The first modern hot tub or "spa" was invented by the Jacuzzi company in 1970. The Jacuzzi family emigrated to the U.S. from Italy in the early 20th century.

They formed a company that ultimately developed a large, heated and filtered tub for the relaxation, therapy and enjoyment of people.

The words "Jacuzzi" and "spa" are used interchangeably today.

Hot tubs and spas. There are some real safety issues that you need to be aware of if you have one.

Electricity.

Make sure that your hot tub is properly grounded. It should be connected only to a grounded source. If you are not electrically inclined, have your hot tub installed and connected by a licensed contractor. There is a real risk of shock or electrocution if the tub is not connected correctly. (Note: once it's connected and running, do not allow any electrical appliances within 5 feet of your tub. This includes radios, televisions, lights, corded telephones, or anything else connected to an electrical source.)

Water cleanliness.

Make sure that your water is adequately sanitized. You can use chlorine or bromine as well as some non-chlorine products that are on the market. If you use chlorine, we recommend that you keep your free chlorine or bromine levels to at least 2.0 parts per million (ppm). You may want to keep them higher if your hot tub gets plenty of frequent use, but I would say that 5 ppm would be the upper limit. (Above that, you will bleach out your swim suits, but not gain any more sanitizing efficiency). See the operator's manual that came with your hot tub for other recommended water quality parameters.

Sanitizing hot tub water is very important. Think about it. Hot water will open the pores of your skin. Anyone with an open wound or infectious disease may transmit that condition to others in the tub. In fact, the skin condition that we see all too often in public hot tubs and spas is pseudomonas aeruginosa folliculitis (also known as hot tub rash) , characterized by a red, itchy rash appearing on the body wherever the skin was in contact with the water.

Water temperature.

For hot tubs, the recommended upper temperature limit is 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Prolonged immersion in hot water can lead to serious health issues like hyperthermia. Persons using medications and women who are pregnant should consult with their doctor prior to using the hot tub. Some medications may cause a person to become drowsy, while others may affect the heart rate or blood pressure. Don't use the hot tub if you are taking tranquilizers, antihistamines or anticoagulants without your doctor's blessing. Young children should be particularly watched when in a hot tub. Their bodies will heat up faster than an adult so the risk of adverse health issues is greater.

A few final words regarding hot tub safety:

• Hot tubs can be very slippery. Any wet surface can be slippery and can lead to accidents. Take extra care when entering and exiting the tub.
• Don't allow children to play with the suction fittings or the filter assembly.
• Don't stay in the water too long. I would suggest that you rise out of the water every ten to fifteen minutes to give your body a chance to cool down.
• If your hot tub has a cover, make sure it is on and locked whenever the tub is not in use. (Small children will find a way to get into the tub when you least expect it).
• If your hot tub does not have a cover you should have a barrier of at least 4 feet from grade level that complete surrounds the tub. (see fences/gates)
  
• Think about using some well-placed warning signs. Remember, the risks of drowning in a hot tub are just as great as in a swimming pool.
• RELAX, HAVE FUN, BE SAFE!