Heating a hot tub with gas (natural / butane / propane)

[@rsj7458]

Just heated my Helsinki from 32 to 40 degrees in 40 mins. Very impressed.

[@sharcook3037]

I have a Helsinki, interested which size heater you have, what pump and regulator you are using please - thank you

[@ianfossett4482]

Another tip is use a Safefill lpg cylinder . We use them on our caravan and barbeque. Light weight and fully approved for legally refilling . The gas works out approx half the price of Calor/Flogas etc.

[@lemoinexavier]

Tooooop! Just bought the heater for my camper. Super idea for future purpose

[@arijr71]

Great video - thanks! We have a 1300 liter insulated outdoor hot tub, but still the electric bills would be going sky high from January '23 so I will hook up this type of system once a day to heat up the water instead of tub's 3,6kWh slow heater.

[@timgoddard7879]

Hi fella thank you so much followed this exact set up. So glad I did this.

[@davidboulter7706]

Great video. Thanks Phil

[@leelawrence3155]

Hi Phil , what make or speed is the submersible pump?

[@GoogleGoogle-ef5pw]

Thank you so much!

[@Big_Guwop713]

Thanks I will do this with biogas !!! sooo simple

[@louiepage6623]

Just tested on butane.like u said works brilliantly..just got to get a decent pump with food flow .but I wand a dry mounted pump ...but the seaflow 1ns are expensive.i got the 18l one so I need a 20lpm pump

[@Patriots2004]

Could you share the link to your submersible pump?

[@royshaft]

My Lazyspa " St Moritz " is the 1200 litre one . Very greedy on electric , and takes an age to get temperature up . Love it though . I might mount that boiler/ tank on a sack trolley this summer . Also fit the tub on a better insulator , the concrete base is hot , when tub is drained and moved .

[@philyoung1]

You should get about 6°c per hour using a gas heater on your tub.

[@imdeplorable2241]

The concrete is acting as a heat sink, pulling heat from the water. Put interlocking foam rubber tiles on the concrete and place the hot tub over them. Huge difference. A layer of reflecting insulation under the foam tiles is even better. Best of luck.👍

[@ianblair8254]

Can these systems be outside?

[@davemallen]

Good video, how often do you have to get a new bottle of gas have you found ? Thanks

[@philyoung1]

It gives around 47hrs of heating at 10°c per hour... so depends how often you use the tub and how insulated it is

[@philyhart]

@@philyoung1 thanks Phil, is that from a 15kg butane? cheers.

[@philyoung1]

@@philyhart 47kg. You get about 1hr per kg.

[@owlsy1971]

What litre water heater is yours and can you tell me why pump power of submersible pump I need cheers great video by the way

[@philyoung1]

I now have an 18L per minute heater and I have an external pump. Ideally they should match if you are looking to setup the same.

[@LesterSuggs]

THIS is exactly what I want to do. Propane heater? Water that hot doesn't damage the inflatable tub?

[@philyoung1]

No, it doesn't go on the vinyl anyway, just comes out hot and mixes with the existing water.

[@hampshireinsectslimited8907]

Great video, are you using Chlorine in your hot tub? Any issues with corroding copper pipe or pump seals failing?

[@philyoung1]

Hi, after 3 years of this set up, everything is still good. I changed the submersible pump for an external one and that is all I've done.

[@philyoung1]

And yes I use chlorine.

[@joeodonoghue1873]

Hi Phil. I was going to use the existing pump in my laz spa heater by tapping in to the return line. If the heater was beside the pump would it give enough pressure? Thanks Joe

[@philyoung1]

You'll get an E02 if you try and use the egg in my experience.

[@ianblair8254]

How did you get the hose connected to the pump?

[@philyoung1]

The pump has a valve type design and grips the hose.

[@ianblair8254]

@@philyoung1 ye the one I have doesn't have that, garden hose is too small, trying to figure out how to connect it

[@CalMUK91]

Hi mate I am running an 8L heater on propane and the gas has to be on min to heat it up. If I turn the gas up, the flame gets larger but temperature gets lower. 🤣 Any idea?

