Adding a DIY Stock Tank Hot Tub to an Airbnb Property (Case Study)

Last updated: September 2026

Case studies are one of my favourite types of article, because you get to follow along with a real build and see exactly how someone did it.

In this one we’re looking at Nicholas’s build in Pine Cove, near Idyllwild in California. He owns a beautiful Airbnb called the Dusk House, and he’s added a DIY stock tank hot tub to it. The project turned out incredibly well, and it’s a great step-by-step example of installing a stock tank hot tub in your own backyard. Let’s look at how he did it.

The location

Nicholas has a breathtaking spot to work with: an outcrop of rock overlooking a stream, framed by tall trees. It’s an ideal setting for a hot tub.

The foundation

The first step was a solid foundation. Nicholas poured a concrete pad, as you can see below. A stock tank full of water and people is heavy, so a level, solid base matters. There’s more in how to build a concrete slab or base for a hot tub.

Insulating a stock tank hot tub

With a cold, mountainous climate, Nicholas wanted proper insulation to keep the water warm through the chilly seasons. He started with an insulated foam base and then wrapped the tub with more insulation. A steel tank loses heat quickly, so this is money well spent. See my DIY hot tub insulation guide for the options.

The deck

Nicholas wanted a sunken effect. He got it by positioning the hot tub and then building a deck around it, as shown below. The sunken look blends beautifully into the landscape. Keep reading to see the final result. For more ideas, see hot tub deck ideas.

Plumbing the stock tank hot tub

Next, Nicholas used one of my stock tank kits. They’re simple to set up: you add the stock tank and the pipe, and the kit contains the rest, including detailed instructions. That makes it a cost-effective way to do it.

With the insulation around the tub, he moved on to the plumbing. This means cutting holes in the tank for the pump drains and jets, then connecting everything with PVC pipe cement, following the instructions I sent him. The process was straightforward. If you’ve not done solvent welding before, read how to make the perfect PVC solvent weld joint first.

The control room

The control room setup is essential. Nicholas put all his equipment in a metal cabinet under the deck. That keeps everything below the waterline, which matters for centrifugal hot tub pumps, because they rely on gravity to keep them full of water. Hot tub equipment doesn’t like being exposed to the elements either, so a covered cabinet was the right call. There’s more in hot tub control room design considerations and where to put your control room.

The final result

Finally, Nicholas finished off the deck, and the result is stunning. The stock tank adds a rustic feel that perfectly suits the natural setting.

It was a great project, and I loved being part of it. If you’re ever in the area and need somewhere to stay, check out the Dusk House on Airbnb. You might get to use this very tub.

Putting a hot tub in a rental? Read this first

A hot tub at an Airbnb or holiday let isn’t quite the same as one in your own backyard. Because guests are paying to use it, it can be treated as part of a business, and the rules on water care, testing and draining can be stricter. In the UK, that means following HSE guidance. In the USA, it depends on your state and local health department. I’ve covered this in domestic vs commercial hot tubs (and holiday let rules), so read that before you open your tub to guests.

Stock tanks are popular with rentals for good reason. Nicholas isn’t the only one: Ben built a different one at his own California Airbnb, which you can see in how Ben built his DIY stock tank hot tub.

Want to build your own stock tank hot tub?

For the full step-by-step build, including dealing with rust on a galvanized tank, read how to build the ultimate DIY stock tank hot tub. If you’re weighing up budget options, see what is the cheapest hot tub to build?

The stock tank kits come in four versions. You add the tank, the PVC pipe and cement, and the hole saws:

• Complete stock tank hot tub plumbing kit: 4 jets
• Complete stock tank hot tub plumbing kit: 8 jets
• Complete stock tank hot tub plumbing kit: 16 jets
• Complete stock tank hot tub plumbing kit: heating and filtration only (no jets)

If you want help laying out the equipment, there’s also The Ultimate Stock Tank Hot Tub Control Room Guide. And if you’d rather build a proper in-ground tub instead, my DIY hot tub plans have everything drawn up for you.

FAQs

Can you put a stock tank hot tub at an Airbnb?

Yes, and plenty of hosts do. But a hot tub offered to paying guests can count as part of a business, so check the rules where you are. In the UK that means HSE guidance, and in the USA your local health department.

Does a stock tank hot tub need insulation?

In a cold climate, definitely. A steel tank loses heat fast. Insulating under and around it, as Nicholas did, and using a good cover makes a big difference to running costs.

Where should the pump and heater go?

Below the waterline, so the centrifugal pump stays full of water, and protected from the weather. A ventilated cabinet under the deck works well.

What’s not included in a stock tank kit?

The tank itself, the PVC pipe and cement, and the hole saws for the jets and drains. You’ll also need an electrician for the supply.

Thinking of adding a hot tub to your own rental? Ask me anything 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