Ohio hot tub company makes Tampa Bay debut with splashy acquisition

Cincinnati-based home recreation retailer Watson’s has acquired Tampa Bay Spas, the company announced Monday, adding three regional stores to its growing Florida footprint.

The acquisition adds three new locations for Watson’s, in Tampa, Brandon and Lakeland, bringing the national chain’s network to 42 corporate and franchise locations, including seven in Florida. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The three acquired stores are expected to transition to the Watson’s brand over the next six months, the announcement says.

“Entering the Tampa Bay market is an important milestone for Watson’s and our continued expansion in Florida,” CEO and owner Erik Mueller says in the announcement. “We continue to look for the right strategic acquisitions that fit our company’s culture and our growth strategy.”

Founded in 2001, Tampa Bay Spas sells Hot Spring spas and related accessories. Its website lists showrooms at 12010 Race Track Road in Tampa; 936 W. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon; and 2315 Commerce Point Drive, Suite 160, in Lakeland.

The acquisition extends Watson’s reach north from an existing Southwest Florida store network. The company entered Florida in March 2024 with its purchase of Fort Myers-based Recreational Warehouse. That sale added three locations in Fort Myers, Naples and Port Charlotte.

Watson’s subsequently acquired Sarasota Hot Springs, according to the latest announcement. Recreational Warehouse by Watson’s now lists Florida showrooms in Sarasota, Fort Myers, Naples and Port Charlotte.

“After 25 years we would like to thank all of our customers for believing in us, and we look forward to continuing to provide each and every one of you with the best possible service we can, as we move into the future with the Watson’s organization,” Tampa Bay Spas co-owner Dave Corson says in the announcement.

Founded in 1968, Watson’s sells hot tubs, swim spas, pools, patio furniture, billiards, game room products and accessories. The company describes itself as the nation’s largest home recreation product retailer.

The Tampa Bay purchase is also part of a broader expansion strategy, the announcement says. Watson’s plans to exceed 50 locations within the next 12 to 18 months and grow to more than 75 over the next several years through acquisitions and new store openings.

Cincinnati-based Katz Teller and Clark Schaefer assisted with the transaction.