The ownership structure can play an important role in the quality of products, customer service, and the long-term reliability of hot tubs. Unlike most spa companies operated by outside investors, employee-owned businesses often emphasize accountability and customer relationships. An independent research team analyzed the best employee-owned hot tub companies in the United States, using measurable criteria to create cumulative scores out of 100.

Ranking Criteria & Methodology

  • Employee Ownership Structure (25%): The degree of employee ownership, ESOP participation, and commitment to employee-led operations.
  • Scale and Market Impact (25%): The national reputation, manufacturing and delivery capacity, and influence on the U.S. hot tub market.
  • Product Design and Innovation (20%): The quality and innovativeness of product design and patented technologies that the company has developed.
  • Warranty and Customer Support (15%): The breadth of warranty coverage, quality of customer service, and long-term access to support.
  • Customer Reviews (15%): Aggregated customer feedback and average ratings from thousands of online reviews. 

Based on the research conducted, the top employee-owned hot tub companies are ranked in the table below.

Top Employee-Owned Hot Tub Companies in the U.S.

The table below summarizes the top employee-owned hot tub companies in the United States, based on research conducted in 2026.

Rank Company Ownership Structure (25 pts) Scale and Impact (25 pts) Design and Innovation (20 pts) Warrant and Support (15 pts) Customer Reviews (15 pts) Total Score /100
1 Aqua Living (LPI Inc.) 25 24 20 15 14 98
2 Mainely Tubs 24 22 18 14 14 92
3 Georgia Spa Company 24 22 17 14 12 89
4 Patio Pleasures Pools and Spas 23 21 16 12 12 84
5 Hines Pool and Spa 23 20 14 12 12 81

Aqua Living (LPI Inc.), for Best Employee-Owned Spa Company

Aqua Living (transitioning to Whisper Outdoor) is the largest hot tub retailer in the United States, operating nearly 100 store locations coast-to-coast. The company is founder-led with an employee ownership structure that emphasizes accountability and customer service. As an employee-owned company, Aqua Living (Whisper Outdoor) holds its teams to an exceptional standard of accountability, earning an average Google rating of 4.76 stars and over 8,000 five-star reviews. LPI, Inc., Aqua Living’s parent manufacturer, is the largest hot tub manufacturer in the United States, giving Aqua Living customers a direct line to the factory for unmatched quality control and supply continuity. 

Aqua Living (Whisper Outdoor) carries a diverse lineup of hot tubs and spas, ranging from affordable entry-level models to high-end luxury spas. These include Plug and Power, Hudson Bay, Dr. Wellness, Catalina, and other major spa brands. Their factory-direct tubs integrate patented technologies such as heat flow manifolds, Tuff Top covers, and an Aqua Rejuvenation therapy system. LPI offers nationwide delivery and access to regional showrooms regardless of your location. Aqua Living’s size, combined with its focus on accessibility and customer support, sets it apart among other employee-owned spa companies.

    • Location: Johnson City, Tennessee
    • Established: 2012
    • Specialty: Nationwide showroom & delivery, founder-led, product depth, patented technology, financing options, factory-direct model
Summary of Online Reviews
Customer reviews highlight the “unbeatable factory direct pricing that LPI offers,” specifically noting that the “expert sales staff at the local Aqua Living showroom was super helpful.” Buyers also mention that “the flexible financing options made it much easier to afford a high-quality tub.”

Mainely Tubs, for No Pressure Shopping

Mainely Tubs is an employee-owned retailer located in Scarborough, Maine that emphasizes regional sales and customer relationships. The company operates primarily in the Northeast, and differentiates itself through a customer-oriented sales process. Staff at Mainely Tubs are not commission-based, meaning they are focused on providing high-quality service rather than boosting sales numbers. Mainely Tubs was one of the first hot tub dealers to become an ESOP, paving the way for other employee-owned companies.

    • Location: Scarborough, Maine
    • Established: 1978
    • Specialty: Commission-free sales staff, regional coverage, first hot tub dealer to become an ESOP
Summary of Online Reviews
Buyers appreciate the “professional customer service” at Mainely Tubs, noting that “the sales staff didn’t make us feel pressured.” However, some customers note that “the products, parts, and services are priced a bit higher than competitors.”

