What Is It and How Does It Spread?

Simply put, Legionella pneumophila is a bacterium that can be transmitted to people from poorly maintained spas. Why spas specifically? The bacteria thrive in hot water temperatures of 77°F–108°F, conditions usually found in spas. They also thrive if the water is not circulating for a period of time.

Additionally, Legionella bacteria are spread by aerosolized water droplets or mist created by spa therapy jets. The mist contains bacteria that can get deep into the lungs and cause symptoms. You don’t even have to be in the spa—simply sitting next to it, downwind of the mist, can put you at risk.

Symptoms may include loss of appetite, body aches, headache, fatigue, fever, chills, diarrhea, abdominal pain, pneumonia, and nonproductive cough. Severity can vary depending on a person’s immune system. Those most likely to be impacted are:

▪ Elderly individuals
▪ Pregnant women
▪ Children
▪ People with conditions that lower their immune system (medical conditions, smokers, or chronic respiratory issues)

Legionellosis is not a common outbreak, but when it does occur, it is more serious than many other recreational water illnesses.

The number of cases in the United States has increased in recent years. This may be due to inexpensive or simplified testing options, greater awareness in the public and medical communities, and increased reporting. It is likely a combination of all these factors that has brought more attention to Legionellosis within the pool industry.

Where Is It Found?

Legionella is always present in natural and artificial freshwater environments worldwide. In a spa environment, it resides in biofilm inside the piping, jets, and other equipment. Biofilm is a community of microorganisms surrounded by the slime they secrete, attached to surfaces. Most of the time, Legionella shelters with amoebae inside spa plumbing.

Conditions That Increase The Spread of Legionella in Hot Tubs & Spas

Water temperature between 77°F–108°F encourages rapid bacterial growth in spa water. Stagnant water creates an ideal environment for biofilm to form in plumbing lines, jets, and return lines. Other contributing factors include:

▪ Decreased filtration and improper water chemistry
▪ Scaling, which increases rough surfaces for biofilm buildup
▪ Sediment, which bacteria can bind to if not filtered
▪ Lack of disinfection
▪ High pH, which reduces chlorine effectiveness
▪ High cyanuric acid levels, which limit chlorine performance

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Case Study: Legionella Outbreak in Indian River County, FL

How Did the Health Department Learn About It?

In 2016, I worked on an outbreak involving two people infected with Legionella pneumophila in a 55+ community in Indian River County, Florida. Both developed pneumonia or related symptoms and sought care at hospitals or doctors’ offices.

A simple urine antigen test, inexpensive compared to other lab tests, confirmed the presence of Legionella. Once positive, results were reported to the local health department, as required under Florida’s Reportable Diseases/Conditions List.

What Does the Health Department Do With the Results?

The health department assigns a nurse or environmental health professional to contact the ill person and conduct a lengthy interview. In this case, both individuals reported using the same public spa within the same week.

What Happens Next?

The public spa was assigned to an environmental health pool inspector. Inspection revealed:

▪ No disinfectant level
▪ High pH level
▪ A malfunctioning ORP controller
▪ No daily log of chlorine and pH levels

The spa was immediately closed. Once violations were corrected, it was reinspected and allowed to reopen. A formal notice of violation warned the property owner that future noncompliance could result in fines or further action.

How Was the Pool Pro Involved?

The spa was serviced by a licensed pool service contractor. Negligence was suspected for failure to maintain proper disinfectant levels, pH, ORP functionality, and chemical logs.

Other Legal Issues

The family of one of the ill individuals sued both the property owner and pool service company. Public records requests to the Florida Department of Health revealed inspection records, but not protected medical records. Ultimately, both the property owner and the pool service company were found negligent and paid damages.

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What Can Pool Pros Do to Control Legionella?

A pool pro can minimize the risk of outbreaks by treating every spa or hot tub as a potential Legionella environment. Key steps include:

▪ Follow all manufacturer recommendations and local health agency requirements
▪ Monitor disinfectant and pH levels daily (or more often) and log results
▪ Review logs for trends to identify needed maintenance
▪ Maintain disinfectant levels: Chlorine 3–10 ppm; Bromine 4–8 ppm
▪ Keep pH between 7.2–7.8
▪ Use ORP and automatic feed systems
▪ Keep cyanuric acid below 40 ppm
▪ Maintain proper water balance to prevent scale
▪ Run therapy jets daily for 15–30 minutes
▪ Routinely backwash sand and DE filters; replace cartridges regularly
▪ Ensure 24-hour water circulation through filters
▪ Enforce bather load limits and post spa rules
▪ Post warnings for immune-compromised and chronically ill individuals
▪ Close spas daily for superchlorination (10 ppm or 10x combined chlorine)
▪ Drain, scrub, and disinfect spa walls, tile, and holding tanks with fresh 1:10 sodium hypochlorite solution
▪ Replace spa water regularly (Spa Volume ÷ 3 ÷ Average Users per Day)
▪ Ensure indoor spas have isolated air handlers and dehumidifiers

Prevention of Legionellosis should be a top priority for pool pros due to the significant health, legal, and financial risks involved.

