Gunite and shotcrete aren’t DIY methods. Here’s what they actually are, and the three DIY-friendly alternatives (block, ICF and poured concrete) for building your own hot tub.
19
Jan
Jan
What type of spa construction methods exist? In short, there are three different types of spa construction. There are two types of spa construction that your average DIYer can do. These are poured concrete and block-built spa construction methods. The third method of spa construction is called Gunite or Shotcrete spa construction. This is only for the processional spa builder.
In this blog post, I will examine all three methods.
18
Jan
Jan
At its most basic, a spool pool is a small swimming pool. It is a swimming pool in every way apart from its size. It is much smaller than your regular pool. So where does the the term spool pool come from. Well, the main difference is that you are not going to be doing laps in your pool. You are more likely to be relaxing with a drink in your hand.
DIY Hot Tub Building, Materials and Construction Related
Cinder Block Hot Tub: A DIYer’s Guide to Building One
17
Jan
Jan
Yes, you can build a hot tub from cinder blocks. Here’s how to size it, build the base and reinforced walls, plumb, insulate and waterproof it, from someone who built his own.
16
Jan
Jan
Should you build a custom hot tub? When going custom makes sense, what’s possible, and the key decisions to make before anything is drawn up.
Cocktail & Plunge Pool Related, Design / Ideas Related
Hot Tub Pool Combo: The Complete DIY Design Guide
15
Jan
Jan
My complete guide to designing a DIY hot tub and pool combo: layouts, spillover or separate water, plumbing, heating, chemistry, permits and safety.
DIY Hot Tub Building, Materials and Construction Related
DIY Hot Tub Construction: Block, ICF or Poured Concrete?
13
Jan
Jan
The three construction methods that are genuinely within reach of a DIYer (block, ICF and poured concrete), how to build the base and waterproof the shell, and why gunite is best left to the pros.
Design / Ideas Related, DIY Hot Tub Building
Planning a DIY Hot Tub in 2022 – Here is where to start!
04
Jan
Jan
Planning a DIY Hot Tub in 2022? To get what you want in terms of a DIY Hot Tub in your mind, that dream tub you can picture yourself in, relaxing, steam rising, bubbles bubbling, to actually building one takes a quantum leap…..
DIY Hot Tub Building, Support & Maintenance
Hot Tub Wiring Explained: Spa Pack Wiring, Cable Sizes and RCD/GFCI (UK and US)
13
Dec
Dec
How a hot tub is wired, from the consumer unit or panel to the spa pack and pumps, with cable sizing, RCD/GFCI protection and the key UK vs US differences.
Design / Ideas Related, Plumbing Related
Can You Heat a Hot Tub with a Ground Source Heat Pump? (2026 Guide)
08
Dec
Dec
You can heat a hot tub from a ground source heat pump using a heat exchanger, but it only really makes sense if you already have one. Here’s how it works, what grants apply in 2026, and how it compares with the air source heat pump I use.