Etienne’s Infinity Hot Tub: From Concept to Build

Last updated: September 2026

Etienne emailed me with a vision and a plan for building an infinity hot tub. It was clear from his message that he knew what he wanted, but he needed some help to bring it to life. I was excited to help turn his idea into reality, and here’s how it went, from a rough sketch to the finished build.

Planning stage

The first step was to look at the plan and the location. Etienne sent me a rough sketch and a picture of where the hot tub would go. You can see them below.

These two pictures gave me a good idea of what Etienne wanted to build. It was then my turn to take those first ideas and turn them into a detailed design. This part of my job is all about looking closely at the practicalities and making sure they come together.

The design

Based on Etienne’s sketch and the site photo, I put together a custom design for his infinity hot tub. The design uses the natural height difference at the site to create the infinity effect.

A major part of the build is breaking down part of the existing wall and rebuilding it as a reinforced structure. The finished wall will blend into the landscape, as though it had always been part of the original design.

If you’re wondering how an infinity edge actually works (the weir, the catch basin or balance tank, and the extra pump), my guide to building a DIY infinity or overflow hot tub explains it, and infinity and zero edge design considerations goes into the details.

Plumbing stage

With the design finalised, the next step was the plumbing. I drew up a detailed plumbing diagram for Etienne, making sure every element was accounted for. The diagram is essential for the build, but it’s also what you need for permits and for working with any contractors.

These plans were part of the design package Etienne bought, and they’re invaluable if you’re applying for permits or coordinating contractors. For more on sizing the overflow, see how to correctly size an overflow or spillover.

Supplying the parts

Once the plumbing design was complete, it was time to supply the parts. Etienne chose to buy his hot tub parts through me too, and I made sure everything was delivered promptly. If you’re planning a similar project and need a hand choosing parts, ask in the comments below.

The build

With the design and parts in place, Etienne started building. The first step was preparing the base. It’s crucial to install the bottom drains before you pour the concrete base. Miss this step and you’ll have complications further down the line. See installing a main drain, and don’t forget the hydrostatic relief valve.

Next came the interior formwork. Etienne worked from the inside out, setting up the interior shuttering before moving on to the rebar. The steel reinforcement gives the hot tub lasting strength and stability (my rebar guide has more).

One of the most important jobs at this stage is getting the plumbing finished before the walls are poured. Once the plumbing was in place, the walls could be poured, and the project moved a step closer to completion.

Build complete!

Check out the video below to see how things turned out for Etienne.

For more infinity builds, see DIY infinity hot tub: from concept to reality and the infinity hot tub with swim jet in Virginia.

Planning your own infinity hot tub?

If a standard size suits your site, my infinity hot tub plans include the CAD drawings, plumbing layout, parts list and video course. If your site is like Etienne’s and needs something designed around it, I can draw it up as architectural CAD and a 3D plumbing design, ready for permits and contractors.

What do you think of Etienne’s infinity tub? Let me know in the comments below. I read them all.

Cheers,
Andi

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Thanks - Andi

 

Hi, Andi here. I own Buildahottub.com and also write all of the articles and info pages on the site. Some years back now, I built my own hot tub but struggled to find the information I needed. So, once my tub was complete, I started this website to help others in their own pursuit of hot tub and plunge pools DIY building information.

Fast forward to 2025, I've helped over 1400+ DIY customers just like you all over the world build hot tubs and pools. Have a good look around the site, there are lots of resources here. Please do get in touch if I can help you. - Cheers, Andi