A cocktail pool or spool is easier to build than you think. Here’s how to plan one, what it costs, how to heat it and a step-by-step build from the dig to the first cocktail.
Author Archives: buildahottub
Cocktail & Plunge Pool Related, DIY Hot Tub Building
How to Build a DIY Plunge Pool: The Ultimate Guide
20
Jan
Jan
Everything you need to build your own in-ground plunge pool, from planning, permits and safety barriers to the slab, walls, waterproofing, plumbing, heating and using it as a cold plunge.
10
Dec
Dec
Everything you need to build a DIY wooden hot tub, from choosing cedar and waterproofing the staves to heating it and adding proper jets, filtration and a spa pack.
08
Dec
Dec
If you are thinking about building a Horse Trough Hot Tub or even a Horse Trough Pool, then you must read this article first! In this blog post we are going to discuss the pros and cons of building your own Horse Trough Hot Tub or Pool.
Design / Ideas Related, DIY Hot Tub Building, Reviews & Info
Hot Tub Lights: The Ultimate Guide to Lighting a DIY Hot Tub
25
Nov
Nov
Everything you need to light a DIY hot tub: LED vs halogen, how bright and how many, where to put it, safe low-voltage power, spa pack limits and how to route the cable.
14
Nov
Nov
The Vian Power spa pack is a Balboa BP system in Vian styling. Here’s what’s inside, whether it’s still available in 2026, and how it compares with the newer Balboa BP8.
13
Nov
Nov
Everything a new hot tub owner needs: circulation, cleaning, chemistry and cover care, the right chemical ranges, and a simple daily-to-yearly maintenance schedule.
09
Nov
Nov
A step-by-step guide to setting up a new hot tub, from the base and electrics to filling without air locks, heating and balancing the water for your first soak.
DIY Hot Tub Building, Plumbing Related, Support & Maintenance
Hot Tub Heaters Explained: Types, Sizing, kW, Flow Switches and Troubleshooting
20
Oct
Oct
My broad guide to hot tub heaters: the different types, what kW really means for heat-up time and running costs, flow and pressure switches, keeping the heat in, and troubleshooting a tub that won’t heat.
25
Sep
Sep
Two ways to get your hot tub through winter: keep it running safely, or fully drain and blow out the lines. Here’s how to do both, and how to choose.