Everyone wants to know what the cheapest hot tub to build is. I’ve been asked this question many times, and here’s an answer that paints a complete picture.

Before proceeding, let me clarify what a hot tub is. I’m not talking about those holes in the ground heated with fire. That’s not what I’m about. My definition of a hot tub is one that has a pump, a filtration system, jets, and the other things that come with a hot tub.

Before moving onto what the cheapest hot tub is, let’s look at which ones are far from cheap.
Plastic shell tubs, block or concrete builds, and in-ground hot tubs are far from cheap. They require significant work and time to build and require custom plumbing and so much more.

Cedar, timber, or other lumber has also become a costly option due to the high cost of wood over the past few years.

The cheapest hot tub is also my second favourite, right behind the in-ground block or concrete hot tub. This is a stock tank hot tub. It is also known as a hillbilly or cowboy hot tub. These hot tubs rely on an animal feeder as their central basin, making for a very cool and simple setup.