Terry Marsh and Eleanor Meadows of Hyperion Hot Tubs Ltd. Picture: Dorset Biz News.
Published: August 6, 2021 | Updated: 7th August 2021
Former Royal Marine Terry Marsh is hoping to make a splash with the launch of his new hot tub and swim spa showroom.
The 33-year-old founded Hyperion Hot Tubs last year, initially as a hire business.
It took off during the lockdowns as the lack of foreign travel and holidays led to people looking for new home experiences.
But Terry, who served seven years in the Royal Marines, leaving in 2019, said: “Increasingly customers were asking about buying a hot tub.
“I was referring them to other businesses and then the penny dropped. Why don’t we do sales?”
Hyperion Hot Tubs is the authorised dealer for Master Spas in Dorset.
The US-based company is the largest swim spa manufacturer in the world.
It is also the largest portable spa and hot tub manufacturer making 100 per cent of its product in the USA.
Brand ambassadors include swimmer Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time with 28 medals.
The big challenge for Terry was to find premises big enough to showcase the range of Master Spa products.
He said: “We really felt it was ‘Mission Impossible’ and then, by a stroke of luck, found our current home on the Uddens Trading Estate in Wimborne.
“Formerly occupied by Farrow & Ball, it’s 4,800 sq ft and absolutely perfect for our needs.
“I can’t speak highly enough of Birchmere who own the property. They couldn’t have been more helpful or efficient.”
Hyperion Hot Tubs began trading from its new showroom, which includes 14 parking spaces, from the end of June.
The Master Spa products sold range in price from £4,995 for the three-seater Getaway 2 with 17 hydrotherapy jets to the Michael Phelps Momentum Deep – a combination of swimming pool and hot tub – costing £46,995, pictured right.
Despite their ‘Love Island’ image, Terry says hot tubs and swim spas are particularly popular with families.
People with health conditions such as arthritis and related rheumatic issues also benefit from the hydrotherapy aspects, he added.
And the top of the range swim spas are ideal for exercise, even boasting their own rowing equipment.
Terry said: “You literally have to crowbar young people out of hot tubs.
“They just love them.
“Parents find they not only create family fun but also are one of the ways of getting their children to put down their phones.”
Hyperion Hot Tubs is a member of BISHTA (The British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association) and abides by its strict guidelines on hot tub safety and ethical trading practices.
Terry is assisted in the business by partner Eleanor Meadows who worked in The Royal Household at Buckingham Palace for more than two years.
Eleanor, 29, looks after customer service and administration.
Terry, who’s Bournemouth born and educated and also worked as a bike mechanic for seven years, said: “We’re hungry for success but only when it’s done properly.
“We deliver and install the hot tub or swim spa and won’t leave until our customer is absolutely happy.
“Our aim is simple, to be the best.”