Jacuzzi

Last updated

Jacuzzi
Company typePrivate
Founded1915
FounderJacuzzi family
Headquarters
Irvine, California
,
United States
Area served
Worldwide
ProductsBath and spa products
Owner Investindustrial
Website www.jacuzzi.com

Jacuzzi is an American private company that manufactures and markets hot tubs, pools, and other bath products. [1] It is best known for the Jacuzzi hydrotherapy products. [2] [1] The company is headquartered in Irvine, California. It is the largest hot tub manufacturer in Europe [1] with eight factories, the largest being in Italy. [3]

Contents

The company was founded in 1915 by seven brothers from the Jacuzzi family in Berkeley, California. [4] It developed a variety of products including pumps for agricultural use. In 1948, Jacuzzi created water pumps to treat a family member's rheumatoid arthritis. [5] The water pumps were a niche medical product until they were integrated into a recreational hot tub in 1968. As the popularity of hot tubs grew, Jacuzzi created more models that were more advanced. Jacuzzi was family-run until 1979, after which it then changed hands several times, before being bought by its current owner Investindustrial in 2019.

The Associated Press Stylebook lists Jacuzzi as a trademark brand for products like hot tubs, whirlpool spas, and whirlpool baths [6] and it may not be legal to use the name in a commercial context without permission.

History

Jacuzzi Bros. storefront, circa 1960 Historic Jacuzzi Bros. storefront.jpg
Jacuzzi Bros. storefront, circa 1960

Beginnings

Jacuzzi was founded by seven brothers in the Jacuzzi family: Giocondo, Frank, Rachele, Candido, Joseph, Gelindo and Valeriano, who were from Casarsa della Delizia in northern Italy. [7] Their original last name was Iacuzzi, but when the first two brothers immigrated from Italy to the US in 1907, immigration staff misspelt their name as "Jacuzzi". [8] All seven brothers had immigrated by 1910. [8] More family members immigrated to the U.S. when the brothers won a contract to provide propellors to the U.S. for World War I planes. [9]

Jacuzzi began as a machining company. [10] The brothers worked on a citrus farm owned by an early aviation inventor. [8] They offered to help develop aviation products, creating an early wood propeller that was curved instead of flat [8] and was used in World War I. [11] One of the first propellers they made is now either in storage at or on loan from the Smithsonian Institution. [8] They also developed one of the first fully-enclosed cabins for airplanes, called the Jacuzzi J-7, which was used to transport mail. [8]

In 1921, a mail plane crashed, killing all of the passengers on board, including Giocondo Jacuzzi. [8] The brothers subsequently abandoned the aviation industry and experimented with several other products, the first successful one being a water pump created by Rachele Jacuzzi in 1926. [12] The product line expanded into a variety of pumps. [13]

Hydrotherapy

In 1948, Candido Jacuzzi developed an improved full body hydrotherapy pump, the J-300, to treat his son's (Ken Jacuzzi) rheumatoid arthritis between hospital visits, after noting his positive response the smaller Hubbard tank at the Herrick hospital in Berkeley. [14] He patented the pump in 1952 [10] and began marketing it between 1955 and 1956 as a therapeutic aid. [14] The pump was a portable device that could turn any regular bathtub into a spa. [15]

From 1968, a whirlpool bath was produced, which included jets that mixed air and water. This product (called the Roman Bath) was developed by Roy Jacuzzi, a 3rd-generation member of the family. [16] This is considered the first whirlpool tub designed for relaxation, rather than for medical use. [17] Jacuzzi used celebrity Jayne Mansfield and others to market the tubs, which initially gained popularity among Hollywood movie stars. [14] In the 1970s, Jacuzzi products were featured on Queen for a Day and other TV shows and grew in popularity in California. [9] The company started developing larger models that could fit more than one person. They also added filters and heaters, so the tub didn't need to be drained with each use. [18] From 1970, family-sized spas were producted. [19]

By 1989, Jacuzzi had 2,200 employees. [13] Initially, Jacuzzi primarily sold through contractors and builders, but in 1993 it started selling through retailers. [20] In the 1990s Jacuzzi entered markets outside the US, especially in Italy and Spain. By the end of the 1990s, half of its sales were outside the US. [18]