Prevention Ideas

Many public health codes do not define spas as “increased risk aquatic venues.” The CDC’s 2023 Model Aquatic Health Code defines these as venues serving very young children or therapy patients.

However, since Legionella poses serious risks in spas, they should be classified as high-risk venues. This would prompt requirements for secondary disinfection, such as ultraviolet (UV) systems.

UV disinfection has been shown to inactivate Legionella at a 4-log rate (4 mJ/cm²). A dual approach—UV combined with chlorine—can provide an effective barrier, similar to systems already required for splash pads. Implementing UV systems in spas could significantly reduce outbreaks and protect vulnerable users.

Over the years, hot tubs have evolved into sophisticated wellness machines—delivering therapeutic hydrotherapy, energy efficiency, and premium design. These top-selling models across leading brands have gained loyal followings by consistently blending comfort, performance, and customer satisfaction.

Here’s an updated, fully researched buyer’s guide covering all nine brands—each with accurate features, pros, cons, and real-world price ranges.

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1. Hot Spring Spas – Grandee (Highlife Collection)

The Grandee is Hot Spring’s flagship model with an open, 7-person layout, two patented Moto-Massage DX jets, and the FreshWater Salt System for simplified water care. It includes advanced EnergySmart insulation and a wireless touchscreen control panel.

Features:

1. Seats 7 with an open layout
2. Moto-Massage DX sweeping back jets
3. FreshWater Salt System included
4. EnergySmart insulation
5. Wireless touchscreen control

Pros:
• Spacious and luxurious design
• Low-maintenance, salt-based water system
• Excellent brand reputation and reliable technology

Cons:
• High MSRP (~$23,999)
• Requires professional installation

Price Range 💲: Dealer prices often fall in the mid-$16K to low-$20K range—great value deals have been reported below MSRP.

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2. Sundance Spas – Optima (880 Series)

The Optima is Sundance’s top seller, offering room for 6–7 adults, a full-body ergonomic lounge, and Fluidix jets including Accu-Ssage™ and foot dome for targeted therapy. Features include the ClearRay UV-C sanitation system, MicrolClean Ultra II filtration, and ambient LED lighting.

Features:

1. 6–7 seats with full-body lounge
2. Fluidix jets: Accu-Ssage, foot dome
3. ClearRay UV-C sanitation
4. MicrolClean Ultra II filtration
5. LED lighting and illuminated waterfall

Pros:
• Outstanding hydrotherapy with advanced jets
• Reduced chemical use thanks to UV-C system
• Global reputation for quality

Cons:
• Large footprint may not suit compact spaces

Price Range 💲: MSRP near $31K; street pricing often ranges between $17K–$24K, depending on dealer promotions.

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3. Bullfrog Spas – A7 (A-Series) & M-Series

Bullfrog’s standout is the JetPak Therapy System—modular, customizable jet packs. The A7 is a mid-sized star with premium corner captain’s chairs for 6–8 adults. The M-Series introduces upscale styling, audio systems, and touchscreen controls.

Features (A7):

1. 6–8 seats with modular JetPaks
2. Dual captain’s chairs with wrist, calf, and foot jets
3. Premium LED lighting
4. Energy-efficient build

Features (M-Series):

1. Oversized JetPaks
2. Touchscreen controls
3. Enhanced audio and lighting options
4. Luxury aesthetic finishes

Pros:
• Highly customizable hydrotherapy
• Durable and sleek design

Cons:
• Price rises quickly with upgrades
• Availability varies by region

Price Range 💲: A7 starts around $13.8K (standard) up to $20K+ for fully loaded models; M-Series sits at the higher end.

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4. Caldera Spas – Martinique & Cantabria

The Martinique (Paradise Series) is a mid-priced favorite for five adults, with ergonomic seating and good hydrotherapy features. The flagship Cantabria (Utopia Series) seats eight and offers 74 powerful jets and massage technologies like the UltraMassage lounge and Atlas Neck system.