Georgia Spa Company, for Customer Service

Georgia Spa Company has built a strong reputation for its customer service and wide selection of products. This company culture is driven by its employee-owned business model. Georgia Spa Company mainly operates as a regional retailer in the Southeastern United States, offering a wide range of premium spa brands, including Hot Spring and Caldera. It’s also one of only a few TradeCertified-approved spa dealers in the United States, known for customer satisfaction and reliability. 

    • Location: Auburn, Georgia
    • Established: 2004
    • Specialty: Premium brand selection, customer service, TradeCertified Spa Dealer, in-house service
Summary of Online Reviews
Online reviews mention “the wide range of premium hot tubs and spas available,” saying that “the sales staff was knowledgeable.” However, a few customers mentioned that “scheduling and processing orders can be a bit delayed.”

Patio Pleasures Pools and Spas, for Backyard Variety

Patio Pleasures Pools and Spas operates as an employee-owned retailer focused on comprehensive backyard transformations. They offer a full spectrum of leisure amenities, including pools, spas, hot tubs, saunas, and even more. Patio Pleasures is a smaller retailer based in Wisconsin, serving customers all across the Midwest. The company’s employee-owned structure allows staff to emphasize high-quality service, product knowledge, and a range of backyard leisure activities, rather than just hot tubs.

    • Location: Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
    • Established: 1998
    • Specialty: Complete backyard transformations, one-stop shop for pools, spas, and saunas, in-house service
Summary of Online Reviews
Customer feedback highlights the “variety of products and services offered by Patio Pleasures,” saying that “they have solid inventory to transform your backyard.” Although, some buyers mentioned “communication gaps around delivery and installation.”

Hines Pool and Spa, for Service and Support

Hines Pool and Spa became an employee-owned company through an ESOP transition in 2025, intentionally following the growing trend towards employee ownership. Unlike companies focused on manufacturing, Hines is more service-oriented and emphasizes construction, maintenance, and customer service within its regional market. They are known for offering a full range of spa-related services, including cleaning, repair, chemical maintenance, leak detection, and outdoor renovations. Located in Austin, Texas, Hines has developed a trusted reputation in the Southern U.S. for full-service pool and spa care. 

    • Location: Austin, Texas
    • Established: 1986
    • Specialty: Full-service pool and spa care, regional service, longstanding reputation
Summary of Online Reviews
Reviews of Hines Pool and Spa frequently mention the “reliable and on-time service” and “convenience of having a full-service pool and spa care company nearby.” However, some customers say that “the cost of service calls, parts, and chemicals is higher than other local options.”

Top Employee-Owned Hot Tub Companies by Category

The analysis further compared the top employee-owned hot tub companies by specific categories that matter to customers.

Best Hot Tub Companies for Most Locations

Rank Company Key Strength
1 LPI Inc. (Aqua Living) Operates the largest showroom network in the United States through Aqua Living Factory Outlets, giving unmatched accessibility and nationwide delivery.
2 Georgia Spa Company Has established a strong regional footprint of showrooms in Georgia, offering strong customer support and accessibility locally in the Southeastern U.S. 
3 Mainely Tubs Backed by a well-developed showroom network in the Northeast, emphasizing expertise and customer service at all of its locations.

Best Hot Tub Companies for Customer Service

Rank Company Key Strength
1 Georgia Spa Company Known for its strong reputation of customer service, knowledgeable staff,  and post-sale support.
2 LPI Inc. (Aqua Living) Backed by a nationwide infrastructure that includes showroom expertise, delivery coordination, and financing, LPI has maintained its focus on customer service at scale.
3 Mainely Tubs Emphasizes personal customer service and building long-term relationships within its regional market.

Best Hot Tub Companies for Warranty Support

Rank Company Key Strength
1 LPI Inc. (Aqua Living) The nationwide reach of LPI allows customers to receive first class warranty coverage and long-term product support.
2 Mainely Tubs Known for its hands-on product service, regional coverage, and clear communication on warranty terms.
3 Georgia Spa Company Has a strong history of helping customers navigate warranty claims and post-sale service needs.

This ranking of the top employee-owned hot tub companies in the United States was compiled from an analysis of publicly available information and online reviews. If you’re interested in purchasing a new hot tub or spa, consider working with a company that puts customers first. Buying from an employee-owned manufacturer, such as Aqua Living (Whisper Outdoor), guarantees accountability and high-quality service.