So, the next time you have a long day, you can simply step into your backyard and sink into the jets of this hot tub. There's nothing better than knowing that your home provides a relaxing and stress-free environment. This hot tub and surrounding enclosure help to accomplish that.

Prepare the base

First we dug a hole in the ground. This measured 2200mm long x 1700mm wide x 500mm deep. We worked this out from the desired inner desired dimensions plus 2 widths of thermalite blocks (100mm) on both the width and length.

We laid a plastic membrane in it, and filled it with 150mm of concrete.

Build the walls

The main outer walls of the tub consisted of 4 courses of thermalite blocks followed by one course of regular bricks. The inner walls were 2 courses of thermalite bricks high.

Backfill with concrete

We then shuttered around the tub in line with our existing summer house structure to a thickness of approximately 150mm. This was filled with concrete to provide a floor around the outside.

Build an enclosure (optional)

A course of engineering bricks was laid on the concrete base. We also put a DPC (damp proof course) on top of the bricks. A timber frame was then erected for both the walls and roof, and on to this we cladded the walls (both sides) with tongue and groove pine. We filled the wall cavities with polystyrene insulation.

Build a roof (optional)

We wanted a double-glazed rooflight window in our hot tub room's roof. We also took this opportunity to run some low voltage lighting.

The roof was made in pretty much the same way as the walls, e.g. inner and outer tongue and groove pine paneling with insulation in the cavities. On top of the outer panels we laid some standard roofing felt. We went out and bought some timber shingles.

Add the pipework

In our hot tub, we decided to have 10 water jets positioned around the edge, which resulted in approximately 70 welds and joints to be made. You need to work out what height you want to have your jets.

We hired a bore cutter (core drill) in order to cut a hole into each wall. The pipes should be long enough so that the jet head and body can be added to each end, but make sure you allow for your rendering, and tile thickness.

In a similar way, we added the skimmer to the outer wall, which was grouted into place.

The height of the skimmer determines your water level.

There are two different sizes of pipes, one for air and one for water.

Screed and Tile

Have you built your own hot tub? If so, are there any tips you would give to those who are wanting to do the same?

Article & Photo Source: Build a Tub