Episode #134 Hot Tub History with Craig Selvidge

ByMegan Kendrick

In this episode of The SpaRetailer Podcast, host Megan Kendrick, owner of SpaRetailer Magazine, chats with Craig Selvidge, who retired from Bullfrog Spas in 2024. Selvidge shares his hot tub history and extensive experience in the hot tub industry, starting in the 1970s following a fire that destroyed his marine business. He discusses the evolution from wooden hot tubs to fiberglass and acrylic spas, and his role in developing and popularizing swim spas. Selvidge details the challenges of early swim spa designs and innovations, as well as his various roles at companies like Marquis, Dimension One, Jacuzzi and Bullfrog Spas. The conversation highlights Selvidge’s contributions to the industry and his multiple retirements, each filled with unique projects and adventures.

Episode #134 Hot Tub History with Craig Selvidge – The SpaRetailer Podcast

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction to the Spa Retailer Podcast
00:36 Craig Sage’s Retirement and Early Career
01:13 The Beginnings of Swim Spas
03:03 From Boats to Hot Tubs
05:52 The Rise of Wooden Hot Tubs
07:42 Innovations in Hot Tub Design
12:11 The Birth of Swim Spas
13:37 Concrete Swim Spas and Early Designs
15:31 Fiberglass and Acrylic Swim Spas
16:21 Challenges and Successes in Swim Spa Manufacturing
16:50 The Evolution of Swim Spa Technology
21:51 Marketing and Selling Swim Spas
23:57 The Growth of the Swim Spa Market
26:05 Modern Swim Spa Developments
30:27 Bullfrog Spas and Industry Insights
32:16 Starting Water Aerobics with My 10-Year-Old
32:53 Fiberglass to Acrylic Transition in Swim Spas
36:23 The First Portable Spas
41:15 Innovations in Swim Spa Jets
46:01 Career Journey in the Spa Industry
51:01 Retirement Adventures and Final Thoughts

Megan Kendrick is the owner and editor-in-chief of SpaRetailer magazine. She has written about the hot tub industry since 2008.

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