Architect Builds a DIY Hot Tub in Michigan, USA (Case Study)

Last updated: September 2026

Welcome to a brand-new case study, where we follow Reem as she builds a DIY hot tub in Michigan, USA. Reem is an architect, so she had exactly the right skills to come up with a beautiful design for her hot tub. What she needed was help with the technical side and bringing it all together, and that’s where I came in.

This is the first update on the project. Let’s dive into Reem’s journey.

The design

For a start, it was refreshing to work with a client who was so clear about their vision and exactly what they wanted. That always makes the process easier. Below is the design Reem came up with for her hot tub, and I have to say, it looks beautiful.

It’s a simple rectangular hot tub, but it has waterfalls on the sides that look incredible. The water for the waterfalls is separate from the hot tub, because they’re purely decorative, so there’s no need to filter or heat it. If you’re thinking about something similar, see the ultimate guide to adding a water feature to your DIY hot tub.

As you can see, she’s also included what I like to call the “Kyle Lounges”. They’re named after the Kyle build that made those lounge seats famous, and you can get the Kyle dual lounger plans in my shop.

The plumbing design

Once the design was final, it was time for me to work out the plumbing. Below is part of the design I created for her.

With the plumbing design finalised, I also put together a list of the parts Reem would need and supplied everything from parts4tubs.com. Having the right design and parts is half the job. After that, it’s a matter of putting everything in place, and your chances of success are much higher. If you’re new to all this, start with DIY hot tub plumbing: how to plan jets, pipe sizes, drains and the skimmer.

The build begins

Now it was time to start building. The first step was the base for the hot tub, shown below.

Reem’s team also ran the pipes for the hot tub underground, below the frost line. That protects them from freezing through Michigan’s cold winters, so the hot tub can be enjoyed all year round. The pipes run from the hot tub to the control room, which is in a separate location. For more on where to put the equipment, see hot tub control room position, and for cold-weather care, winterizing a hot tub.

With the base laid and the pipes in, the next step was forming the walls and getting the plumbing in the right positions. As you can see in the pictures below, Reem has made fantastic progress, and the build is moving quickly.

Probably the most challenging part of this build was installing the plumbing before the interior was formed. That meant the external formwork had to be poured first, which needed careful attention to the heights and positions of everything. It led to a lot of communication and sketches, as you can see below.

This is where my service comes in handy. Every build has its own requirements, and it always helps to have someone experienced guiding you through the process.

Moving forward

The next steps in this project are finishing the plumbing and installing the interior forms. Reem plans to pour the external walls first, let them cure, and then work on the interior. Building in stages like this keeps things simpler.

I wouldn’t recommend a monopour (pouring all the concrete at once) for this type of build unless you have an expert and precise measurements, because it can be quite challenging and technical to get right. For the options, see hot tub wall construction: what are the options? and my rebar guide.

I’m really looking forward to the next stage of Reem’s build. In the meantime, if you like following builds like this, have a look at Mike’s mountain view DIY hot tub in Utah and in-ground hot tub design ideas.

Got a design and need the technical side?

Like Reem, plenty of people know exactly what they want their hot tub to look like but need help making it work. My hot tub plumbing consultancy gives you a plumbing design and parts list for your own design. If you’d like the whole thing drawn up, sketch your idea in the free Tub & Pool Designer Pro software and I can turn it into architectural CAD and a 3D plumbing design.

What do you think of Reem’s design? 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