The Jacuzzi tub is one of the most recognizable names in whirlpools and spas. They are special in that the Jacuzzi tub was the first to have water jets built in. The technology that made the Jacuzzi tub possible is derived from the growing aeronautics field that occurred in the 1900s.
Founders
The creators of the Jacuzzi tub were seven Italian brothers, Frank, Candido, Giocondo, Galindo, Joseph, Valeriano, and Rachele Jacuzzi, who immigrated to the United States in about 1900. They were adept with machinery and started to produce airplane propellers after 1915. The brothers stopped making airplane propellers when one of their own airplanes crashed in 1921, killing Giocondo. Instead, they started to make agricultural deep well pumps. The transition to producing agricultural pumps is not as abrupt as it may seem because the brothers understood the hydraulic pumps made for airplanes.
Creation of the Jacuzzi Tub
The brother Candido applied the design for the agricultural deep well pumps to a submersible water pump after his son developed rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 15 months. His son received treatments at the local hospital, but Candido did not want him to suffer between treatments. Candido adapted the pump to create whirlpool treatments for his child so he could have some relief at home.
Marketing
The Jacuzzi tub was first marketed as a therapeutic treatment option. In order to make the product known better, it was given out as gifts for the TV game show, Queen for a Day. The Jacuzzi tub's fame skyrocketed after Hollywood stars at the time created testimonials for the effectiveness of the whirlpool tub.
Significance
Since the Jacuzzi tub was originally designed as a hydrotherapy tool, physical therapists and hospitals realized how effective the tub made hydrotherapy. The doctors could prescribe the use of a Jacuzzi tub at home because the brothers had made portable versions. Celebrities used the tubs to relax in, which brought more media attention to the Jacuzzi tub. The story of the Jacuzzi tub serves as another "rags to riches" story of the American dream.
Jacuzzi Tubs Today
Jacuzzi tubs continue to be popular today. The water jets are still famous features of the tubs. A third generation family member, Roy, invented the first self contained and integrated whirlpool bath. Slowly, heating and filtration systems were added on to the tubs, which helped to start the home spa industry. The tubs can also now be put indoors or outdoors. The hot tubs, spas, baths, and even showers and sinks made by Jacuzzi are found in many homes today.
Tags: agricultural deep, agricultural deep well, airplane propellers, because brothers, deep well