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.
Category Archives: Design / Ideas Related
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.
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.
Design / Ideas Related, DIY Hot Tub Building, Plumbing Related, Support & Maintenance
What Is the Best Way to Heat a DIY Hot Tub? (2026 Running Cost Comparison)
12
Dec
Dec
Electric, air source heat pump, gas, heat exchangers, wood and solar compared: what each really costs per unit of heat at today’s UK and US prices, how fast they heat, and which one I’d fit to a DIY hot tub.
12
Dec
Dec
DIY Hot Tub Heater – which one should I choose? How you heat the hot tub can ultimately affect how you use it and how much it costs you to run your tub. As I am sure you have realised, this blog and my YouTube Channel focus on DIY Hot Tubs and Pools. Hopefully, in this article, I can explain some of the options that you have for your DIY Hot Tub Heater.
Design / Ideas Related
How to Size a Swimming Pool Overflow or Spillover (Flow Rates, Lip Design and Pumps)
09
Nov
Nov
How to size a pool or hot tub spillover: flow per foot of lip, the effect of the drop, getting the lip level and sharp, choosing the pump, plus a free calculator.
Design / Ideas Related, DIY Hot Tub Building, Materials and Construction Related, Plumbing Related
Hot Tub Control Room Design: Distance, Height, Size and Layout
06
Nov
Nov
Where to put a hot tub control room and how big to make it: distance, elevation, space for equipment, services and maintenance.
Design / Ideas Related, DIY Hot Tub Building, Plumbing Related
Hot Tub Pump Union Sizes Explained (With a Collar Size Guide)
30
Oct
Oct
Hot tub pump union sizes are named after the pipe they fit, not the collar you measure. Here is how to pick the right one.
Design / Ideas Related
Infinity and Zero Edge Pool Design Considerations: Balance Tanks, Edges and Plumbing
29
Oct
Oct
The key design considerations for infinity (vanishing) edge and zero edge pools, from sizing the balance tank to edge flow rates, troughs, pumps and maintenance access.
Design / Ideas Related, DIY Hot Tub Building
How to Use a Venturi System Instead of a Blower on a Block Hot Tub
24
Oct
Oct
A step-by-step guide to running gunite jets on venturi air controls instead of an air blower on a block, concrete or ICF DIY hot tub.