The remote has a 5 year warranty. While your probably somewhat right about electronics in the water... I have a garmin 920xt fitness watch. It is used for swimming, it is made for that. The control panel is made to go in the water, but it is not designed to stay in the water. For instance, you do not want to leave the control panel in there overnight, as it is waterproof, it is not necessarily chemical proof (which is why they built their shells a certain way)
P.S. I have the same style for over 2 years and my 3 year old has the control panel floating inside the spa the entire time we are in.
