{"id":5389,"date":"2025-05-09T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-09T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.masterspas.com\/blog\/?p=5389"},"modified":"2025-05-13T18:50:37","modified_gmt":"2025-05-13T18:50:37","slug":"master-spas-story","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.masterspas.com\/blog\/master-spas-story\/","title":{"rendered":"Innovation, leadership, and wellness: The Master Spas story"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So how did it happen? How did a small company in Fort Wayne, Indiana, grow into a global leader in aquatic wellness?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a closer look at the story behind Master Spas<\/a> \u2014 from its humble beginnings to its reputation for innovation, leadership, and quality craftsmanship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From a new name to trusted leader<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breaking through that level of brand recognition would be a challenge. However, the founding team believed there was room for something better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"saltwater<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Commitment to innovation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What if your backyard hot tub could double as your private movie theater?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the early 2000s, Master Spas introduced one of the industry\u2019s first integrated spa theater systems \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Master Spas, innovation has always been a way to respond to how people want to use their space \u2014 whether they\u2019re looking for a moment of quiet, an easier way to take care of their water, or a better way to train at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That mindset helped drive the development of several notable technologies and product milestones:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

H2X Swim Spa<\/strong> (2005): The original swim spa line featured the patented Exerswim Propulsion System for at-home aquatic exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spas<\/strong> (2010): Developed with input from the legendary champion and his coach Bob Bowman, these swim spas focus on performance and recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

EcoPur Water Purification System<\/strong> (2017): A unique filtration technology that uses natural elements to improve water quality and reduce the need for harsh chemicals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

H2X Challenger Series<\/strong> (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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Master Clear Salt System<\/strong> (2025): A smart saltwater hot tub system<\/a> that automatically generates sanitizer and monitors water quality, helping to simplify spa care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Michael Phelps Chilly GOAT Cold Tubs<\/strong> (2023): UL Certified cold tubs built for athletes and everyday users alike, Chilly GOAT tubs<\/a> are designed to make cold therapy more accessible at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Michael<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Strategic partnerships<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When Master Spas partnered with Michael Phelps<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bob Lauter recognized the opportunity \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Master Spas has also worked with a broader network of athletes, coaches, and wellness professionals. Among them is Dr. Rick McAvoy<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"pool<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Products with purpose<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hot tubs: Everyday relaxation and hydrotherapy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

From premium hydrotherapy to budget-friendly relaxation, Master Spas has a hot tub to match every lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Michael Phelps Legend Series<\/strong><\/a>: Performance-driven luxury for recovery and relaxation<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Twilight Series<\/strong><\/a>: Comfortable, therapeutic spas with premium features<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clarity Spas<\/strong><\/a>: Simple, stylish hot tubs with space for the whole family<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LH Series<\/strong><\/a>: Ergonomic, affordable hot tubs with modern styling<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getaway Hot Tubs<\/strong><\/a>: Compact, plug-and-play options for easy ownership<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"master<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Swim spas: Fitness, training, and year-round swimming<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For people who want the benefits of a pool with year-round usability and compact design:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spas<\/strong><\/a>: Designed with athletes in mind, these spas deliver a smooth, customizable swim experience<\/p>\n\n\n\n

H2X Fitness Swim Spas<\/strong><\/a>: A fitness-focused line made for exercise, therapy, and relaxation<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"master<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cold therapy and saunas: Recovery and wellness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rounding out the wellness experience, Master Spas also offers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Michael Phelps Chilly GOAT Cold Tubs<\/strong>: UL Certified cold tubs designed to support recovery<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Michael Phelps Sweaty GOAT Saunas<\/strong>: Infrared saunas for restorative heat therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Industry recognition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, Master Spas has earned numerous awards for its leadership and business ethics, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n