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

swim_spa_build

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.

How Noisy is an Air Source Heat Pump?

How Noisy is an Air Source Heat Pump?

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.

Installing a Main Drain for Your Hot Tub or Plunge Pool

Installing Main Drains

Installing the main drains that you are going to need on your hot tub or plunge pool is probably for most going to be the first bit of plumbing you do.

They need to be installed when you pour your slab or your base so in this article and in the video blow, I explain everything you need to know about the installation of the main drains.

Rebar for Hot Tubs and Pool Construction Explained

rebar for hot tubs and plunge pools

Imagine soaking in a steaming hot tub or cooling off in a refreshing pool on a hot summer day. What you might not realize is that beneath the sparkling water lies a crucial element contributing to its strength and longevity: rebar.
Rebar, short for reinforcing steel bar, is a hidden hero in the world of concrete construction, including DIY hot tub and swimming pool builds. It adds vital tensile strength, which concrete lacks, allowing it to withstand the pressure of water and resist cracking.

Infinity Hot Tub with Swim Jet Takes Shape in Virginia

Have you ever dreamt of soaking in a luxurious hot tub while enjoying a mesmerizing infinity edge that blends seamlessly with the horizon? Well, Doug from Virginia is making that dream a reality by building his very own custom infinity hot tub complete with a built-in swim jet!

Doug got in touch like many of my customers because he knew what he wanted to build but just was not 100% sure on how to do it. He also didn’t want to pay the crazy costs that the pool builders charge for this kind of work.

So, Doug hired me to create a custom design for him. Once complete, I also supplied Doug all of the parts that he needs for the Hot Tub too.

This article / case study is going to follow his progress from start to finish and dives into the initial stages of Doug’s project, and documented on my Buildahottub YouTube channel too.

Buckle up as we explore the intricacies of crafting this backyard oasis.

Keeping Your Pool Crystal Clear: A Deep Dive into Sand Filters

How does a Sand Filter Work?

Sparkling pool water is every pool owner’s dream. But achieving this oasis of refreshment requires a silent workhorse behind the scenes: the pool filter. And among the most popular filtration systems are sand filters. Today, we’ll delve into the world of sand filters, exploring their inner workings, cleaning regimes, and some lesser-known aspects that might surprise you.

Demystifying Spa Pack Wiring Diagrams: A Comprehensive Guide with Video Insights

Spa Pack Wiring Diagrams

Have you ever stared at a spa pack wiring diagram, feeling utterly lost? You’re not alone. Those intricate schematics can be daunting even for seasoned hot tub owners.

But fear not, for this blog post is here to guide you through the labyrinth of wires and symbols. I’ll delve deeper than ever before, building upon the valuable foundation provided by my video below “Spa Pack Wiring Diagrams Explained.”

Can I Heat a Hot Tub with Solar Power?

can I heat a hot tub with solar power

Imagine stepping into a steaming hot tub on a chilly evening, surrounded by nature, and gazing up at a star-studded sky. But what if I told you that the warmth radiating from your tub wasn’t courtesy of conventional fossil fuels, but the power of the sun?

Heating your hot tub with solar power is an enticing concept, and with rising energy costs, it’s a possibility many homeowners are considering. But before you dive headfirst (pun intended) into this world, it’s important to understand the intricacies and explore the different approaches to achieve this sustainable soak.

DIY Pool and Hot Tub – Cameroon, Africa

I love the fact that I can help people literally all over the world with their hot tubs and plunge pools. It really doesn’t matter where you are located. I’ve helped customers in South Africa before, but if my memory serves me correctly, I believe this is the first one that I am helping in Central Africa – Cameroon to be exact.

Which Balboa Topside Control Do I need?

Which Balboa Topside Control

Replacing a topside control, or the buttons that control your jets and adjust your temperature is a task that most of us hot tub owners are going to have to do at some point.

In general, this is not a difficult task. You unplug the old one from the tub, and you plug in the new tub. Yes, this part is easy. However, before you get to that stage, you need to make sure that you are buying the correct topside that is going to work with your spa pack.

It is a bit of a mine field so in this blog post, I hope to clear things up for you. This blog post is only applicable to the Balboa range of topside controls.