Watkins Manufacturing meets CEC Standards on hot tubs

All 40 of its models qualify

-- Casual Living, 6/18/2008 7:30:00 AM

Watkins Manufacturing, maker of Hot Spring Spas and Caldera Spas, announced it is among the first hot tub manufacturers to meet the current Title 20 energy standards established by the California Energy Commission on all of its 40 models.

All hot tubs sold in the state of California must comply with Title 20 standards, and enforcement is expected to begin shortly. Energy efficiency of all appliances, particularly discretionary items like hot tubs, is in the regulatory spotlight. California was at the forefront of energy efficiency regulations when it passed Title 20 nearly two years ago, and it is expected that other states and Canada will soon follow suit.

While Watkins has financially supported the Association of Pool & Spa Professional’s efforts to create a more relaxed ANSI 14 standard at the new Cal Poly San Luis Obispo test facility, “we chose to meet the highest standard and assure our retail partners and consumers that we are in full compliance with the more stringent CEC Title 20 standards on all models,” said Steve Hammock, president, Watkins Manufacturing. “This will save consumers money in operating costs today, and protect our environment for tomorrow. It is important to us to lead by meeting the standards early and comprehensively, as we want to be the best we can be.”

Watkins has long been recognized as the industry leader in the design of energy-efficient hot tubs and green initiatives. Earlier this year, Watkins received the first-ever ENVY award for its outstanding efforts in environmental-friendly hot tub design. The award was presented to Watkins by INDESIGN, the Munich, Germany-based Institute for Innovative Design.