Author Archives: buildahottub

Design / Ideas Related, DIY Hot Tub Building, Materials and Construction Related

Tub & Pool Designer Pro Software – Free Online Hot Tub & Pool Design Software

Posted on by buildahottub
Tub & Pool Designer Pro software
03
Sep

Tub & Pool Designer Pro Software – what is this all about?

It seems such a long time ago that I wrote the initial version of buildahottub.com website which was essentially a single web page. That page still exists today and explains how I went about building my own hot tub step by step with all the photos that I took.

I couldn’t find the information I needed so I thought that when I was done, I would write it up so others could do the same.

Fast forward quite a few years and here we are today. The website is totally different – there are hundreds of articles covering all aspects of building a hot tub. I have plans that you can purchase – an online courses that you can take and parts that you can buy too. Not to mention the 8K subscribers and over 1000 videos that I have published on YouTube all around this hot tub and plunge pool niche. Directly as customers, I’ve helped over 1300 of you DIYers build hot tubs and plunge pools and many more indirectly by the website and YouTube Channel.

Who knew that building my own hot tub would eventually turn into a business – well it has, and I love every second of what I do.

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Design / Ideas Related

Can you Build a DIY Lap Pool?

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DIY Lap Pool
03
Sep

One of the most popular questions I get asked is whether you can build a DIY lap pool in your backyard. The short answer is YES! You can!

For those who don’t know what a lap pool is, it’s a regular pool with longer, narrower dimensions so you can swim laps in your pool without needing a swim jet.

Here’s a few things to watch out for when constructing your Lap Pool

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Air Source Heat Pump Related

Upgrading to an Air Source Heat Pump: Chris’s Journey

Posted on by buildahottub
02
Sep

An air source heat pump is a magical invention. It’s a far more efficient way to get your hot tub to the right temperature. In my own case, it saved me as much as 60% in energy costs. Given the right circumstances, it can be a rewarding investment. 

Installing an air source heat pump could be confusing, but I am here to help you out with a step-by-step guide.

Here’s a recent example of one of my clients, Chris, who connected with me via email, and we went through the process of installing an air source heat pump together with a few interesting discoveries along the way.

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Case Studies / Example Projects

John from Kentucky – 8 x 8 DIY Hot Tub

Posted on by buildahottub
24
Jul

Today, I’m excited to share an incredible DIY hot tub project with you. John, from Kentucky, is building an 8×8, 14-jet hot tub in his backyard using one of my pre-designed plans. Let’s dive into the details!

While many of my case studies focus on custom-designed hot tubs, today we’re taking a look at a more straight forward project. John from Kentucky has chosen to build an 8×8 hot tub using one of my pre-designed plans.

This approach offers a great starting point for DIY enthusiasts looking to create a relaxing oasis without the complexity of a custom design. Let’s follow John’s journey as he brings this off-the-shelf plan to life.

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Design / Ideas Related, DIY Hot Tub Building, Materials and Construction Related

Soaking in Success: What Makes the Best DIY Hot Tub Plans?

Posted on by buildahottub
13
Jul

It’s that time of year again where the second wave of DIY Hot Tubs and plunge pools begin – with the goal of being completed before the weather turns in the Fall / Autumn. I’ve had the pleasure of helping over 1,200 customers now achieve their hot tub dreams by guiding them through the DIY hot tub journey.
The allure of DIY hot tubs is undeniable. You save money compared to a pro spa builder doing it for you, and get the satisfaction of creating your own backyard oasis. What separates a successful build from a DIY Disaster is a good plan!

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Uncategorized

Paul’s DIY Hot Tub Journey

Posted on by buildahottub
paul_hot_tub
21
Jun

Paul decided to take the plunge (pun intended!) and build his own hot tub, and I’m excited to share his progress in this blog post.

We opted for one of our standard designs from the buildahottub.com store – these are a great way to save money and still get a fantastic hot tub, especially if you’re handy and want to customize it a bit. You can find links to all the standard designs here

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Case Studies / Example Projects

DIY Hot Tub / Swim Spa Case Study – Darren, AZ, USA

Posted on by buildahottub
swim_spa_build
24
May

Darren got in touch with me April 2024 because like most of my customers, he had been quoted an astronomical amount of money to build a hot tub come swim spa. 

The conversation always goes the same way “I spoke to several pool builders and the quotes that I got were outrageous” he began. “I think I can do this myself with your help” – well Darren you have come to the right place I replied.

From there, we had a good chat about the specification and features he was looking for and then it was time for me to get started on the initial design renders.

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Air Source Heat Pump Related

How Noisy is an Air Source Heat Pump?

Posted on by buildahottub
How Noisy is an Air Source Heat Pump?
21
May

In my latest video, which you can find below, I take a look at how noisy an Air Source Heat Pump really is. There’s a lot of conflicting information out there about this, so I wanted to set the record straight.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, air source heat pumps are generally considered to be quieter than traditional heating systems. In fact, they typically produce around 40-45 decibels of sound, which is about the same level as a refrigerator. However, it’s important to note that the noise level can vary depending on the specific model of heat pump, as well as how it’s installed. So, is this the case with my own ASHP?
In the video, I measure the noise level of a popular air source heat pump model (Comfortline which I have on my own tub) at different outputs and temperatures. I also discuss some of the factors that can affect the noise level of an air source heat pump, such as the location of the outdoor unit and the type of property.

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