[@philyoung1]

Pop it in winter mode.

[@sinbadbay]

Hi, just went to purchase the draper pump too as your set up is awesome but the pump cut off states 35 degrees same model as yours is how does yours get to 38 on the egg there supposed to be the same pump, cheers

[@philyoung1]

I've had this set up for over a year now and the pump lives inside the tub. It's never been an issue for me and I heat to 42 / 43 degrees. Maybe I have a magic pump... either that or the figures are conservative ;)

[@sinbadbay]

Thanks Phil for letting me know I seem to read right into things these days, glad it’s all going well for you, I’m in the process of doing the same thanks for your knowledge, cheers

[@sinbadbay]

@@philyoung1 hi Phil, got everything set up same pump and that and unfortunately for me the boiler won’t turn on with the same pump you have but the boiler will work when the hose from the tap is fitted to it, it’s got me stumped why yours will work but mine don’t, the pressure is to great for some reason, oh well hopefully I sort it soon, cheers Phil

[@philyoung1]

@@sinbadbay turn the flow down. Take out the mesh filter from the inlet on the boiler Report back

[@sinbadbay]

@@philyoung1 Thanks for the reply Phil, I have to get another part for it to reduce the flow what I have read, is that how you did yours, thanks for the help cheers

[@joeybear1980]

Im going to get the 18l water heater and run on butane, will this work with a central heating pump? Also can you post a link for the butane gas regulator please...awesome setup though

[@philyoung1]

Butane regulators are very easy to get- just search it and you'll see many results. Central heating pumps work but make sure the inside is brass otherwise it will rust.

[@rstubbington]

I see you've switched to an external pump. Can you advise which pump you've gone for, and what the priming process is? Thanks!

[@philyoung1]

I just have a 24v 8L per min pump. Works OK and the priming process would be to siphon it until water comes out then attach it to the pump. That's what I do anyway 😀

[@rstubbington]

@@philyoung1 Thanks Phil. I've bought a heater like yours from Ebay, but the regulator provided is 20mbar and non-standard (certainly won't push on top of Patio gas). Did you have to get a separate regulator, and if so was the mbar pressure rating the same? Thanks so much for your guidance!

[@philyoung1]

With the propane regulators (red) you have 2 types. Push in and screw in, whichever you have, you probably need the other one.

[@tonyhaz6664]

Great vid phill, is your sub pump the draper 61668? If so where did you get the hose adapter bit, can't find one for mine.

[@soitizswifty]

can i ask what is the white stuff on the copper pipe

[@philyoung1]

That's just some grab adhesive. She who must be obeyed was worried about gas leaks 😄

[@andrewbrown7272]

Phil, Great video thanks, a quick question, I see that you have the 2 dials on the heater set to very low almost minimum settings - would it not heat up faster if you put the settings to a higher heat?

[@philyoung1]

Hi Andrew. I have it set to 60°c ish which heats up 10°c per hour. I could have it higher but that would mean more gas. Or a slower water feed. I think the settings I have work really well.

[@tonyprice6765]

Hello great job that I have just bought a water heater got the same hot tub as you it looks like you put your heater in the shed is it still working ok from TONY thanks

[@phantom_Biker]

What litre size is that shower?

[@benweston9158]

I am interested in doing this but was thinking about hooking the heater up on the outlet of the Lay Z Spa pump (before it goes back into the hot tub). Is the issue with this that the heater kicks in as soon as it detects waterflow, and so couldn't be independently switched on and off? Ideally, I'd only want the heater to kick in when I trigger it via WiFi like you did but I think your WiFi plug is turning your pump on?

[@philyoung1]

It's best to bypass the egg pump altogether because it's to sensitive to E02 errors. A small interruption in flow will shut the egg off. Best to use the egg for filteration only. Or not at all...

[@josieclarkemakeupartist9805]

Hello, would like to trust this, what connector did you use to connect the gas bottle to the boiler? Thanks :)

[@Patriots2004]

What is that black item connected to your pump? It’s floating at the top. Is that some sort of filter?

