in the Greek and Babylonian civilization. In 19th Century Europe, Spas were destination for wealthy, who went there to ‘take the waters’. But today Whirlpool baths that are used in spas are so cheap, and then you can afford to install a whirlpool bath in your bathroom. Any home owner who has installed a whirlpool Jacuzzi bath in his bathroom feels sheer bliss, just like an exotic spa.

500 BC, Greece witnessed a variety of baths, from hot water tubs to hot air baths also known as laconic which became immensely popular. The laconica then grew to the Roman Balneum and finally to the extravagant Roman Thermae(Greek word for heat). A typical bathing routine in the thermae would include a workout, followed by an oil massage (approx 1 hour), a bath and a vigorous massage at the laconcium (the hottest chamber) and conclude with a cool dip in the pool. The hot thermal waters helped relieve ailments like Rheumatism, arthritis and overindulgence in food and drink.

The Roman soon collapsed and with that Roman Thermae. But the trend that Roman started, assumed larger dimensions in the following decades and centuries and ‘the baths’ gained popularity in different parts of the world including Asia, Europe, Africa and United States of America. The same mechanism is now used in whirlpool bath. Home owners now add aroma oil in whirlpool bath and relax in hot bubble bath to help relieve ailments like Rheumatism and arthritis. Spa probably got its name from the Latin phrase ‘salus per aquae’ or ‘health through water’.

Whirlpool baths now come in different shapes and sizes, and are getting immensely popular in United Kingdom's Bathroom. Earlier in 1990’s Whirlpool bath were costly and only rich, hotels, and spas could afford them. But now whirlpool baths can be easily purchased from £299. Although everything has changed, the style of bathing has never changed. Jets play an important part in whirlpool bath nowadays. We can get air jets, whirlpool jets and a combination of both air and whirlpool jets. Home owners who have a tight budget just go for six jets, while others up till 16jets. It all depends upon home owners Budget. I will discuss more about Whirlpool bath history in our Part 2 session. Do let me know your comments and suggestions about this article.