Blaise’s DIY Pool and Hot Tub Build in Cameroon (Case Study)

Last updated: September 2026

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. I’ve helped customers in South Africa before, but if my memory serves me correctly, I believe this is the first one I’ve helped in Central Africa: Cameroon, to be exact.

Finding help and plans online

Blaise reached out to me because he had plenty of people willing to help him build the hot tub and pool, but he needed help with the design and plans. He bought a set of the off-the-shelf plans in my online store.

As well as the plans, Blaise needed help finding the parts. Some hot tub parts are specialist items that are difficult to find in Cameroon, so I put together a package of parts for Blaise to export to Africa. If you’re sourcing parts yourself, my DIY hot tub shopping list shows what goes into a typical build.

Unusual wall construction

One interesting part of Blaise’s build is the way he’s constructing the walls. Typically, people build the interior walls first, then add the plumbing, rebar and exterior walls. Blaise is doing the opposite.

He built the exterior walls first, and now he’s adding the rebar and plumbing inside them. Then he’ll form up the interior walls and pour concrete. This method is perfectly acceptable and creates a very sturdy structure. I compare the main methods in block, ICF or poured concrete?

Hot tub progress

The hot tub is at the same stage as the pool. Blaise has built the exterior wall and added the rebar. He likely won’t need insulation because of Cameroon’s warm climate. (In a cooler climate, see DIY hot tub insulation.) Next, he’ll add the plumbing inside the rebar, form up the interior walls and pour the concrete.

A plumbing mishap, avoided

Blaise sent me a picture of one of the jet fittings being installed, and it was upside down. When these fittings go in the wrong way up, water pressure pushes against the air, which weakens the jets and can flood the blower. I reminded Blaise to install the fittings with the larger water line at the bottom and the air line above.

It’s an easy mistake to make, and much easier to fix before the concrete goes in. There’s more in how to install gunite jet bodies and water in a hot tub air blower?

Project update

Blaise has built the walls for both the pool and the hot tub. He’s now adding the plumbing, and will soon bend the rebar for the hot tub seats before forming and pouring the concrete. My rebar guide covers this stage.

This is an ongoing project, so check back for updates.

Latest update

If you’re planning a pool and hot tub together, have a read of hot tub pool combo: the complete DIY design guide and why pool and hot tub plumbing should stay separate.

Planning your own build, wherever you are?

Like Blaise, you can work from my DIY hot tub plans, which include CAD drawings, the plumbing layout, a parts list and the video course. For a pool, my plunge and cocktail pool plans come in several sizes, such as 12ft x 8ft and 20ft x 10ft. If you want both designed together, see my hot tub and pool combo design consultancy.

Got a question about a build like Blaise’s? Drop it in the comments below. I read them all.

Cheers,
Andi

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Thanks - Andi

 

Hi, Andi here. I own Buildahottub.com and also write all of the articles and info pages on the site. Some years back now, I built my own hot tub but struggled to find the information I needed. So, once my tub was complete, I started this website to help others in their own pursuit of hot tub and plunge pools DIY building information.

Fast forward to 2025, I've helped over 1400+ DIY customers just like you all over the world build hot tubs and pools. Have a good look around the site, there are lots of resources here. Please do get in touch if I can help you. - Cheers, Andi