Author Archives: buildahottub

Case Studies / Example Projects

Can a Self-Confessed Rubbish DIYer Build a Hot Tub? Meet Matt

Posted on by buildahottub
24
Jun

his might just be the biggest challenge my DIY hot tub plans have ever faced. And no, I’m not being dramatic. Let me explain.

If you’ve followed the blog or the YouTube channel for any length of time, you’ll know the videos I love making most are the project intros — the ones where we meet a real DIYer at the very start of their build and follow them all the way through to that first warm soak. Well, this one’s a bit different, because the DIYer in question is a mate of mine. And he won’t mind me saying he’s not exactly a natural with the tools.

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DIY Hot Tub Building

What I’d Change If I Built My DIY Hot Tub Again

Posted on by buildahottub
01
May

Around eight years ago, I built my own DIY hot tub. You’ve probably seen it in the background of half my videos.
Fast forward to today and I’ve helped over 1,500 people build their own, and thousands more with spare parts for fixing their existing tubs. So I like to think I know a thing or two about what works — and what doesn’t.
With that in mind, I thought it’d be worth putting together an honest post about what I’d actually do differently if I started from scratch. Because believe me, I made plenty of mistakes first time round.

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Case Studies / Example Projects

Out With the Cedar, In With an ICF Inground Hot Tub

Posted on by buildahottub
24
Apr

Right, I’ve got a brand new project to introduce to the channel today – and this one’s got a really interesting backstory that I think a lot of you are going to relate to.
Meet Jeff from New York, USA. Jeff’s been running an old cedar hot tub for somewhere around 10 to 15 years now, and as much as it’s served him well, the wood has finally had enough. It’s leaking, it’s tired, and it’s time to go.
But here’s the thing – the reason Jeff went with a cedar kit tub in the first place is exactly the same reason I ended up going down the DIY route myself. No access. He simply couldn’t get a plastic shell hot tub into the space. So back in the day, a handyman assembled it on site from a kit, and that’s what’s been sitting there ever since. Sound familiar to anyone?

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Plumbing Related, Support & Maintenance

Balboa Heat Modes Explained: Ready, Rest, Economy and Sleep — What They Actually Mean

Posted on by buildahottub
27
Mar

If you’ve got a Balboa-controlled hot tub and you’re not sure what all those heating modes do, you’re not alone. I get asked about this constantly — and it genuinely matters. Get it wrong and you’re either burning electricity you don’t need to, or you’re jumping in expecting 38°C and getting a lukewarm surprise.

Let me break it all down.

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

How to Change an Air Button and Latching Relay on a Hot Tub, Pool or Spa Bath

Posted on by buildahottub
20
Mar

If you’ve got an air button that’s stopped working, or a latching relay that’s given up the ghost, the good news is that this is a really straightforward job to do yourself. In this article — and the accompanying video — I’m going to walk you through exactly what these components are, how they work, and how to swap them out.
Let’s get into it.

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Air Source Heat Pump Related, Uncategorized

How to Choose the Right Air Source Heat Pump for Your Hot Tub or Pool

Posted on by buildahottub
13
Mar

With so many air source heat pumps on the market right now, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. There are dozens of brands, hundreds of models, and enough jargon in the spec sheets to make your head spin.
But here’s the good news — once you know what to look for, it’s really not that complicated. In this article, I’m going to walk you through the key things you need to consider before you part with your cash. By the end, you’ll know exactly what questions to ask and what to look out for.
Let’s get into it.

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Design / Ideas Related, DIY Hot Tub Building, Uncategorized

Hot Tub vs Plunge Pool – Which Should You Build in 2026?

Posted on by buildahottub
07
Mar

Right, this is one of those questions that lands in my inbox on an almost daily basis. Hot tub or plunge pool – which one should you build? And the honest answer is that there is no definitive right or wrong. It really does come down to personal preference and your own circumstances. But in this post I’m going to break down the key differences between the two so that by the end of it, you’ll have a much clearer idea of which direction is right for you.

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Case Studies / Example Projects, Uncategorized

Patrick’s Wisconsin Basement Hot Tub & Cold Plunge – Waterproofing, Tiling & a Surprise Water Feature!

Posted on by buildahottub
28
Feb

We’re back with another update from Patrick in Wisconsin, and this one is a big one. If you’ve been following Patrick’s basement hot tub and cold plunge build, you’ll know he’s been at this for a while now – and things are really starting to look the part. In this latest update we’re looking at waterproofing, tiling, faux rock walls, and a rather exciting water feature that Patrick and his wife have been working on. Let’s get into it!

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DIY Hot Tub Building, Uncategorized

Key Considerations for Building a DIY Hot Tub in 2026

Posted on by buildahottub
10
Feb

So, you’re thinking about building a DIY hot tub in 2026? Well, you’ve come to the right place. On my channel and here at buildahottub.com, there’s a huge amount of information about everything you need for building a DIY hot tub. I’ve got parts, designs, video courses, and absolutely everything you need to make your hot tub dream a reality.

In this article, I’m going to highlight some of the key considerations you need to think about before you even start your DIY hot tub project in 2026. These are the decisions that will shape your entire build, so it’s worth getting them right from the start.

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Case Studies / Example Projects, DIY Hot Tub Building, Uncategorized

The Kansas Craftsman Who’d Never Built a Hot Tub (Until He Built One Better Than Most Pros)

Posted on by buildahottub
11
Dec

Sure, he’d built plenty of things. Deck? Check. Workshop? Done. Custom furniture? No problem. But a hot tub? That was different. That was one of those projects where most people just throw up their hands and call a contractor.

Most people aren’t Mark.

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