Bathing has been a key part of human life for thousands of years. What started as simple water vessels has grown into the modern bathtubs we use today.
The history of the bathtub shows how far we’ve come. From ancient pottery tubs to today’s high-tech features, bathtubs have undergone significant changes over time.
In this post, you’ll learn about the first bathtubs ever made. You’ll also see how bathing habits changed through different time periods. We’ll look at the people who made bathtubs better and the cool features we have now.
Who Invented the Bathtub?
The story of who invented the bathtub doesn’t have just one answer. Different cultures made their own versions across history.
The Ancient Bathtub (circa 1700 BC)
The oldest known bathtub was found on the island of Crete. This ancient tub dates back to around 1700 BC. It was made from hard pottery and measured 5 feet long.
What’s interesting is that this bathtub looked a lot like the clawfoot tubs we see today. The design was ahead of its time. This discovery came 3,000 years after the first plumbing systems were created.
The Modern Bathtub Inventor: John Michael Kohler (1883)
When people ask who invented the bathtub as we know it today, John Michael Kohler is the answer. In 1883, he created something special in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. He took a cast-iron horse trough and added four decorative feet to it.
Kohler covered the trough with an enamel finish. This made it perfect for bathing. His company, founded in 1873, started making these bathtubs for American homes. This changed how people thought about bathing forever.
The Evolution of Bathing Through History
Bathtubs didn’t just appear overnight. They developed slowly over thousands of years as people learned more about water systems.
Ancient Plumbing Systems (6,000 Years Ago)
The first plumbing systems were found near the Indus River Valley in India. These systems are about 6,000 years old. Archaeologists found copper water pipes in old palace ruins.
These early systems showed that ancient people cared about bringing water into their homes. They built pipes to move water from one place to another. This was the start of indoor plumbing.
The Roman Empire Era (500 BC – 455 AD)
The Romans took bathing to a whole new level. They built complete sewerage systems using bronze and lead pipes. Their public baths were huge buildings with warm, hot, and cold swimming pools.
Rich Romans had private baths in their homes. These baths looked like small pools. The Romans believed that being clean was important for health. They made bathing a big part of their daily routine.
The Dark Ages and Sanitation Collapse
After the Roman Empire fell, things got worse for bathing. People stopped using the good hygiene practices that the Romans had taught. Most people went back to bathing in streams and rivers.
Without proper sewerage systems, waste got into water sources. This caused terrible diseases like the Black Death. For several hundred years, the plumbing systems were lost. People forgot how to build them.
The Renaissance of Indoor Plumbing
In 1599, Sir John Harrington invented the first working toilet. This was a big step forward. However, it took a long time for people in Europe to start using indoor plumbing again.
By the 19th century, indoor plumbing slowly came back. Cities started building water and sewerage systems. Homes began to have bathrooms inside instead of outside.
The American Bathtub Revolution
America was slow to adopt indoor plumbing. But when they did, things changed fast.
Early America’s Bathing Habits
In early America, most people used chamber pots and outhouses. Indoor bathrooms were not common. In the 1800s, America started importing cast iron pipes from other countries.
This made it easier to build plumbing systems. More people could afford to have water pipes in their homes. The change happened slowly but surely.
The Kohler Company’s Impact
The Kohler Company started by making steel and iron products. Then they switched to making bathroom fixtures. They began producing enamel bathtubs that families could buy.
These bathtubs were strong and lasted a long time. They were also pretty to look at. The company helped make bathtubs a normal thing in American homes.
Notable Moment: President Taft’s Custom Bathtubs
President William Howard Taft was a large man. He needed a special bathtub made just for him. The bathtub was 7 feet long and 41 inches wide. It weighed one ton.
This huge bathtub could fit four grown men inside it at once. Mott Manufacturing made this record-breaking bathtub. It showed that bathtubs could be made in any size needed.
Modern Bathtub Designs and Innovations
Today’s bathtubs look very different from the ones made 100 years ago. New materials and technology have changed everything.
The Shift in Bathtub Styles
Before 1921, only 1% of homes had clawfoot tubs. These tubs had feet that lifted them off the floor. Between 1930 and 1950, apron front drop-in bathtubs became popular. These were made from acrylic and fiberglass.
Now, freestanding bathtubs are coming back. People like the old style but with modern materials. These new tubs are easier to clean and last longer than the old ones.
Contemporary Bathroom Fixtures
In 1928, the Crane Company started making colored bathroom fixtures. Before this, everything was white. Now people had choices. They could match their bathroom colors.
Modern bathtubs use many different materials. Stone resin, solid surface, and acrylic are common today. Each material has benefits. Some are lighter. Some are easier to clean. Some look more expensive.
Smart Technology and Features
Today’s bathtubs can do amazing things. Some have automatic water temperature settings. You can set the exact temperature you want. The bathtub fills up at that temperature every time.
Water conservation systems help save water. This is good for the environment and your water bill. Many tubs now have hydrotherapy and massage jets. These make bathing feel like going to a spa. Smart bathtubs fit well with modern bathroom design.
Tips for Choosing the Right Bathtub
Picking the right bathtub for your home takes some thought. Here are things to think about when shopping for a new tub.
- Space and layout: Measure your bathroom carefully. Make sure the bathtub will fit. Think about how much room you need to walk around it.
- Material selection: Choose based on how long you want it to last. Think about how it looks. Different materials need different care.
- Installation type: Decide between freestanding or built-in. Freestanding tubs are easier to install. Built-in tubs save space.
- Budget: Set a price range before you shop. Remember that installation costs extra. Some materials cost more than others.
- Features: Think about what you want. Do you need jets? Do you want it to keep water warm longer? Modern features cost more but add value.
- Maintenance: Some tubs are easier to clean than others. Think about how much time you want to spend on upkeep.
The right bathtub makes your bathroom better. Take your time choosing. Think about what matters most to you and your family.
Conclusion
So, who invented the bathtub? The answer includes ancient craftspeople in Crete and John Michael Kohler in Wisconsin. Each added something important to bathtub history.
The way bathtubs changed over time shows us how technology has gotten better. It also shows how different cultures valued cleanliness. From Roman baths to modern smart tubs, we’ve come a long way.
Today’s bathtubs have features that ancient people couldn’t imagine. But the basic idea stays the same. People need a good place to get clean. The future will bring even more changes with new technology.
Bathing will always be part of our daily lives. The bathtub has earned its place in every home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Materials Were Used in the Earliest Bathtubs?
The earliest bathtubs were made from hard pottery and clay. As time went on, people used cast iron with an enamel coating. Today, we use acrylic, fiberglass, stone resin, and other modern materials that last longer.
Why Did Bathing Decline After the Roman Empire?
When the Roman Empire fell, its advanced sewerage systems were lost. People forgot how to build and maintain plumbing. Without clean water systems, bathing became less common. This led to poor hygiene and disease.
How Long Did It Take for Indoor Plumbing to Become Common in American Homes?
Indoor plumbing spread slowly in America. In 1921, only 1% of homes had bathtubs. After World War I, more homes were built with bathrooms. By the 1950s, most new homes included indoor plumbing as standard.
What Is the Difference Between Clawfoot and Built-In Bathtubs?
Clawfoot bathtubs stand on four decorative feet. They sit away from the walls. Built-in bathtubs are surrounded by walls or tile. Clawfoot tubs are easier to install but take more space. Built-in tubs save room.
Are Freestanding Bathtubs Making a Comeback?
Yes, freestanding bathtubs are popular again. Modern versions use better materials than the old ones. They come with new features like better insulation. Many people like how they look in bathrooms. They work well in both traditional and modern styles.
