Stock Tank Hot Tub Kit: How Ben Built His DIY Stock Tank Hot Tub in California (Case Study)

Last updated: September 2026

Ben, in sunny California, had a vision: to give the guests at his Airbnb something truly special. The answer? A DIY stock tank hot tub that would be a place to relax and a star attraction of the property.

The secret ingredient was one of my DIY stock tank hot tub kits. In this post I’ll walk through how Ben built his, and why a stock tank was the right choice for him.

What is a DIY stock tank hot tub?

A stock tank (or cattle trough) is a livestock watering tank, usually galvanized steel or heavy-duty plastic. A stock tank hot tub takes one of these and adds proper hot tub equipment, so it becomes a real backyard hot tub rather than a cold bath. The main parts are:

• The tank itself. They’re sturdy, made to hold a lot of water, and come in a range of sizes.
• Heating. Usually an electric heater in a spa pack, although some people use propane or a wood-fired heater.
• Filtration and circulation. A pump and filter to keep the water clean.
• Jets, if you want a spa feel rather than just a warm soak.
• Insulation and a cover. Steel loses heat fast, so both make a big difference to running costs.
• Water care. Just like any hot tub, you’ll need to test the water and use a sanitiser such as chlorine or bromine. My hot tub chemical levels guide covers the ranges.

For the full step-by-step build, including how to deal with rust on a galvanized tank, see How to build the ultimate DIY stock tank hot tub.

Why a stock tank rather than a normal hot tub?

For Ben’s Airbnb, the stock tank ticked a lot of boxes:

• Rustic appeal. A stock tank has a simple, rugged look that suits an outdoor space. It’s a conversation starter and a centrepiece, and it looks nothing like a standard shell hot tub.
• It photographs well. For a rental listing, a distinctive feature like this really helps.
• Cost. It’s usually cheaper than buying a traditional hot tub or building a block one, which leaves more budget for the rest of the property. See What is the cheapest hot tub to build?
• Flexibility. You choose the tank size, the number of jets and how it’s built in.
• Fewer parts. It’s a simpler setup than a big in-ground tub, although the water still needs testing, the filter cleaning and a cover on, just like any other hot tub.

If you’re weighing up the options for a rental, I’ve also written about adding a DIY stock tank hot tub to an Airbnb property.

The process

Here’s an overview of how Ben built his DIY stock tank hot tub.

1. Choosing the stock tank

Ben’s journey started with finding a suitable stock tank. They come in various sizes and materials, and he chose galvanized steel for its durability and classic look. The right size depends on how many people you want it to seat.

2. Planning the placement

Ben carefully chose where the tub would go, thinking about access, privacy and looks, so it would fit naturally into the Airbnb. For ideas, see hot tub privacy ideas and hot tub deck ideas.

3. Cutting holes for the suction and jets

For the jets and the suction (so the water can be filtered), holes had to be measured carefully and cut into the tank. Getting a watertight seal around every opening is crucial. My guide to DIY hot tub jets goes into more detail.

4. Creating a space for the control room

Ben set aside space under the deck for the control room, which houses the heater, pump, filter and controls. It needs to be ventilated and protected to look after the equipment. See hot tub control room design considerations.

5. Electrical setup

Ben had a licensed electrician install a 230V feed to the control room. This is what runs the heater, pump and other electrical parts, so it has to be done safely and to your local codes. It’s a metal tank full of water, so it needs GFCI (RCD in the UK) protection and correct bonding. See my guide to hot tub electrics and ground bonding a hot tub.

6. Plumbing and filtration

Ben connected the stock tank to the control room with plumbing lines. The water circulates through the control room, passing through the heater and filter, before returning to the tub through the jets. If you’re new to this, start with how hot tub plumbing works.

7. Insulation and weatherproofing

To improve efficiency and protect everything from the weather, Ben insulated the stock tank and the control room under the deck. That keeps the heat in and means the tub can be used comfortably year-round. There’s more in my DIY hot tub insulation guide.

8. Testing and adjustments

Before opening the hot tub to guests, Ben tested everything thoroughly: water temperature, jet performance and filtration. Any adjustments or fine-tuning were made at this stage. (Before your own first fill, read how to fill a hot tub the correct way.)

And that’s how Ben turned a standard stock tank into a luxurious, working hot tub and a unique feature for his California Airbnb. I think you’ll agree the end result is pretty impressive.

Ben’s secret: the stock tank hot tub kit

Ben’s secret was the stock tank hot tub kit he bought from me. It has all the equipment you need in one box, so you know everything fits together.

The current kits come in four versions:

• Complete stock tank hot tub plumbing kit: 4 jets
• Complete stock tank hot tub plumbing kit: 8 jets
• Complete stock tank hot tub plumbing kit: 16 jets
• Complete stock tank hot tub plumbing kit: heating and filtration only (no jets)

The 4-jet kit, for example, includes a 2HP dual-speed pump, a Balboa 4kW spa pack (3kW for Europe), a 25 sq ft filter, an air blower, the jets with bodies and gaskets, two lower drains, the PVC fittings and valves, a pump cable and my DIY guide. You add the tank, the PVC pipe and cement, and the hole saws for the jets and drains. Check the product page for the kit you’re looking at, as the contents vary with the jet count.

If you want help with the equipment side, there’s also The Ultimate Stock Tank Hot Tub Control Room Guide.

FAQs

Will a galvanized stock tank rust as a hot tub?

Eventually, yes. Warm, sanitised water attacks the zinc coating. Keep the water balanced, treat any cut edges, avoid salt systems and consider a liner or coating. My stock tank build guide covers this in detail.

How many jets should a stock tank hot tub have?

It depends on the tank size and how you’ll use it. The kits come with 4, 8 or 16 jets, or none if you just want heated, filtered water.

What isn’t included in a stock tank hot tub kit?

The tank, the PVC pipe and cement, and the hole saws for cutting the jet and drain openings. You’ll also need an electrician for the supply.

Does a stock tank hot tub need a cover?

Yes. A steel tank loses heat quickly, and a cover is the single biggest saving on running costs. It also keeps debris out and makes the tub safer.

Thinking about a stock tank hot tub for your own backyard or rental? Ask me anything in the comments below. I read them all.

Cheers,
Andi

You can also find me on my socials;

Can I Help You?

If I can help you in any way I would love to hear from you. You can get in touch using the form below.

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