Hot Tub Life Articles

Bill Clinton's Spa-Gate Controversy

From the April 1998 Hot Tub Life Newsletter

In a previous edition of Hot Tub Life, we had reported that Watkins Manufacturing had donated a Grandee model Hot Springs Spa to the National Park Service, which in turn gave it to the White House for President Clinton. The spa was used by the President for hydro therapy when he had injured his knee last Spring.

The controversy emerged when the White House did not disclose the fact that they had received the spa until months later when a spokesman slipped up during a press conference and mentioned the "Presidential Spa".

It was then widely reported that the $8000.00 spa was donated to the Park Service, however sources close to the company that actually delivered it have said that the spa was purchased for the President - with your tax dollars! The delivery was performed under tight security, and the spa dealer had to come back alone, in order to give the spa start up instructions to White House personnel.

Other sources note that the time frame of the delivery coincides with Clinton’s alleged affair with Monica Lewinsky and speculate that he may have had relations with her in the spa, however we must note that we were unable to confirm those rumors.

Watkins still reports that the spa was in fact a gift, but were told that advertising the gift would imply Presidential endorsement - so they have kept quiet and cannot use it as a marketing tool. That is why this story has not been widely reported.

We will keep investigating Spa-Gate and keep you informed of any further updates !