Features (Martinique):

1. 5 seats
2. Ergonomic comfort-focused design
3. Energy efficiency
4. LED lighting

Features (Cantabria):

1. 8 seats
2. 74 adjustable jets
3. UltraMassage lounge with adjustable neck massage
4. Advanced water care inclusions

Pros:
• Martinique = great value, comfortable
• Cantabria = luxury experience and capacity

Cons:
• Martinique lacks premium bells and whistles
• Cantabria is expensive and potentially oversized for some users

Price Range 💲: Martinique runs $11–$14K, while Cantabria tops near $27K MSRP, often available in the $18–$22K street range.

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5. Dimension One Spas – Journey

Known as the “hangout tub,” the Journey is compact yet social—seating four comfortably. It offers 20 jets, a barrier-free seating design, and ClearZone PRO water purification for clarity and low maintenance.

Features:

1. Seats 4 with open seating
2. 20 powerful jets and whirlpool diverter
3. ClearZone PRO water care
4. Compact, barrier-free layout

Pros:
• Perfectly sized for compact spaces
• Energy-efficient and accessible
• Relatively affordable

Cons:
• Smaller capacity limits group use
• Lacks luxury options of high-end models

Price Range 💲: MSRP starting around $9,100, street prices often between $7K–$11K.

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6. Master Spas – Balance 7 (Clarity Series) & LSX 900

The Balance 7 is Master’s bestselling, mid-range model, featuring 6 seats, ergonomic design, and a contour lounge. The LSX 900 is a luxury flagship for eight users, boasting Bio-Magnetic Therapy, advanced jets, and lavish lighting.

Features (Balance 7):

1. 6-person capacity
2. Contoured neck/shoulder seat
3. 38 jets
4. Waterline LED lighting

Features (LSX 900):

1. 8 seats
2. Bio-Magnetic Therapy system
3. Premium LED programming
4. High-output jet arrays

Pros:
• Balance 7 = dependable and budget-friendly
• LSX 900 = premium wellness integration and space

Cons:
• Balance 7 misses premium features
• LSX 900 is costly and large

Price Range 💲: Balance 7 around $9–$12K; LSX 900 runs well over $20K.

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7. Arctic Spas – Summit

Built for cold climates, the Summit seats 6–7 and features triple-layer insulation, weather-resistant construction, and customizable jet/pump configurations.

Features:

1. 6–7 seats with multi-level seating
2. Triple-layer insulation system
3. Durable, weather-resistant build
4. Optional 20/40/60 jet and pump configurations

Pros:
• Excellent thermal efficiency for cold regions
• Rugged and long-lasting

Cons:
• Design is more functional than luxury-oriented
• Price varies widely due to customization

Price Range 💲: Typical sale prices range from $13.5–$18.5K, depending on jet/pump options and included features.

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8. Catalina Spas – Berkshire

While Catalina doesn’t crown one model, the Berkshire often leads in dealer promotions. It seats six, delivers solid jet performance, and features LED lighting—all at a strong value.

Features:

1. 6-person capacity
2. Full hydrotherapy jet system
3. LED lighting package
4. Efficient design

Pros:
• Balanced performance and pricing
• Versatile for a range of backyard spaces

Cons:
• Less recognizable brand
• Not loaded with high-end features

Price Range 💲: Clearance deals as low as $11K, with MSRP close to $19.6K.

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9. Marquis Spas – Euphoria & Summit (Crown Collection)

From the Crown Collection, Euphoria seats seven with high-output jets, ergonomic design, and refined styling. The Summit variant offers flexible seating and advanced jet layouts typical of Marquis’ luxe offerings.

Features (Euphoria):

1. 7 seats
2. High-output hydrotherapy jets
3. Ergonomic seating
4. Crown Collection upscale finishes

Features (Summit):

1. Flexible seating configurations
2. Advanced jet systems
3. Energy-efficient build
4. High-end styling

Pros:
• Elegant design with robust hydrotherapy
• Prestige brand experience

Cons:
• Pricier options
• Dealer network isn’t as wide

Price Range 💲: Typically in the $14–$18K range.