[@jwhite383]

Hi mate, the black item connected to the pump is a float switch. It’s a cut out to stop the pump running dry

[@notorious_nance]

So do you keep your original pump running at all? My original pump is not working to pump water so in addition to being less costly to run I’m hoping it will pump so I can bypass the original

[@philyoung1]

You can't use the egg if that's what you mean. It will detect a restriction in flow and give you E02.

[@emmamac2988]

Hey Phil. I’ll be honest, I struggle to change a light bulb, but my dad is quite handy. I’m thinking of trying to use this set up for an outdoor bathtub, do you think that’s silly? Also after watching this I Googled water pumps and looked on KZbin, and they all seemed to say they are for emptying tubs? Is it a different kind of pump? Am I searching it wrong? Thanks !

[@philyoung1]

It could be done but why not just have a bath instead??? 😜

[@emmamac2988]

@@philyoung1 I don’t have a bath, only a shower and I miss soaking in the tub with a book and a glass of wine.

[@debbiehood1820]

Do you keep the pump\boiler running whilst you are in the hottub

[@philyoung1]

I don't usually need to but on occasions I have wanted to get the temp up while I'm in the tub, I have put it on.

[@davidmorris934]

Has your boiler survived ok with all the chlorinated water going through?

[@philyoung1]

Yes it was fine. Though a month ago I sold it to upgrade to a 18L version.

[@davidmorris934]

@@philyoung1 great thanks for the update! Will look at installing something like this to heat our hottub.

[@alanyoung1134]

If possible to do a video on filter thatd be great! Weve got a 20'000 litre pool and the pump that came with it osnt doing the job

[@kevingeddes8043]

Hi. Are you using normal Garden hose on your submersible pump. I tested mine in the bath with no hose attached whilst waiting for my boiler to arrive and flooded the bathroom as the pressure was so high but yours seems to be a a lot less pressure even though we have the same pumps. Does the boiler flow dial slow water flow down? Thanks.

[@philyoung1]

You have to remember that the size of the output determines how many litres per minute your pump will work at. When you reduce the outlet size to that of a garden hose, it's a lot less powerful.

[@andymonaghan92]

How do you set the timer? I'm struggling to figure out how to set it on for 20 minutes off for 1 minute in cycle.

[@philyoung1]

I just set it to come on at say 14:00 off at 14:19 on at 14:20 and so on.

[@andymonaghan92]

@@philyoung1 do you have a link for the timer that you have used?

[@Eastbaypisces]

so thats a tankless water heater right? what size do u need to get??

[@philyoung1]

Yes it is. I have a 12L per minute one.

[@joshuasullivan7455]

Am I right in thinking, The boiler is on all the time and you use the WiFi plug to turn the pump on and that kick starts the heating ? Also what regulators do you use on your blue bottle . Thank you great video !

[@philyoung1]

Standard propane threaded type regulator. The water heater comes on when it has pressure from water in. I turn the pump on, connected to the WiFi plug and the water starts heating. Or I set the time for the pump to come on and off in 20 min cycles (19min on 1 min off).

[@richardskeggs3726]

Isn't the blue bottle butane?? butane rated 28mbar these heaters are 28mbar rated hence why I've ordered 15kg butane and a 28mbar butane regulator as propane is 37mbar ?

[@philyoung1]

@@richardskeggs3726 I don't know. But I know it works with 15kg butane. 13kg propane. 47kg propane. Probably work with a 200g bottle of camping gas as well 😄

[@phillippawalker3930]

Hi Phill Thanks for This information Seems really good I would love to do ths with my lazy spa Just wondering Where did you get the samger for rom and How much was it

[@philyoung1]

I think I got it from ebay but there are loads available and all pretty much the same. Just search for a tankless water heater. Should be around £90.

[@jakkk5551]

My water pump doesn't ignite the boiler. It strikes up instantly on the tap when I fill it. The pump is a 40w 3000LPH. Do you have a linc for the pump you have?

[@mpalaskokkalis1476]

Perfect 👌

[@richardskeggs3726]

Hi there I'm looking at this, where's your flu go for the heater or do you just vent the area and let it exhaust freely

[@philyoung1]

Mine is in a very well ventilated garage. I don't use a flu. Only issue is in the winter - get some condensation if burners are on anything other than minimum.

