Tech Meets Tranquility
Balboa and WaterGuru’s automated solution for healthier hot tubs
Balboa Water Group, an operating company of Helios Technologies, Inc., has teamed up with WaterGuru, Inc. to bring cutting-edge water monitoring technology to the spa industry. The agreement provides Balboa with an exclusive license to integrate WaterGuru’s technology into its next generation of hot tub control systems, branded as PureZone.
PureZone automates the entire process of monitoring spa water chemistry, giving spa owners real-time data through a mobile app and ensuring their water stays clean and safe.
“This collaboration integrates WaterGuru’s expertise in water chemistry analysis with Balboa’s industry-leading control systems,” says Jean-Pierre Parent, executive vice president at Balboa. “Our partnership began as a shared vision to enhance user experience by providing real-time water quality data and simplifying maintenance for owners. The two companies reached an agreement that capitalized on their combined strength and expertise.”
WaterGuru’s patented technology integrates into Balboa’s existing platform, enabling spa owners to continuously maintain healthy water — an important element in expanding the market adoption of spas.
“You can look at water and it can look clean and pristine, but it can be dangerous,” says Jeff Siegel, chief marketing officer at WaterGuru. “Is that body of water you’re going into healthy, or is it not? The smaller the body of water, the more easily overloaded it is with bacteria.”
When you lift the lid on your spa, you’ll know it’s safe for you and your family to be in.” Paul Fulton, WaterGuru
WaterGuru technology uses advanced sensors to continuously analyze the water, measuring parameters like pH, chlorine and temperature to maintain healthy water chemistry. Unlike traditional methods that rely on manual testing with strips or kits, this system provides quick, accurate readings without user intervention.
Additionally, unlike ORP solutions, there’s no need to recalibrate or replace sensors regularly. PureZone technology significantly reduces the time and effort required for maintenance, eliminating guesswork. Owners receive notifications on how to maintain ideal water conditions, ensuring a relaxing spa experience with less upkeep.
“I think this is game-changing,” says Paul Fulton, WaterGuru’s CEO. “When you lift the lid on your spa, you’ll know it’s safe for you and your family to be in.”
While this technology empowers hot tub owners to manage water quality, it doesn’t eliminate the need for professional services. Instead, it gives service providers more accurate information so they can offer value-added services
“We know that water maintenance has always been the main obstacle to spa ownership, so we believed we could expand our market by addressing this concern and providing a simple and reliable solution,” Parent says.
The partnership was formed over a year ago when Balboa reached out to WaterGuru, which has been offering SENSE products to the pool market for years. WaterGuru had been looking to enter the spa market but knew it would be difficult as a startup to break into OEMs without a partnership. It was a win-win situation, as Balboa was looking for a solution in measuring the chemical parameters of water.
WaterGuru went through a due diligence process with Balboa, with executives visiting its labs and facility.
“It’s been a fantastic relationship,” Fulton says.
“The pent-up demand is huge,” Siegel adds, noting that some of their earliest commercial clients are in the vacation rental market, managing hundreds of properties with spas. “They’re a perfect fit for the technology as they need to manage spas at scale.”
