How Long Does a DIY Hot Tub Build Take? A Real-Life Case Study

One of the most common questions I get, probably on a weekly basis, is: How long will my project take? The answer, as much as I wish it were straightforward, is usually, it depends. It’s not the response most people want to hear, but the timeline for any project varies greatly based on several factors;  how much time you can dedicate, the project’s complexity, and whether or not you have assistance.

On average, most of my customers complete their builds in about four months from start to finish. However, some cases stand out, like Mark’s custom hot tub build, which has spanned over two years and counting.

Mark’s journey illustrates how different factors can impact a project’s timeline, and today, I’m sharing his story to shed light on the nuances of a DIY build. Hopefully, this will help you answer your own question for how long a DIY Hot Tub Build takes.

Let’s dive into the details.

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The Beginning: Late 2022

Mark first contacted me in 2022 to design a custom-built hot tub for his backyard. Below is the initial design I created for him.

Mark was excited to get started, but the timing wasn’t ideal. By late November, when he was ready to begin, the winter season set in, making it challenging to work outdoors. Instead, Mark shifted his focus to building a bar—a project that turned out amazing!

Spring 2023: Progress Resumes

After a break during the colder months, Mark resumed work in April 2023 as the weather improved. His first major milestone was constructing the footwell area of the hot tub. However, life intervened once again, and he had to pause again due to other responsibilities. If my memory served me correctly his daughter had just moved house and there was a load of work for Mark to do…..

By May 2023, Mark was back at it, this time focusing on the hot tub walls and lower plumbing. Things were moving along smoothly, and at this stage, he reordered the remaining supplies from me for his build and the push was on. His goal was to finish by Christmas 2023.

Winter 2023: Delays Continue

Unfortunately, the holiday deadline came and went. By December 18, 2023, Mark had made significant progress, but the winter season brought yet more delays. Despite his best efforts, outdoor work slowed down considerably.

One thing those eagle eyed amongst you will notice is that mark is acually tiling the interior before he cuts the holes for the jets. He thought that it would be easier that way – im still not sure to be honest, but it is working for him.

Summer 2024: Significant Progress

With the return of warmer weather, Mark picked up the pace in summer 2024. He completed a large portion of the plumbing and backfilled the area with concrete. The progress was promising, but there was still work to be done.

The Present: Nearing Completion

A couple of days ago, Mark reached out with renewed determination to finish by Christmas 2024. As of now, he has completed most of the plumbing and backfilling, and the next big step is installing the control room

Mark is closer than ever to achieving his vision, and we’re all rooting for him to meet his Christmas deadline.

The Takeaway

Mark’s journey highlights how timelines for DIY projects can vary significantly based on factors like time availability, weather, and other commitments. While the average hot tub build may take around four months, larger or more intricate projects can take much longer, especially when life throws curveballs.

So, will Mark finish his build by Christmas 2024? Let me know your thoughts with comments on the YouTube video, and I’ll keep you updated with his progress!

PS – thanks Mark for all the pics – keep it going sir!

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