Mexican Masterpiece!

For those of you who follow the build a hot tub YouTube channel, you’re probably familiar with Jeff’s incredible DIY hot tub and pool build in Mexico. Jeff, an American with a holiday home in Mexico, has been dreaming of this project for 15 years. I custom-designed the setup for him, provided all the necessary plans and parts, and now he and his team are bringing the vision to life.

A few weeks ago, we caught up with Jeff at an earlier stage of his build, and today, I’m excited to share his latest progress. Let’s dive in and see how things are coming along!

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Landscaping and Central Island

One of the standout features of Jeff’s project is the stunning central island, which is now complete. He’s using beautiful local stones for the landscaping, integrating the natural surroundings seamlessly into the design. Unlike many DIY builders who complete construction first and then tackle landscaping, Jeff is doing both simultaneously, which is an efficient and visually appealing approach.

Waterfalls and Their Setup

The waterfalls are another highlight of this project. They are not only beautifully designed but also strategically placed to blend naturally into the backyard. Jeff has installed them on separate pumps, allowing for independent control. This is a best practice for any water feature, as it prevents unnecessary complications in the filtration system. By keeping them separate, Jeff ensures smooth operation and maintenance.

Pool and Hot Tub Plumbing Progress

Inside the pool area, Jeff has been making steady progress, though most of his focus recently has been on the hot tub. He has completed the exterior shell of the hot tub, with all plumbing in place. His next steps include forming the seating and bench areas before pouring concrete for those sections separately. This step-by-step method makes installation much easier and ensures that everything is properly aligned and functional.

Overcoming Jet and Pump Challenges

One of Jeff’s key challenges was balancing the number of jets with the limitations of a single pump. Many DIY builders make the mistake of adding too many jets, which reduces water flow and negatively impacts performance. Instead, we implemented a diverter system, which allows Jeff to shift water flow between different areas of the tub.

In plastic shell hot tubs, diverters are relatively easy to install, but in a concrete or block-built tub like Jeff’s, it requires larger fittings and a more complex setup. Jeff’s build includes two large diverter valves—one for air and one for water—so he can manually direct flow to different sections of the tub. This setup allows him to maximize jet performance without requiring multiple pumps.

The Importance of a Harford Loop

Another crucial element in Jeff’s design is the Harford Loop, which protects the blower from water damage. This loop is positioned above the waterline, preventing backflow into the airline. Even with a check valve in place, water can eventually seep through, leading to costly damage. The Harford Loop is a simple yet effective solution that relies on gravity rather than plastic valves to keep water from reaching the blower. This small but essential detail helps maintain long-term functionality and prevents electrical issues.

Jeff’s Build is Coming Together

Jeff’s DIY hot tub and pool project is shaping up beautifully. His attention to detail, use of local materials, and smart engineering choices are making this an outstanding build. Jeff, you’re doing a fantastic job—keep up the great work!

If you’re considering building your own DIY hot tub or plunge pool, I’d love to help. Feel free to reach out with any questions, and don’t forget to check out Buildahottub.com for guides, tips, and all the parts you need to bring your dream project to life.

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