It began in a single building, a small team, and one big goal: to build a better hot tub. With just a few models and a lot of determination, Master Spas set out to do something different.
Today, that same company is one of the largest swim spa and hot tub manufacturers in the world, with a full line of wellness products designed to help people feel better, recover faster, and enjoy life more.
So how did it happen? How did a small company in Fort Wayne, Indiana, grow into a global leader in aquatic wellness?
Here’s a closer look at the story behind Master Spas — from its humble beginnings to its reputation for innovation, leadership, and quality craftsmanship.
From a new name to trusted leader
Bob Lauter wanted to do something new when he founded Master Spas in 1996. But the idea of a hot tub was anything but new. In fact, by 1996, Jacuzzi had already been in business for more than 80 years and the brand had become synonymous with hot tubs.
Breaking through that level of brand recognition would be a challenge. However, the founding team believed there was room for something better.
Lauter and Terry Valmassoi were no strangers to the spa industry. With decades of combined experience, they saw an opportunity to build a company rooted in quality, innovation, and care. Master Spas would be a company where customer experience mattered as much as the product itself.
From the very beginning, Master Spas was committed to building the best spas, with a focus on craftsmanship, innovation, and long-term reliability. Based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the company steadily grew its team and its capabilities, always guided by the idea that customers deserved more than a mass-market experience.
Over the years, Master Spas expanded its operations and refined its products. It is now the largest swim spa manufacturer in the world and a leading name in the wellness industry. But at its core, the company remains true to the vision Bob and Terry shared: to help people live better by making wellness part of everyday life.
Commitment to innovation
What if your backyard hot tub could double as your private movie theater?
In the early 2000s, Master Spas introduced one of the industry’s first integrated spa theater systems — complete with a pop-up LCD screen, surround sound, and a waterproof remote. It was an unexpected feature that blended entertainment with relaxation and reflected a broader mindset: that a spa could be more than a place to sit and soak.
For Master Spas, innovation has always been a way to respond to how people want to use their space — whether they’re looking for a moment of quiet, an easier way to take care of their water, or a better way to train at home.
That mindset helped drive the development of several notable technologies and product milestones:
H2X Swim Spa (2005): The original swim spa line featured the patented Exerswim Propulsion System for at-home aquatic exercise.
Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spas (2010): Developed with input from the legendary champion and his coach Bob Bowman, these swim spas focus on performance and recovery.
EcoPur Water Purification System (2017): A unique filtration technology that uses natural elements to improve water quality and reduce the need for harsh chemicals.
H2X Challenger Series (2019): Featuring an airless jet system, this swim spa delivers a smoother, more visible current that enhances the swim-in-place experience by reducing turbulence.
Master Clear Salt System (2025): A smart saltwater hot tub system that automatically generates sanitizer and monitors water quality, helping to simplify spa care.
Michael Phelps Chilly GOAT Cold Tubs (2023): UL Certified cold tubs built for athletes and everyday users alike, Chilly GOAT tubs are designed to make cold therapy more accessible at home.
As product lines expanded, so did operations. What began in a single building grew into a five-acre distribution center, helping the company scale its reach. Continued investment, including an expansion in 2018 to build a dedicated swim spa manufacturing facility, has grown the campus to 45 acres. Along the way, new brands, features, and innovations have been introduced, all with one goal in mind: helping people feel better, recover faster, and enjoy more of life.
Strategic partnerships
When Master Spas partnered with Michael Phelps in 2010, he had already competed in three Games and earned 14 gold medals. London was still two years away. Phelps had already become a household name in the swimming world, and the partnership came at a time when swim spas were still a relatively new concept in the backyard space.
Bob Lauter recognized the opportunity — not just in aligning with a world-class athlete but in the potential for swim spas to become a practical alternative to traditional pools. That vision led to the creation of the Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spas, developed with input from Phelps and his longtime coach, Bob Bowman.
Over time, the partnership has expanded to include the GOAT wellness line of cold tubs and saunas. Each product reflects a shared commitment to helping people train, recover, and feel their best.
Master Spas has also worked with a broader network of athletes, coaches, and wellness professionals. Among them is Dr. Rick McAvoy, a physical therapist and expert in aquatic therapy. His expertise helped shape an in-depth water exercise book designed specifically for Master Spas swim spa owners, offering guidance on how to use water for strength, balance, and rehabilitation.
Products with purpose
Master Spas has grown from a hot tub manufacturer into a leader in backyard wellness. The company offers a full range of products designed to support how people move, recover, and relax.
Hot tubs: Everyday relaxation and hydrotherapy
From premium hydrotherapy to budget-friendly relaxation, Master Spas has a hot tub to match every lifestyle.
Michael Phelps Legend Series: Performance-driven luxury for recovery and relaxation
Twilight Series: Comfortable, therapeutic spas with premium features
Clarity Spas: Simple, stylish hot tubs with space for the whole family
LH Series: Ergonomic, affordable hot tubs with modern styling
Getaway Hot Tubs: Compact, plug-and-play options for easy ownership
Swim spas: Fitness, training, and year-round swimming
For people who want the benefits of a pool with year-round usability and compact design:
Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spas: Designed with athletes in mind, these spas deliver a smooth, customizable swim experience
H2X Fitness Swim Spas: A fitness-focused line made for exercise, therapy, and relaxation
Cold therapy and saunas: Recovery and wellness
Rounding out the wellness experience, Master Spas also offers:
Michael Phelps Chilly GOAT Cold Tubs: UL Certified cold tubs designed to support recovery
Michael Phelps Sweaty GOAT Saunas: Infrared saunas for restorative heat therapy.
Industry recognition
Over the years, Master Spas has earned numerous awards for its leadership and business ethics, including:
- Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2002)
- BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics (2009)
- Induction into the Greater Fort Wayne Business Hall of Fame (2018)
- Inc. Best in Business list (2024)
Global distribution, local roots
Master Spas products are available through a trusted network of dealers across North America and in select international markets. And while the company has grown into a global brand, every hot tub, swim spa, cold tub, and sauna is still made in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Ready to take the next step in your wellness journey? Connect with your local Master Spas dealer to learn more, get pricing, or schedule a test soak.