baths

A bath is the act of washing or soaking in water or another liquid, typically conducted in a basin, tub, or pool. Baths can serve personal hygiene, relaxation, recreation, or therapeutic purposes. The word also denotes a facility designed for bathing, such as a bathtub, a public bathhouse, a spa, or a hot tub, as well as the act of bathing itself.

Throughout history, bathing has played a central role in many cultures. Ancient Roman baths were public complexes offering hot and cold pools, steam rooms, and exercise areas. East Asian traditions include Japanese onsen and sento and Chinese bathhouses, emphasizing mineral waters and communal bathing. The Turkish hammam developed a ritual, steam-focused bath. In Europe, indoor plumbing reduced the need for public baths by the late 19th century.

Today, baths range from private bathtubs and shower baths in homes to public bathhouses, spa baths, hot tubs, mineral springs, and therapeutic pools. Some facilities offer hydromassage jets, temperature-controlled pools, and seasonal baths. Cultural practices around bathing vary widely, from daily cleansing routines to ceremonial or social bathing traditions.

Bath facilities require reliable water supply, drainage, temperature control, filtration, and sanitation. Public baths usually employ staff for cleanliness and supervision; private baths rely on household maintenance. Safety concerns include hot water scalds, drowning risks for children, slippery floors, and infection control through regular cleaning and proper chemical disinfection.

Bathing is commonly associated with relaxation, stress relief, and muscle recovery. Hydrotherapy and mineral baths have long been used for wellness, though evidence for specific health benefits varies by condition. Cultural and religious practices surrounding bathing reflect local beliefs about purity, hospitality, and ritual cleansing.