Dive In: Sourcing Spas & Pools

Phase 2. A high-ticket item category.

1. Inflatable vs. Hard Shell

• Inflatable: (Like Lay-Z-Spa). PVC material. Cheap retail price ($400). High volume.
• Acrylic: Fiberglass reinforced. Expensive retail ($5000+). Low volume.

2. Acrylic Sheet Brand

• For hard shell spas, ask: "Is this US Aristech Acrylic?"
• Chinese domestic acrylic yellows in the sun after 2 years. US acrylic lasts 10+.

3. Equipment Pack (The Brain)

• Balboa (USA): The gold standard control system. Buyers trust it.
• Gecko (Canada): Also excellent.
• Generic Chinese: Cheaper, but harder to service if it breaks abroad.

4. Production Hub

• Guangzhou/Foshan: Many spa factories are near the fair.

Summary

Shipping is a nightmare. A container holds only 6-8 swim spas. You are shipping air.