Jacuzzi was influential in the trend towards larger and more luxurious bathrooms. [12]

Changes in ownership

By 1979, [9] there were 257 Jacuzzi family members involved in the Jacuzzi brand and there was a growing number of disputes among them. [20] Then the business was acquired by Kidde for $70 million. [9] Most of the Jacuzzi family members left the company, except Roy Jacuzzi, who stayed on as the head of the hot tub and bath division. [21] In 1987, Kidde was acquired by Hanson PLC. [22] In 1995 Hanson spun off Jacuzzi and other brands into a public company called U.S. Industries. [18] USI renamed itself Jacuzzi Brands in 2003. [23] This was in turn bought out by Apollo Management, [2] and then by Investindustrial in 2019. [24]

Acquisitions since the 1990s have included Haugh Products [20] (above-ground pools), Sundance Spas, [20] Gatsby Spas, [20] Zurn Industries (toilets, sinks), Hydropool (hot tubs), Liners Direct (bath products), BathWraps (shower and bathtub renovation). [25] In the 1990s, Jacuzzi had taken on too much debt and sold more than $600 million worth of businesses. [18] The business segment producing industrial, irrigation, well water, submersible, and centrifugal systems was sold to Franklin Electric in 2004. The plumbing division, Zurn Industries, was sold in 2007 for $950 million. [26] Current brands include ThermoSpas, Sundance Spas, and Dimension One.

Related Research Articles

A spa is a therapeutic water treatment. Related uses include:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hydrotherapy</span> Alternative medicine using water for pain relief and treatment

Hydrotherapy, formerly called hydropathy and also called water cure, is a branch of alternative medicine, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy, that involves the use of water for pain relief and treatment. The term encompasses a broad range of approaches and therapeutic methods that take advantage of the physical properties of water, such as temperature and pressure, to stimulate blood circulation, and treat the symptoms of certain diseases.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bathtub</span> Large container for holding water in which a person may bathe

A bathtub, also known simply as a bath or tub, is a container for holding water in which a person or another animal may bathe. Most modern bathtubs are made of thermoformed acrylic, porcelain-enameled steel or cast iron, or fiberglass-reinforced polyester. A bathtub is placed in a bathroom, either as a stand-alone fixture or in conjunction with a shower.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Public bathing</span> Buildings with swimming pools or other facilities for bathing

Public baths originated when most people in population centers did not have access to private bathing facilities. Though termed "public", they have often been restricted according to gender, religious affiliation, personal membership, and other criteria.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spa</span> Location where mineral-rich spring water is used to give medicinal baths

A spa is a location where mineral-rich spring water is used to give medicinal baths. Spa towns or spa resorts typically offer various health treatments, which are also known as balneotherapy. The belief in the curative powers of mineral waters goes back to prehistoric times. Such practices have been popular worldwide, but are especially widespread in Europe and Japan. Day spas and medspas are also quite popular, and offer various personal care treatments.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hot tub</span> Large tub for hydrotherapy or pleasure

A hot tub is a large tub full of water used for hydrotherapy, relaxation or pleasure. Some have powerful jets for massage purposes. Hot tubs are sometimes also known as "spas" or by the trade name Jacuzzi. Hot tubs may be located outdoors or indoors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bubble bath</span> Filled bathtub with a layer of foam

A bubble bath is a filled bathtub with a layer of soap bubbles on the surface of the water. Less commonly, aerated or carbonated baths are called bubble baths.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indesit Company</span> Italian appliance company

Indesit Company is an Italian company based in Fabriano, Ancona. It is one of the leading European manufacturers and distributors of major domestic appliances. It claims to be the undisputed leader in major markets such as Italy, the UK and Russia. Founded in 1975 and listed on the Milan stock exchange since 1987, the group posted sales of €2.7 billion in 2013. It has eight industrial areas in Italy, Poland, the UK, Russia and Turkey, and 16,000 employees. Since 2014 the majority of the company is owned by the American company Whirlpool.

