What are the Pros and Cons of Building a Hot Tub?

Building a hot tub can be an incredibly rewarding experience. The benefits of owning your own hot tub are undeniable, and the process is not as difficult to do as you might think.

There are also some downsides to building your own hot tub that should be considered before making the decision.

This blog post will outline both pros and cons so that you can make a more informed choice about whether or not this project is right for you!

So let’s get things going and start looking at the benefits of building your own hot tub.

Pro – Plastic Shell Hot Tubs Have Very Long Lead Times

If you are looking to take quick delivery of a Hot Tub, you can forget that! Lead times for Hot Tubs all over the world at present are horrendous. The supply chain has been affected with all the lockdowns of 2020. The factories just cannot build them quick enough.

Speaking with some of my industry colleagues, they are telling me that some manufacturers already have a full production schedule and order book for 2022!

This is one of the big benefits of building your own, you don’t have to wait for the delivery. Yes, there is a lot of work between saying “ok, I’m going to build my own” and then actually having one built.

But, given we’re moving into the summer months, the weather is better, it is totally possible to build one in 4-6 weeks. This of course depends on how much time you have available.

Given you could be waiting 6-9 months for a plastic shell tub, building your own is definitely a viable option.

Therefore, building your own hot tub is certainly an alternative to a long wait for a plastic shell tub to be delivered!

Pro – Complete Control Over the Design

One of the big Pros of building your own hot tub are that you have complete control over the design process. You can choose any size and shape for your spa, as well as what location it will be placed in. In addition, you can choose the finish, the position of the jets, the type of heating it will use.

Total and complete control over every aspect of your design. It will be your unique design a total one off.

Pro – A Brick or Concrete Hot Tub Adds Value to your Property.

Adding a brick built or concrete hot tub to your property actually adds value. A fixture that is a permanent one in your property, boots the physical value as well as the appeal should you ever want to sell your property.

This is not the same for a plastic shell tub as in most cases, when a person moves house, they actually take it with them!

Pro – Pride!

As your own DIY hot tub is not a standard one, you can take pride in the fact that it is your design, your specification and has been built with your own blood sweat and tears.

There is no bigger compliment that someone asking you where you bought that “Hot Tub Kit” from!

Cons – You Do Need Some Basic DIY Skills

As you are building your own hot tub, it is necessary for you to have some basic DIY skills. You are going to need to be confident with mixing concrete and laying bricks.

This is not a project for the complete novice. Whilst I can certainly help with all the information, the designs and the supply of the materials, you are going to need to be able to put them together yourself. That is not a service that I offer.

An alternative for this, if it is not for you is to get a general contractor in and give them the information and designs that I supply.

I have a number of customers that have brought in contractors to follow my methodology.

I’ve even had customers that have brought in pool contractors to use my methodology and designs to build them a Hot Tub.

Cons – You Need the Time to Complete The Project

Building a hot tub is not an afternoon project. It requires patience, attention to detail and the willingness to be patient whilst waiting for it all to set in place.

Believe me, leaving the tile grout to cure for 2 weeks is the longest two weeks of your life. You just want to fill it up with water and use it!

The whole process is not something that can be rushed. You need to take you time on each and every stage of the build. Remember a bad plumbing connection is going to cost you later on.

It will cost you more time, and probably more money when you flood your control room for example – I’m speaking from experience here!

Cons – You Need Some Good Weather

You’re not going to be able to build a hot tub in the school gymnasium or in your garage then move it into place, the chances are this will be going in your backyard.

You need some good weather, preferably dry and warm for at least two days at a time with no rain forecasted (obviously) especially when you are laying blocks or the base of your tub. Concrete and mortar needs to set in dry conditions!

Weather can be a challenge depending where you are located for sure!

Cons – It’s Not Cheap

We all know that building anything is expensive but this can depend on the materials you use.

I’m not going to go into detail on the costings here but it’s safe to say that a decent DIY hot tub will set your back at least $6000 – even if you build it yourself!

 

 

Cons – There is no “Manufacturer’s Warranty” as you are the manufacturer!

Not having someone you can call up in the event something is not working quite right can be a daunting project for some.

As you are in essence your own manufacturer, there is no come back really in the event something goes wrong. Yes, the individual components will have their own warranty, but the tub as a whole will not.

In Conclusion

We’ve looked here at some of the pros and cons of building your own hot tub. Ultimately, it is up to you whether you think this is a project for you. If you do decide to move forward, I would love to hear from you and ultimately help so please do get in touch.

Happy Hot Tubbin’

Andi

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.

Today, I've helped over 1000 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