5 Surprising Fun Facts About Hot Tubs You Probably Didn’t Know

It’s Friday, and we’re diving into some fun facts about hot tubs! Sure, they’re amazing for relaxation and wellness, but there’s a lot more to your hot tub than meets the eye. From historical quirks to unexpected uses, hot tubs have a long, fascinating history—and some fun surprises up their sleeves.

Let’s check out five surprising things you probably didn’t know about hot tubs:

1. The First Hot Tubs Were Made of Wood

Before the sleek, modern hot tubs we know today, people were soaking in wooden hot tubs—specifically, barrels! The earliest versions were more like wooden vats filled with hot water. It wasn’t until the 1940s that the first jetted, fiberglass hot tubs started appearing, giving birth to the hot tub culture we know now.

Next time you're lounging in your hot tub, just imagine soaking in a giant barrel. Talk about rustic relaxation!

2. Hot Tubs Have Been Around for Thousands of Years

While modern hot tubs are a relatively recent invention, the idea of soaking in hot water for health benefits goes back centuries. Ancient cultures, from the Greeks and Romans to the Japanese, were all about the benefits of warm water. In fact, the Romans had massive bathhouses that were the equivalent of today’s modern spas. Public baths were a place to relax, socialize, and even conduct business.

So, when you're enjoying your hot tub, you're actually participating in an ancient tradition!

3. Hot Tubs Can Help You Burn Calories

This one might surprise you, but soaking in a hot tub can actually help you burn calories. Research suggests that a 30-minute soak in a hot tub can burn as many calories as a short walk! Now, it’s no substitute for your daily workout, but it's a nice little bonus to know that relaxing in your spa is doing more than just easing your mind—it’s helping your body, too.

Next time you're soaking, just think of it as a low-effort way to sneak in some extra calorie burn.

4. There’s a World Record for the Largest Hot Tub

Believe it or not, there’s an official world record for the largest hot tub, and it’s not what you might expect. In 2012, a hot tub in the UK was recognized by Guinness World Records as the biggest, holding a staggering 40,000 liters of water—that’s over 10,000 gallons!

With room for up to 30 people, it wasn’t exactly a cozy spa for two, but it certainly made waves in the world of hot tubs.

5. Hot Tubs Can Improve Your Skin

In addition to the relaxation benefits, your hot tub can also be good for your skin. The warm water opens up your pores, which allows for a deeper cleanse. Plus, the increased circulation from soaking in hot water can give your skin a healthy glow.

Just be sure to rinse off after your soak to wash away any impurities released by your pores. Your skin will thank you!

Bonus Fun Fact: You Can Soak in Beer

Yes, you read that right! In some parts of the world, especially in beer-loving countries like Austria and the Czech Republic, people have created beer spas. These spas let you soak in tubs filled with warm beer, which is said to help with circulation and leave your skin feeling soft and rejuvenated.

While it’s a bit unconventional, it’s definitely a fun way to combine two things people love—beer and relaxation!

So, next time you're enjoying a soak in your hot tub, remember that it’s not just about relaxation. From its long history to quirky world records, hot tubs have more layers than we might think!

Happy soaking!