Can You Build a Hot Tub?

A portable or home spa is really not that expensive, but for those who want to save money or who are handy with carpentry, you may want to consider if you can build a hot tub yourself. If you have some woodworking or shop experience, it really isn't that hard to make a very basic model.

Obviously there are some considerations, such as how many people are going to be using this. It makes no sense to build a hot tub that only one person can enjoy at a time if you have a large family or many friends! No one wants to take a number when they're ready to share in the hot tub. You also need to consider just where in your home or yard you're going to put your hot tub. If you set it on the lawn, remember that the grass underneath is definitely going to die! Many people make a deck before they decide to build a hot tub, or measure out the appropriate space in the bathroom, sunroom, back porch, or wherever they plan on using it.

When planning on how to build a hot tub, remember that you need a way to get the water warm and keep it warm. It's not like a regular bathtub where the water comes in already heated. There are many hot tub heating kits you can buy, or, if you're very capable, you can use a different type of heating coil to go under or around the hot tub itself. However, if you do decide to use a different type of heating system when you build a hot tub, you need to be very careful that you know what you're doing. Water and electricity do not mix!

Of course the material you use for the tub needs to be waterproof, so many people use a small pool or other type of plastic basin that is surrounded by cedar or another leak-resistant wood. Remember when you build a hot tub to not have the electrical heater right on the plastic pool!

If you remember these basic components, it isn't that difficult to draw up plans to build a hot tub on your own. And if it's just for yourself, it's even easier! And for those who aren't quite sure of themselves, you can always find do-it-yourself kits and prefabricated hot tubs at any home improvement store.