· TUOKE Editorial Team
Short answer: The latest International SPA Association (ISPA) figures describe a growing US spa market, but they do not establish demand for any particular wellness capsule. A buyer still needs a room-level service model, a realistic utilization forecast and model-specific operating information before ordering equipment.
What the US figures actually say
On March 31, 2026, ISPA published its annual “Big Five” snapshot from the US Spa Industry Study, commissioned by the ISPA Research Foundation and conducted by PwC. It reports $23.5 billion in 2025 US spa revenue, up 4.2% from the previous year. Visits reached 191 million, up 1.8%. The study counted 22,060 spa locations, up 0.4%, and estimated $123.10 in revenue per visit, up 2.3%. Employment reached 376,900 in January 2026, a 0.2% increase.
These are national industry measures. They include many service formats and business models. They are not a sales forecast for capsule equipment, nor are they evidence that an individual treatment produces a health benefit. The release is an early statistical snapshot; operators should use their own local demand, pricing and cost data for investment decisions.
Why the revenue and visit gap matters
Reported revenue grew faster than visits. That could reflect changes in pricing, service mix, retail sales or other factors; the release does not isolate the cause. A salon considering a new capsule service should therefore avoid assuming that higher national revenue means more appointment volume in its neighborhood. Test two separate assumptions: how many guests might book the service, and what contribution each completed appointment would make after staffing, cleaning, utilities and maintenance.
A simple planning sheet can compare a conservative, expected and busy week. Start with available appointment slots, then apply an achievable booking rate rather than full capacity. Add the actual session price and subtract variable costs. Keep equipment payments, room rent or opportunity cost, training and service contracts visible as separate fixed costs. This does not produce a guaranteed return; it shows which assumptions have the largest effect on the decision.
Four questions to ask before selecting a wellness capsule
- What is the service? Define session length, guest preparation, staff supervision and the promised experience in plain language.
- What fits the room? Request the exact model dimensions, clearance, electrical requirements, access path and cleaning procedure. A visually appealing device still has to work in the available space.
- What is documented? Ask for the model-specific operating manual, safety information, warranty terms and maintenance schedule. Do not substitute a category brochure for the ordered configuration.
- How will performance be measured? Track bookings, repeat use, guest feedback, downtime and contribution per occupied room hour. Review these after a defined pilot period.
How this relates to TUOKE equipment
TUOKE offers professional wellness capsule formats for business discussions. The ISPA statistics are independent industry context; they do not test or endorse TUOKE products. The appropriate next step is to compare the actual model’s verified specifications and commercial terms with your service plan. If your team is planning a new room, share the floor plan, intended session flow and target customer so the equipment conversation starts with operational facts.
Source and scope
Original source: International SPA Association, 2026 Big Five statistics, published March 31, 2026; reviewed September 29, 2026. The reported revenue and visits refer to 2025; employment refers to January 2026. The operating checklist above is TUOKE’s editorial analysis, not a finding of the ISPA study.