[@Nothin483]

Hi mate. Are you still using this system? Does the water pump work ok with the extra heat of the water? Cheers

[@philyoung1]

Hi Dave. Yes I have been using it for nearly a year now and it's not let me down. The pump is rated for 35°c water but I've had the hot tub at 44°c and it's fine.

[@Nothin483]

@@philyoung1 just got the same one. How long does a bottle last? I've heated mine up from 9c today haha. Any tips on best way to keep cost effective

[@philyoung1]

I have a 47kg and use the tub about 3x per week. Each time heating from 20 degrees or so. Winter it lasts me 6 weeks. Summer lasts me 3 months I don't use any insulation apart from the foam mats and its outside. Anything you can do to help with insulation will make the propane last longer.

[@Nothin483]

Hi mate, I've noticed I'm getting rust from the shower collecting around the hot tub filter. Do you get this?

[@philyoung1]

@@Nothin483 I get a small amount of rust from the pump which very slightly discolours the water over a few months... it doesn't bother me and I change the water every few months.

[@zeroiczac1495]

Hi, great video. Gonna have a similar set up. Just wondering do you turn the egg on at night to maintain heat ? or do you just have it turned off and start again with the boiler the next day ? If so how many degree does it lose overnight during the summer months ?? Thanks

[@philyoung1]

I don't have an egg connected anymore. I just heat it up when I want to use it. +15°c per hour.

[@azoic1]

Hi Phil like your video, I have just bought a pump bp7 karcher tapo switch Bluetooth wi fi plug could you let me know my karcher will bull water at 60 bar what lpg waterless heater should I buy 12 L or 18 L waterless lpg gas water heater. Thankyou

[@philyoung1]

Hi Ken, I can't see how there will be much difference between the 12L and the 18L since the choke point is the same diameter. Inlet and outlet both 15mm on the models. And your pump can only work to the available inlet size anyway. Super powerful pump is only useful with a large enough diameter hose / pipe. In other words (just go for the 12L and save money on gas through extra burners).

[@patryk3g265]

Hello. How powerful is your heater? How much is KW?

[@philyoung1]

Its 12L per minute and I think 24kw max.

[@deanworley82]

How did you connect the gas pipe? The bore on my hose is too small!

[@philyoung1]

1/2" threaded adapter and a jubilee clip.

[@deanworley82]

@@philyoung1 you wouldn’t happen to have a link for it please?

[@philyoung1]

@@deanworley82 www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07575LYB6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_HWYV8KMY1YK4363HD5A0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

[@stevetatman5044]

Hi Phil love the video,How did you manage to switch it on because the ones I have been looking at run by battery not electric any information you can give will be much appreciated!

[@philyoung1]

My one is battery ignition and uses C type batteries. They last about as long as 2x gas refills (47kg).

[@richardskeggs3726]

just use a 240v to 12v inverter and run on mains 😉

[@barrel_is_hot]

The boiler switches on with water flow (flow switch), he uses a smart plug on his pump to control everything, simple really.

[@kristinaowen3147]

Will a 6litre gas water heater be ok for a wave 3person hot tub or does it have to be minimum 10litre water heater, thanks

[@philyoung1]

6L will work. Plenty of people use them with their hot tub.

[@Tokimoon]

Hi could you tell me the exact name/model of your pump please - thanks

[@philyoung1]

Drapper D1668 submersible pump 350w

[@tonyhaz6664]

@@philyoung1 I have this pump but no gargen hose attachment, any idea where to get one to fit the bit that comes with it

[@philyoung1]

@@tonyhaz6664 I believe I've answered you on messenger 😁

[@debbiehood1820]

What pump have you got please as I have looked and they all say automatic switch at 35 degree so would keep going off if we want 30/40 degrees

[@philyoung1]

I have a drapper 350w submersible pump because I need to lift the water quite high to get to my heater. It doesn't cut out.