Kidde is a brand subsidiary of Carrier Global that manufactures and distributes fire detection and suppression equipment, as well as smoke and CO alarm units. Kidde is one of America's largest manufacturer of smoke alarms and fire safety products. Kidde is headquartered in Mebane, NC.

Bullfrog International, LC, founded in 1997, is a Utah-based company that designs and manufactures a high-end line of hot tubs with a branded feature called the JetPak Therapy System. Bullfrog International currently distributes products in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Asia and Europe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gordon White, Baron White of Hull</span> British Baron and businessman

Vincent Gordon Lindsay White, Baron White of Hull, KBE, known as Gordon White, was co-founder with James Hanson of the British conglomerate Hanson plc and one of the most successful corporate raiders of the 1970s and 1980s known for his uncanny intuition and ruthless takeover tactics. He died in Los Angeles aged 72, leaving most of his £70 million fortune to his son Lucas.

Jacuzzi is a company producing whirlpool bathtubs and spas. The term 'Jacuzzi' is often used generically to refer to any bathtub with underwater massage jets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arctic Spas</span> Brand of portable electric hot tubs

Arctic Spas is Blue Falls Manufacturing's flagship brand of hot tubs, developed as a niche product for cold climates. The hot tubs and all-weather pools are made and manufactured in Canada and the United States, and are sold in showrooms throughout Canada, the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.

In 1968, Roy Jacuzzi was hired by Peter Kosta, then President of Jacuzzi Research, Inc. By then, built-in whirlpool baths already had been in use for years as evidenced by them having been installed at Cypress Gardens, an apartment complex in Monterey, CA. Jacuzzi, the younger, helped market this first self-contained, fully integrated Jacuzzi whirlpool bath. First generation Jacuzzi family member, Candido Jacuzzi was the inventor of the original portable, in-home Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath. The water pumps that inspired the whirlpool bath were a family invention, meant to help soothe arthritis symptoms. The Jacuzzi company holds more than 250 patents for inventions in fields ranging from pump systems to jet technology. Roy Jacuzzi and Peter Kosta hold the patent for the built-in Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Swimming pool</span> Artificial water basin for swimming

A swimming pool, swimming bath, wading pool, paddling pool, or simply pool, is a structure designed to hold water to enable swimming or other leisure activities. Pools can be built into the ground or built above ground, and may be found as a feature aboard ocean-liners and cruise ships. In-ground pools are most commonly constructed from materials such as concrete, natural stone, metal, plastic, composite or fiberglass, and can be of a custom size and shape or built to a standardized size, the largest of which is the Olympic-size swimming pool.

The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA) is a United States law named after Virginia Graeme Baker, who died after sustaining a pool suction-drain injury in June 2002, when the suction from a spa drain entrapped her under the water. It is incorporated as Title 14 of the U.S. Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. This act became enforceable law on December 19, 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scovern Hot Springs</span> Former settlement in California, United States

Scovern Hot Springs is a thermal spring system, and former settlement in the Kern River Valley of the Southern Sierra Nevada, in Kern County, California.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ThermoSpas</span>

ThermoSpas is an American brand of hot tubs, headquartered in Wallingford, Connecticut. Founded in 1983, it was purchased by a subsidiary of Jacuzzi Group Worldwide in 2012 and now operates under the name ThermoSpas Hot Tub Products, Inc.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Truth or Consequences Hot Springs</span> Thermal springs system

Truth or Consequences Hot Springs is a thermal spring system located in the Hot Springs Artesian Basin area of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico in Sierra County.

