Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Spa Secure?

Spa Secure is an international benchmarking and licensing program, which gives consumers a tool to immediately recognize exceptional spas while also coaching spas on how to offer a higher standard of service and safety.

2. Why was Spa Secure created?

The Spa Association receives phone calls every day from consumers who want to locate a spa that is dedicated to the most stringent health and safety standards. Consumers are demanding to be directed to spas with: high standards of customer service, technical training and operations. Just as a consumer would like to see a 1-5 star rating for restaurants and hotels, they are now asking for a way to immediately recognize a finer quality spa. More importantly, however, consumers need to be protected from facilities that are unsafe.

3. Do current The Spa Association members receive automatic accreditation?

Although Spa Secure was developed by The Spa Association, it does not give members a favored status when applying for licensing. To gain accreditation, each spa must undergo an extensive examination process. Each spa will be required to pass a written examination as well as an on-site inspection with stringent standards being a part of the initial licensing.

4. What is Spa Secure's mission?

It is our mission to raise the level of integrity and credibility to the spa industry by awarding licensing to spas that meet our high level of standards by recognizing their excellence. We also strive to provide communities and consumers with a path to healthier and safer spas.

5. When was Spa Secure created and who created it?

Spa Secure was officially launched in July of 2004 and was created by Melinda Minton. Spa Secure also has a board of representatives that advise our international licensing system. Board members are industry leaders and beauty experts who advise Spa Secure quarterly, on improvements to its grading system and qualification requirements. We also work closely with governmental regulatory boards to ensure our compliance with state and federal laws.

7. How long does licensure from Spa Secure last?

A license from Spa Secure will last for two years. Spa secure is based on a two-year renewal system because the industry is evolving and revolutionizing itself rapidly and we want each of our license holders to strive and commit to a process of continual improvement.

8. What are the benefits of Spa Secure?

• LOGO: Once you pass the pre-examination and the on-site inspection your spa will immediately receive our logo. Our logo can be placed on all marketing and advertising material. It can be used as a tool to lead consumers to safe spas and assure consumers of your dedication to business, health, and safety standards.
• COMPETIVENESS:  Licensure from Spa Secure increases the image of each spa setting it apart from the crowd. It will also prove each spa’s dedication to business, health and safety standards.
• CONSUMER AWARENESS:  Spa Secure will market to consumers who are increasingly concerned about his or her health and safety. Through the use of our website and logo, each spa secured spa will reassure consumers they are visiting a primer spa which dedicates itself to the highest industry standards.
• MEDIA: Spa secured spas will be featured on that website. The website will provide information about Spa Secure and provide a list of the qualifications and standards each spa had to meet. It will also include a link to each licensed spa and give information about how well your spa performed.
• CLIENTEL:  Your spa will naturally increase a spa’s ability to attract a larger data base. Not only will consumers know that each secured site is safe, licensed and clean, but they will also understand your spa offers the highest possible level of customer service.
• INDUSTRY RESPECT:  Those participating in the program will gain industry wide respect because you will be recognized as a leader.

9. How much does Spa Secure Cost?

Each spa who wants to be recognized as an industry leader through Spa Secure will have to pay an application fee as well as a fee that correlates with the size of your spa. | Fee schedule

10. What is the Second Chance Fee?

The second chance fee will be discussed upon notification of a failed first pre-examination or on-site inspection. The fee will be based on the amount of improvements needed and if an on-site inspection will have to be completed once more.

11. Will Spa Secure stay in touch after we receive our license?

As technology, equipment and regulations change Spa Secure will be on the cutting edge. Letting spas know about what industry experts, regulatory bodies and legislative entities are saying and ruling about industry standards will be a top priority. A monthly newsletter will keep spas apprised of these changes.

12. How will consumers know that secured spas are still doing what they should be doing months into their initial licensing?

Spa Secure representatives will be doing regional audits ongoingly to make sure that spas are maintaining high standards. Spas will be made aware of an audit after the fact and if they have problems will be given a warning. If three warnings are issued the spa can no longer be a licensed spa without going through the entire process again.

13. How do I gain a license form Spa Secure?

1. Please send a written request for an Application & Pre-Examination Packet with a payment of $150.00 to the following address.

Attn: Spa Secure International Licensing Program
4400 North Scottsdale Rd., #9-265
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Or you can purchase and order an Application & Pre-Examination Packet on our website at www.spasecure.com.

2. As soon as your spa completes the pre-examination packet you can send it back to Spa Secure to be graded.

3. If you pass your pre-examination packet you will be notified of an approximate date for your onsite inspection.

4. After you receive your on-site inspection your grades form the pre-examination packet and the onsite inspection will be calculated. Your spa will need to earn a 90% or higher to earn a license.

5. If you receive a combined score of 90% or higher, the benefits of Spa Secure will begin immediately.