🗒️ Best-Selling Hot Tubs of 2025 – Quick Comparison

Brand / Model	Capacity	Standout Features	Price Range 💲	Best For
Hot Spring Grandee (Highlife)	7 adults	Moto-Massage DX jets, FreshWater Salt System, wireless touchscreen	$16K–$20K+ (MSRP ~$23,999)	Luxury seekers who want saltwater care & high-end design
Sundance Optima (880)	6–7 adults	Fluidix jets, UV-C ClearRay system, full-body lounge	$17K–$24K (MSRP ~$31K)	Families needing versatile seating & strong hydrotherapy
Bullfrog A7 (A-Series)	6–8 adults	JetPak Therapy System®, dual captain’s chairs	$13.8K–$20K+	Families who want customizable massage & flexible seating
Bullfrog M-Series	7–9 adults	Premium JetPaks, luxury lighting, advanced touchscreen	$18K–$25K+	Luxury buyers who want full personalization & space
Caldera Martinique	5 adults	Ergonomic comfort, Paradise Series mid-range spa	$11K–$14K	Small families or couples looking for affordability
Caldera Cantabria (Utopia)	8 adults	74 jets, UltraMassage lounge, Atlas Neck therapy	$18K–$22K+ (MSRP ~$27K)	Luxury entertainers who want a statement spa
Dimension One Journey	4 adults	Compact “hangout tub,” ClearZone PRO water care	$7K–$11K	First-time buyers or couples with limited space
Master Spas Balance 7 (Clarity)	6 adults	38 jets, StressRelief seat, affordable quality	$9K–$12K	Families who want value & reliability
Master Spas LSX 900	8 adults	Bio-Magnetic Therapy, premium hydrotherapy	$20K+	Luxury buyers seeking cutting-edge therapy features
Arctic Spas Summit	6–7 adults	Triple insulation, weather-resistant design	$13.5K–$18.5K	Cold climates where insulation & durability matter most

Choosing the Right Hot Tub for You

Selecting the right hot tub isn’t just about picking the flashiest model or the one with the most jets — it’s about finding a spa that matches your lifestyle, your climate, and your budget. Whether you’re looking for a luxury centerpiece for entertaining, a family-friendly design with versatile seating, or a rugged spa that can stand up to cold winters, the best choice is one that fits your long-term needs.

When shopping, always start with local dealers that carry the brands featured on this list. A reputable dealer will let you wet-test spas, explain warranty coverage, and walk you through the maintenance routine. Don’t be afraid to comparison shop between brands and models — small differences in features, energy efficiency, or water care systems can translate into big differences in your ownership experience over the years.

Also, keep your eye out for seasonal sales, financing offers, or clearance events where you can save significantly on premium models. Once you’ve chosen a spa, be sure to hire a trusted installer. Many retailers offer in-house installation, but if they don’t, ask them to recommend a professional they trust. A proper install ensures your hot tub is safe, efficient, and ready to deliver years of relaxation

LONG BEACH, CA – August 2025 — Cover Valet is pleased to announce the appointment of Crystal Lengua-Rowell as Vice President of Canadian Operations, marking a significant step in the company’s strategic expansion and long-term investment in the Canadian market.

With over 23 years of experience specializing in hot tub accessories, Lengua-Rowell is a seasoned industry leader known for driving growth, leading high-performing teams, and building lasting customer partnerships. Her diverse background and expertise shape a well-rounded, collaborative leadership style focused on operational excellence, business development, and customer success.

In her new role, Lengua-Rowell will oversee all Canadian operations, including sales, marketing, logistics, customer care, trade shows, and digital marketing initiatives. She will work closely with Matt McMillan, Director at Cover Valet, to bring the company’s refreshed brand identity to life across the Canadian market.

“Crystal’s depth of experience and her understanding of the Canadian marketplace make her uniquely suited to lead this next chapter,” says Matt McMillan, Director at Cover Valet. “She brings a strategic lens to everything she does, and her leadership will be instrumental as we execute our brand direction across North America.”

Crystal’s longstanding commitment to the pool and spa industry, including volunteer leadership on boards, contributing to education and training initiatives, writing for publications, and speaking at seminars and Women’s Summits, reflects a deep dedication to the industry’s growth. This perspective will help guide a Canadian strategy that is both thoughtful and impactful.

“Crystal brings not only unmatched experience and credibility, but also a deep understanding of what Canadian spa professionals need to thrive,” adds Marc Black, President of Cover Valet. “Her leadership marks a major step forward in how we support this market. We’re not just expanding—we’re building stronger, more responsive partnerships with our Canadian customers.”

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ABOUT COVER VALET
Cover Valet is a trusted leader in spa cover lifters and hot tub accessories, offering innovative, high-quality products designed to enhance the spa experience. With a focus on durability, ease of use, and modern design. Learn more at: www.covervalet.com