There is a little secret that a hot tub can be a relaxing and useful investment to make. There have been studies that have shown that hot tubs can provide health benefits and it just makes for a comfortable and relaxing setting any time you want to use it.
But how would you build a concrete hot tub? Is it more difficult than it seems? This guide will walk you through the tips on how to build a chemical-free hot tub, allowing you to enjoy the steaming relaxation on your own property whenever you like.
1. Preparing the Base
This is the first step in the process. When digging the hole, it is important to have precise measurements going in. When you just dig the hole on a whim, it can lead to unevenness on the sides and it just makes things look awkward.
Make certain to incorporate the thickness of the blocks that you plan to use for the walls as well. After the hole has been dug out, put the plastic membrane in it, and fill it with concrete. When the concrete has set, that’s when we can move on.
2.Building the Walls
The outer walls of the hot tub are one of the most important aspects to the hot tub. This consists of 4 (typically used) thermite blocks as well as regular bricks. The thermite bricks will act as the main insulating force and the regular bricks create a frame/outline on top.
It is important to ensure that all of the blocks are properly sealed and even to prevent any leakage or damage from permeating throughout the blocks. A level and a steady hand are required for this step of the process.
3.Backfilling with Concrete
This step is essentially creating a structure around the tub itself. It acts as a platform to both insulate the hot tub as well as provide an area for drying off and not having to get onto the grass with wet feet. It also looks aesthetically pleasing, too.
What you might not realize is that the concrete here also acts as a strengthening ring that counters the water pressure inside of the hot tub. It’s just extra support and extra support is never a bad move to implement when it comes to keeping the structure of the hot tub strong and steady.
4. Building an Enclosure
This isn’t a mandatory step for building a concrete hot tub (even if it isn’t like the hydro hammock), but it can offer a little bit of shelter so that the hot tub can be used even when it is raining or snowing. The enclosure is easier to build with the aforementioned concrete base.
A timber frame (you can use other materials if you’d like) can be built to meet your own specifications and you can even add acoustics to improve the sound inside. This is really up to the builder to decide what additions they want to make to the enclosure to make it more inviting and comfortable.
5.Building a Roof
If you don’t want to go through the process of building a complete enclosure, a roof can work just as well. Building a roof alone won’t require quite as many materials or as much skill to complete while still offering protection from the elements.
Best of all, the roof provides open walls which allow for better airflow and less restriction. It can even be made to look the way you choose aesthetically, so you can give your entire hot tub setup the exact look that you have always been dreaming of.
6.Adding in the Pipework
This is also a little bit up to you. Each hot tub can have as many water jets as desired, but they will require welds and joints to be made. This requires boring through the thermite wall in order to lay those pipes.
Adding in the pipework can be done on your own, but it definitely requires skill to do so. This may be easier to hire someone to cut the holes in the thermite so that the piping can be run through successfully. This is one of the more complicated, but essential, steps in the process of building a hot tub.
7.Reinforce your Base
While this isn’t necessarily a must-have feature, it couldn’t hurt to reinforce the base. After all, this is what will hold the bulk of the weight and you don’t want anything to go wrong with it because it can have far-reaching impacts.
Try installing a grid of steel reinforcing bar to give the foundation extra strength. It might seem like overkill, but it can definitely give you peace of mind in knowing that your base is safe and secure.
8. Don’t Go Cheap
While most of us work on a budget, it is important to not necessarily go with the cheapest materials possible. If you get the wrong things, they may not be able to hold up to the constant pressure that the materials will face.
It might not be necessary to go for the most expensive materials but going cheap can wind up being a “pay me now, pay me later” proposition.
9. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
While this is certainly for the DIY types out there, being stubborn can lead to inefficient work being done which compromises the quality of the hot tub. Knowing what to do when starting a home renovation is helpful. If you aren’t familiar with one area of the construction, don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Paying for professional help may wind up saving on repair costs later down the line. Again, pay me now, pay me later.
10. Securing Seating
A hot tub has to be comfortable and installing seating is one of the most important steps. Make certain that they are comfortably placed and spaced before installing. Measure twice, cut once as it were.
Make certain that the materials that you choose can handle the water; you don’t want materials that will wear down quickly over time because you’ll need to replace them sooner rather than later.
Article By: Peter Rossi, a professional hot tub designer and founder of ByRossi.