The Jacuzzi Family — Hot Tub Hall of Fame

The story of Jacuzzi is an American dream realized through water and wellness. It began in the early 20th century, when seven brothers from Casarsa della Delizia, Italy, immigrated to the United States. Settling in California, the Jacuzzi brothers — Valeriano, Francesco, Rachele, Candido, Giocondo, Gelindo and Joseph — channeled their mechanical knowledge into aviation and agricultural pump technologies, founding Jacuzzi Brothers Inc. in 1915.

Initially known for engineering breakthroughs like wooden airplane propellers and deep-well pumps for farmers, the family’s most enduring innovation came from a place of compassion. In the 1940s, Candido Jacuzzi’s young son, Kenneth, was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Seeking relief for his son’s chronic pain, Candido developed the J-300: a portable, submersible hydrotherapy pump that could transform any bathtub into a therapeutic spa. This laid the foundation for what would become the global Jacuzzi brand.

In 1956, the J-300 was introduced to the market, marking the birth of the company’s hydrotherapy division — a moment now celebrated as the start of Jacuzzi as we know it. A decade later, Roy Jacuzzi, a third-generation family member with a flair for design and marketing, introduced the first self-contained, fully integrated whirlpool bath. His 1968 invention, dubbed “The Roman,” combined jets, water and air circulation in one unit — ushering in the modern hot tub era.

Jacuzzi became synonymous with relaxation, health and luxury. With appearances on popular television programs like “Queen for a Day” and a customer list that included icons like Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe, the brand soared. The name “Jacuzzi” soon became a household term, one that, while legally trademarked, transcended its origins to represent an entire category of product.

Over decades, Jacuzzi has undergone several ownership changes — moving from family hands to corporate stewardship under Kidde Inc., Hanson PLC, Apollo Management and, most recently, Investindustrial. Yet through all transitions, the brand’s core promise has remained steadfast: delivering the highest quality hydrotherapy experiences worldwide.

Today, Jacuzzi Group Worldwide encompasses several premium wellness brands, including Sundance Spas, ThermoSpas, Hydropool, Dimension One Spas and Dream Maker Spas. With more than 250 patents to its name and a global footprint that spans six continents, Jacuzzi is not just a company, it is a legacy — one born from engineering excellence and nurtured by a family whose compassion sparked a revolution in comfort and care.