How to Build Hot Tubs

A well-maintained hot tub can be a godsend, allowing you to relax with a hot soak at the end of a stressful day. Hot tubs can be very expensive to purchase or install, however, putting them beyond the reach of many homeowners. If you have good handyman's skills, however, and can pick up the right supplies at your local pool shop or hardware store, you can build hot tubs on your own without paying the extra costs of professional installation.

Things You'll Need

• Hot tub frame
• Tub body made of metal or high-temp plastic
• Carpenter's level
• Screwdriver
• Hammer
• Nails
• Saw
• Power drill
• Screws
• 1 3/4 hp Water pump
• 1 2 hp Water pump
• Hot tub thermowell
• Hot tub filter
• Water heater
• Hot tub jets
• Suction fittings
• Hot tub skimmer
• Timer with manual on/off switch
• Epoxy sealant
• PVC piping
• PVC sealant
• Hole saw

Instructions

1. Measure out a spot for your hot tub on a space of concrete at least 3.5 inches thick. It will need to support 100 to 150 pounds per square inch of your tub without sinking. You also want it to be as level as possible and to be out of the wind and exposure to the elements if you can.

2. Place a hot tub frame fitted to the size of your tub on top of the concrete pad, using blocks to raise it above the ground. Secure the blocks to the pad using bolts and the frame to the blocks using bolts or nails.

3. Punch holes in the hot tub itself using a hole saw or a metal punch. You will need to position the holes as follows:

   2 suction fitting holes on the bottom of the tub, within a few feet of each other and within 1 foot of the edge of the tub.
   1 hole fitted for your skimmer this should be on the wall of your tub somewhere near the suction fitting holes
   12 to 16 holes fitted for high-speed jets, spaced evenly around the circumference of the tub
   6 to 8 holes fitted for low-speed jets, spaced evenly around the circumference of the tub.

   The low-speed holes should be 12 to 18 inches from the bottom of the tub, with the high speed holes spaced a foot or so higher.

   Pre-manufactured hot tub bodies will come with these holes already installed.

4. Slide a pair of suction fittings into the holes on the bottom of the tub. Use bolts or screws to secure them to the sides of the holes and make sure the bolts are tight. You may wish to apply an epoxy sealant to the edges so that no water can escape.

5. Put the tub skimmer in the hole you have punched for it and bolt or screw it securely to the sides of the tub. Add epoxy as needed to maintain the tub's integrity.

6. Connect the jets to each of their allotted holes, screwing them into place with a screwdriver. Use sealant to caulk up any holes around the edges.

7. Lift the tub into the frame, making sure that none of the openings are blocked. Bolt or nail it to the frame securely from the inside of the tub, making sure the bolt or nail heads are completely flush against the sides of the walls.

8. Attach 1.5-inch PVC piping to the suction fittings and skimmer, then run them together using t-fittings into a single 2-inch PVC pipe.

9. Attach 1.5 inch PVC piping to the high-speed jets using t-fittings. When assembled, they should form a ring around the tub walls interconnecting all of the jets together.

10. Connect 2 inch PVC piping to the low-speed jets using t-fittings as with the previous step. The piping should form a second ring around the lower half of the tub walls.

11. Link the piping from the low-speed jets to the 2 inch PVC pipe leading to the suction fittings and the skimmer. Apply PVC sealant to all the connections to prevent any water from leaking out.

12. Connect those conjoined pipes to a 3/4 hp water pump using another length of PVC piping and fittings.

13. Use PVC piping to link the output connector of the 3/4 hp water pump to a water filter. Then connect the filter to a water heater using PVC piping as well.

14. Connect a thermowell to the water filter with PVC piping.

15. Attach the high speed jets to a second water pump of 2 to 4 hp.

16. Use insulated wire to link the 3/4 hp water pump to a timer. Set the clock on the timer to turn on and off several times a day to keep the water circulating.

17. Fill the hot tub with water and check for any leaks. Then drain the water and use sealant to plug the leaks. Allow the sealant to dry for 24 hours before filling the tub up again.

18. Turn on the heater, filter, and the two pumps. Wait a few minutes for the water to warm up and step into the hot tub.

Tips & Warnings

• Cover your hot tub with a tarp or a piece of plywood to keep leaves and debris from getting into it. Hot tubs require civic approval to build and must conform to all local safety codes and building codes. Make sure you have filed the proper paperwork and obtained permission before building your hot tub.

• Keep the pumps and timer a fair distance away from the tub itself and make sure that there is no danger or water coming into contact with any of the wiring or electricity.