What a swim spa really costs in the UK and USA in 2026, from the purchase price to delivery, installation and running costs, and how building your own compares.
Author Archives: buildahottub
07
Feb
Feb
In this post, I will share the recent updates for the builds that Mark in the Uk and Jeff in Mexico are undertaking.
Have they made any progress?
31
Jan
Jan
Where baking soda helps when cleaning a hot tub, and the full drain, clean, refill and rebalance routine around it.
31
Jan
Jan
A tripping RCD or GFCI is doing its job. Here’s how to read the clues, use the isolation method to find the faulty part, and know when it’s a job for an electrician, for UK and US tubs.
Design / Ideas Related, Support & Maintenance
Saltwater Hot Tub Pros and Cons: How It Works, Costs and Care
30
Jan
Jan
A saltwater hot tub is still a chlorine hot tub. Here’s how salt systems work, how salty the water really is, the honest pros and cons, and what to know before retrofitting one.
21
Jan
Jan
How air source heat pumps work, how to choose one for your hot tub, and the real numbers from my own tub: a 66% cut in weekly running costs.
31
Dec
Dec
How gas hot tub heaters work, how to size one, what natural gas and propane cost against electricity and a heat pump, and the UK and US installation rules.
23
Dec
Dec
How to design and build a proper filtered, chilled DIY cold plunge pool: size, wall construction, plumbing and chillers, water treatment, and how to use it safely.
DIY Hot Tub Building, Support & Maintenance
How to Size a Hot Tub Pump: Flow, Pipe Size and Pump Curves
20
Dec
Dec
Pump sizing is about flow and resistance, not horsepower alone. Learn the 10 GPM per jet rule, why pipe size matters and how to use a pump curve.
Cocktail & Plunge Pool Related, Design / Ideas Related
Can You Build a DIY Swim Spa? How to Choose a Swim Jet
19
Dec
Dec
You can build a DIY swim spa. Here is how swim jets work and how to choose one: power, noise, bubbles, built-in or retrofit.