Bob Lauter heads the group that acquires the spa division of Fort Wayne Pools. Terry Valmassoi joins Master Spas as General Manager. The Master Spas premium luxury line, Legend Series, is introduced nationwide. It’s vast array of state-of-the-art features quickly make it one of the fastest growing spa lines ever.
The History of Master Spas
1996
1998
US Open Winner, Steve Jones, joins the growing list of sports stars relaxing in a Master Spa. The slogan "The Ultimate Relaxation Machine" is trademarked.
1999
Master Spas becomes the first manufacturer to use waterline fiber-optic lighting in a spa, as well as the first to introduce one-piece polymer skirt panels.
2000
Master Spas shakes up the spa world by introducing a whole new and original category – the Spa Theater System. With a touch of a button, up pops a cableready TV and stereo speakers. It’s equipped with a VCR player, Sony Stereo and even comes with a floating remote. The STS is the only UL listed TV Spa.
2001
Master Spas adds a five-acre distribution center and immediately breaks ground to double the size of the building. EcoPur Water Purification System is introduced.
2002
Master Spas president, Bob Lauter, wins prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Michelle Akers, Olympic gold medalist and two-time World Cup Champion, relaxes in a Master Spa.
2003
The White House chooses the Legend Series LSX1050 to be installed at Camp David.
2004
Master Spas earns the INSPIRE Award, the hot tub industry’s top award. Master Spas Legend Series LSX1050 is featured in the season opener of ABC’s hit show Extreme Makeover, Home Edition.
2005
Master Spas introduces the groundbreaking H2X Swim Spa with the Exerswim Propulsion System patented in 2006.
2006
Master Spas is featured on national TV, everyday, for a week on the Tony Danza Show.
Master Spas earns the prestigious Dr. Gadget seal of approval from one of the country’s leading consumer product experts.
2007
Master Spas earns the coveted "Spasearch Certified" honor and has the highest quality score of any spa manufacturer surveyed in independent consumer research.
The H2X is featured in a live demonstration with Dr. Gadget on the hit show "The View" on ABC.
2008
Producers of Discovery Channel selected Master Spas to be featured on the network’s "How it's Made" program.
Allyson Felix, Olympic medalist and World champion sprinter, becomes a proud Master Spa owner.
2009
Master Spas is the recipient of the Better Business Bureau's Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics. The Twilight Series by Master Spas is introduced, redefining luxury in the new economy.
2010
Master Spas partners with Olympic champion Michael Phelps, and in November the Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa is introduced at the National Show in Las Vegas.
Master Spas starts the "NAZ Project" to fund a school building in Jamaica for the NAZ Children's Centre.
2011
Bob Lauter becomes President of the International Hot Tub Association (IHTA).
2012
Master Spas puts on the "Take the Michael Phelps Swim Spa Challenge" at the Olympic trials in Omaha and is the hit of the week long event as more than 1,100 swimmers take the challenge. Michael Phelps wins 4 gold and 2 silver medals in London and credits training in a Master Spa for helping him win.
2013
Michael Phelps and his coach spend a day at Master Spas and tour the manufacturing facility.
Thanks to Master Spas and their dealers, the new NAZ elementary school building opens in September in time for the new school year.
The Healthy Living line of hot tubs is introduced.
2014
The new cover and warehouse building is completed on the Master Spas manufacturing campus.
SNAPP (the SwimNumber App for the iPad) is introduced for the Michael Phelps Swim Spa line.
2015
Velocity Injector Plate (VIP) technology is introduced on the H2X line of swim spas and takes jetted technology to the next level.
Master Spas is awarded a patent for the Wave Technology Propulsion System.
2016
A new line of, a portable, plug-and-play line of budget-conscious spas called Getaway Hot Tubs is announced.
MP Swim Spas introduce exclusive SoftTread™ Floor System, the industry’s first slip-resistant flooring.
2017
Master Spas introduces the patented EcoPur® Charge Hot Tub Filtration System, requiring less chemicals than other spa filtration systems.
The Axis Cover System is announced. The rolling technology makes it simple for almost anyone to handle their swim spa cover.
Master Spas announces partnership with IRONMAN and is named the Official Swim Spa of the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona.
2018
Master Spas introduces a new, linear cabinet design and launches How-To video series for hot tub owners.
Master Spas and its dealers continue their support of the NAZ Children’s Center by funding much of new, mixed-ability high school, as well as creating a scholarship fund for high school students.
Bob Lauter, CEO, was inducted into the Greater Fort Wayne Business Hall of Fame at the Junior Achievement BEL (Business Education Leadership) Awards.
Master Spas announced plans to expand their operations, creating more than 100 new jobs. The expansion includes the purchase of a larger facility which will become the largest swim spa manufacturing facility in the world. The new building is expected to be in full operation by January 2019.
