Bob Lauter Named to the 2026 Hot Tub Hall of Fame

Bob Lauter, chairman of the board and co-founder of MasterSpas, has been named a 2026 inductee into the Hot Tub Hall of Fame. He will be formally inducted alongside fellow 2026 honoree Brian Quint on November 16 during the PHTA Awards of Excellence in New Orleans.

Established in 2024 by SpaRetailer magazine in collaboration with the International Hot Tub Association, the Hot Tub Hall of Fame honors individuals whose contributions have helped advance, improve or protect the hot tub industry. Honorees represent manufacturing, retail, supply, associations and support services, with careers distinguished by innovation, collaboration, honesty and integrity.

Building MasterSpas through people and relationships

Bob Lauter entered the spa industry in 1979, starting a spa distribution business within W.W. Adcock. Later, he held leadership roles at Fort Wayne Pools and L.A. Spas. In 1996, Bob co-founded MasterSpas with Terry Valmassoi.

Together, they grew MasterSpas through dealer relationships, sales training, marketing and product development.

Throughout that growth, supporting dealers remained an important part of Bob’s approach to business. Strong dealer partnerships helped MasterSpas reach more customers while building a network of independent retailers.

At the same time, MasterSpas continued to grow and innovate. Under Bob’s leadership, the company became the world’s largest swim spa manufacturer and the largest manufacturer of hot tubs made in the USA.

Helping grow the swim spa category

Swim spas also became an important part of the MasterSpas story.

In 2010, MasterSpas began its partnership with Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps. The partnership helped bring greater attention to swim spas and introduced the category to a broader audience. That partnership continues today.

For MasterSpas, the growth of swim spas represented more than a new product opportunity. It reflected the company’s focus on developing products that give customers more ways to enjoy the water at home.

Leadership beyond MasterSpas

Bob’s influence extends beyond MasterSpas.

For six years, he led the International Hot Tub Association as president or chairman. During that time, he worked alongside other manufacturers to address safety standards and issues affecting the industry.

In addition, Bob championed MasterSpas Cares, the company’s charitable giving program. Through the program, MasterSpas and its dealers support national organizations working to improve lives.

Together, these efforts reflect Bob’s belief in looking beyond the success of one company. They also show his commitment to strengthening the industry and giving back.

A career recognized for leadership

The Bob Lauter Hot Tub Hall of Fame recognition adds to a career marked by industry and business honors.

Bob’s previous honors include the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals INSPIRE Award, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics. In 2018, he also joined the Greater Fort Wayne Business Hall of Fame. Today, Bob remains involved with MasterSpas as chairman of the board.

His Hot Tub Hall of Fame recognition gives us an opportunity to celebrate his accomplishments. More importantly, it recognizes the people, relationships and shared commitment that have been part of the MasterSpas story for decades.

Congratulations, Bob, on this well-deserved recognition.