The History of the Hot Tub – Part 3
Early Modernity
This post concludes our look into the history of the hot tub and it begins with technology – specifically indoor plumbing. Whether someone could have indoor plumbing was largely a question of their income, but nevertheless this advancement marked key shift in spa use, and bathing in general. By the late 1800s, more middle-class homes were being built with a system that could accommodate indoor tubs, sinks, showers and toilettes and bathing was beginning to become the social norm.
There was a growing desire for cleanliness during the 18th century; while it was common for a person to bath once or twice within a month early in the century (in a metal or wooden tub), by the end most were bathing on near a weekly basis, with more regular care being applied to their hands and faces.
Even with the growing availability of household bathing facilities, attendance at spas remained a popular pastime and was part of various beauty and health regimens. As the Romantic literary period in England blossomed, so did an appreciation for nature and a desire to partake of it more fully. This resulted in a more frequent use of natural springs, outdoor pools and rivers. Meanwhile, in other areas of the world, including Rome, Istanbul and various Asian cultures, the public spa and bath house continued to be a routine part of life for people living in the cities, much the same way as they had before.
Use of the spa, whether at home or in a public facility, has persisted and flourished throughout almost every historical period. To this day, people continue to use the spa for health, leisure and social practices. Although technology has advanced in many ways, these core elements behind what seems to be a simple experience are a testament to humankind’s universal attraction to and fascination with water and all its life-giving benefits.
Sources:
https://janeaustensworld.wordpress.com/2010/11/11/a-19th-century-regency-era-shower/amp/
http://www.localhistories.org/washing.html