Adding a DIY STOCK TANK HOT TUB to an AirBnB property

Case studies are one of my favourite types of articles because they allow you to follow along with the process, and see a real example of how to build your own DIY hot tub.

In this case study, we’re diving into the build by Nicholas from Pine Wood, California, USA. He owns a beautiful Airbnb called the Dusk House, where he’s adding a DIY stock tank hot tub.

www.theduskhouse.com

This project turned out incredible and provides a detailed, step-by-step guide on installing a DIY stock tank hot tub in your own backyard. Let’s explore the steps Nicholas took to create this stunning hot tub!

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The Location

Nicholas has a breathtaking backyard location. It’s an outcrop of rock overlooking a stream, framed by tall trees—an ideal setting for a hot tub setup. 

The Foundation

The first step was setting up a solid foundation. Nicholas did this by pouring a concrete pad, as you can see in the image below.

Insulating a Stock Tank Hot Tub

With the cold, mountainous climate, Nicholas wanted to ensure proper insulation to keep the water warm during chilly seasons. He started with an insulated foam base and then wrapped the tub with additional insulation.

The Deck

Nicholas aimed for a sunken effect. He achieved this by positioning the hot tub and then building a deck around it, as shown below.

The sunken look integrates beautifully with the landscape! Keep reading to see the final result. 

Plumbing the Stock Tank Hot Tub

Next, Nicholas used one of my stock tank kits, available on the website (links below). These kits are simple to set up; all you need is a stock tank and the necessary pipes. They contain everything else, including detailed instructions, making it a cost-effective solution.

Once Nicholas added insulation around the hot tub, he moved on to installing the plumbing. This step involves cutting holes to fit the pump drains and jets. Using PVC pipe cement, he connected the plumbing following the instruction I sent in. The process was straightforward and cost-effective.

The Control Room

The control room setup is essential. Nicholas placed all his equipment in a metal cabinet under the deck. This positioning keeps everything below the waterline, critical for centrifugal hot tub pumps that rely on gravity for water pressure. Exposing your equipment to the elements doesn’t work for hot tub parts, so this setup was essential.

The Final Result

Finally, Nicholas completed the finishing touches on the deck. The result is stunning! The stock tank hot tub adds a rustic feel that perfectly complements the natural setting.

It was an incredible journey, and I loved being part of it! If you’re ever in the area, and need a place to stay, check out the Dusk House. You might get to use this very build!

Can I Help You?

If I can help you in any way I would love to hear from you. You can get in touch using the form below.

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.

Today, I've helped over 1000 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