Things You’ll Need
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Tank
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Measuring tape
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Spray paint or flour
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Shovel
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Sand
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Pond liner
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Sharp scissors or knife
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Glue gun
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Snorkel stove
Pond liners can convert any large tank into a hot tub. Image Credit: Michael Turek/Photodisc/Getty Images
Hot tubs can be expensive, but you can build your own and save money with simple materials. The tank for the hot tub can be made either of metal, plastic or wood. Pond liners convert any tank into a tub, keeping the water inside. To keep the water warm, a snorkel stove — a watertight wood stove with a compartment to add fuel — is the perfect solution.
Step 1
Choose a tank for your hot tub that can resist the temperature and volume of the water. The tank needs to be large enough that at least two people can sit inside comfortably. Wood barrels are a common option for hot tubs. Alternately, use a plastic or metal liquid tank, found at local feed stores.
Step 2
Cover the inside of the tank with a large pond liner. Contour the liner to the tank using your hands. Remove wrinkles and folds with your hands. Attach the pond liner to the edge of the tank using a glue gun. Let the glue dry for a few hours.
Step 3
Decide on a location for the hot tub. Measure the tank and outline the area to be dug accordingly, with spray paint or flour. Dig a hole, from the center out, large enough to contain the tank. Angle the walls. Fill with sand to create a solid and level base. Place the tank inside the hole. Fill any spaces on the sides of the tank with sand.
Step 4
Place the snorkel stove inside the tub following the manufacturer's instructions. Fill the tank with water. Start a fire in the stove. Wait a few hours for the water to warm up.
Tip
Add a filter to maintain the water in a clean and sanitary condition. The ground surrounding the hot tub can be covered with planks of wood, brick or cement.
Warning
The edge of the hot tub should be higher that the surrounding ground; do not dig a hole that is deeper than the height of the tank.