Investindustrial is a global private equity firm focused on buyouts of mid-market companies in Europe and selectively in North America. It was founded in 1990 by Andrea Campanini Bonomi out of an industrial conglomerate.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Giornalistica, Agenzia (15 January 2019). "Chi si è comprato Jacuzzi?". Agi (in Italian). Retrieved 12 October 2021.
  2. 1 2 "Private Equity-Backed Jacuzzi Brands Buying Hydropool and Liners Direct". The Wall Street Journal. 13 June 2017. Retrieved 12 October 2021.
  3. ↑ Weinstein, D. (2008). It Came from Berkeley: How Berkeley Changed the World. Gibbs Smith. p. 181. ISBN   978-1-4236-0254-5 . Retrieved 10 October 2021.
  4. ↑ Solomon, Saskia (14 August 2023). "The Frothy Saga of the Jacuzzi Family".
  5. ↑ "The Frothy Saga of the Jacuzzi Family". nytimes.com. 11 August 2023. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
  6. ↑ The Associated Press Stylebook. Turtleback Books. 2015. p. XXXII. ISBN   9780606373043.
  7. ↑ Euvino, G.; Filippo, M.S. (2001). The Complete Idiot's Guide to Italian History and Culture. Complete Idiot's Guide to. Alpha. ISBN   978-0-02-864234-5 . Retrieved 10 October 2021.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Dodd, P. (2008). What's in a Name?: From Joseph P. Frisbie to Roy Jacuzzi, How Everyday Items Were Named for Extraordinary People. Penguin Publishing Group. ISBN   978-1-59240-432-2 . Retrieved 10 October 2021.
  9. 1 2 3 4 Fucini, Joseph (1985). Entrepreneurs, the men and women behind famous brand names and how they made it. Boston: G.K. Hall. ISBN   0-8161-8736-3. OCLC   11068215.
  10. 1 2 Martone, E. (2016). Italian Americans: The History and Culture of a People. ABC-CLIO. p. 240. ISBN   978-1-61069-995-2 . Retrieved 9 October 2021.
  11. ↑ Johnson, Finos (8 March 1982). "Whirlpools only part of Jacuzzi business". UPI. Retrieved 9 October 2021.
  12. 1 2 Hupp, Susanne; Sentinel, Orlando (21 July 1985). "Before Hot Tubs Became Hot, There was Jacuzzi". The Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
  13. 1 2 Leykam, John (1989). Contra Costa County : a chronicle of progress. Northridge, Calif: Windsor Publications. p. 135. ISBN   0-89781-289-1.
  14. 1 2 3 Jack, A. (2015). They Laughed at Galileo: How the Great Inventors Proved Their Critics Wrong. Skyhorse. p. 239. ISBN   978-1-63220-236-9 . Retrieved 10 October 2021.
  15. ↑ "History of Hot Tubs and Jacuzzi | Jacuzzi.com | Jacuzzi®". www.jacuzzi.com. Retrieved 6 January 2023.
  16. ↑ Martin, K. (2017). Famous Brand Names and Their Origins. Pen & Sword Books Limited. p. 87. ISBN   978-1-78159-015-7 . Retrieved 13 October 2021.
  17. ↑ Professional Builder. Cahners Publishing Company. 1997. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
  18. 1 2 3 4 Grant, Tina; Derdak, Thomas (2006). "Jacuzzi Brands, Inc.". International Directory of Company Histories. Vol. 76. St. James Press. pp. 204–2010.
  19. ↑ "Explore the History of Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs - Jacuzzi Ontario". 5 September 2019. Retrieved 6 January 2023.
  20. 1 2 3 4 5 Emert, Carol (12 June 1999). "Hot Water, Cold Cash / How Roy Jacuzzi turned family business into global bath empire". The San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
  21. ↑ "BUSINESS PEOPLE; Jacuzzi Whirlpool Creator To Oversee Hanson Unit". The New York Times. 14 January 1988. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  22. ↑ "Hanson Trust to Acquire Kidde Inc. in $1.6-Billion Deal". The Los Angeles Times. 6 August 1987. Retrieved 12 October 2021.
  23. ↑ Jackson, Ted (22 April 2003). "USI Will Become Jacuzzi Brands". Palm Beach Post. p. 5B.
  24. ↑ Adrian-Diaz, Jenna (16 January 2019). "Investindustrial to Acquire Jacuzzi Brands". Interior Design. Retrieved 12 October 2021.
  25. ↑ Kukec, Anna Marie (6 July 2017). "Jacuzzi buys Roselle's BathWraps". Daily Herald. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  26. ↑ Terlep, Sharon; Das, Anupreeta; Dezember, Ryan (13 December 2012). "Rexnord Explores Selling Unit". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 12 October 2021.

Further reading

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.