[@jakkk5551]

Do you have a link for your boiler? I've been looking on Google and look around £150 from amazon. Not sure if I'd need a larger one as its for a 5 person regular tub.

[@philyoung1]

I've just upgraded to an 18L one. They are all the same though really if it looks like mine, just different outside packaging.

[@alanyoung1134]

Also... 10 degrees on 40 mins... can you estimate how many litres that does?

[@alanyoung1134]

(As in how many litres in the tub that you are raising by that 10 degrees)

[@philyoung1]

Its +10°c per hour for me. If my maths are correct, you need 300L to go through the heater to get +1°c and that will take approximately 25mins. Round it up to 30mins, you're looking at around 5hrs to get +10°c. But since its a pool, 30° will be fine. Probably better off with a bigger boiler with 15mm diameter piping combined with a 700w pump otherwise these water heaters come in bigger versions so an 18L per min version would shave off around an hour of the above time for 10 degrees.

[@DMUKAdventures]

hi which pump do you use, as i have one and does seem to have the pressure needed to kick start the boiler

[@philyoung1]

I doubt that's the case - I've used it on a 24v pond pump. So you have a video of your setup?

[@DMUKAdventures]

@@philyoung1L I can sort that, my gas boiler is 18L and doesnt seem to kick start the boiler,

[@philyoung1]

@@DMUKAdventures they don't need a lot of pressure to kick in but check the following; - no kinks in your hoses - that you have removed the mesh filter on the inlet. - the flow dial on the heater is turned more towards reduced - no air in your system (run the pump without being attached to the heater

[@DMUKAdventures]

@@philyoung1 no removed the mesh filter is that on the inlet, have 15mm pipes so no issues there, works fine from hose pipe directly from tap, will have a good today and can upload video

[@martinshadbolt4852]

Hi Phil looking to set something like this up. I found a few pumps submersible but they have max temp of 35c water. Do you get any problems when you tub water is above 35c.? Do you change the timer for shorter cycles when the temperature reaches 35 and above ?

[@philyoung1]

Don't worry about that. Mine has lasted over 12months living in my hot tub!

[@martinshadbolt4852]

@@philyoung1 thanks with the pump in water it will cut down the noise I expect and keep my neighbours happy 😊

[@philyoung1]

@@martinshadbolt4852 you still need to filter the water.

[@baily075]

hi buddy.....got same draper water pump but can't fit hose to draper because 25mm....how did u do it?

[@philyoung1]

The pump comes with an attachment which you can cut down to the correct thread... then you will need a 25mm converter for your hose.

[@baily075]

@@philyoung1understand its 25mm which alot bigger than standard hose!!! where get converter from buddy? did u cut 25mm off and screw converter on?

[@philyoung1]

@@baily075 got one from b&q similar to this; www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B085XY9FTB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_2SJTD3M7JVKPE9XGDXTN

[@xMrEloquent]

Hi there I did this set up with a 750W submersible pump but I keep losing water pressure half way through heating cycle. I have checked throughly for leaks and kinks to which there are none using 1/2 12.5mm hose for water intake is this too small?

[@philyoung1]

Hi, if you join this FB group you'll be better off getting help there as it could be many things. facebook.com/groups/690046155358005/?ref=share

[@xMrEloquent]

Thanks for your help

[@barrel_is_hot]

Connect your intake to a outside tap and not the pump and test to see if the heater stays on, if so then you need to regulate your water pump (slow the water down)

[@m44tsrmm32]

Where do you buy the heater from?

[@philyoung1]

Loads available on ebay or amazon etc.

[@richardskeggs3726]

Hi I've been looking at these heaters and they say propane anď need a 28mbar regulater which isn't available in UK can these run on butane

[@philyoung1]

I've run it on a 24v 800L per min pump and a 240v 350w submersible pump. Just get it, you shouldn't have an issue with the pump. Works with Butane and Propane.

[@debbiehood1820]

Have a 12l boiler and a draper submersible running on garden hose but boiler keeps cutting out once water is above 25degress. Pump still running. Have to switch boiler off and back on. The boiler then runs for a couple of minutes and then cuts out seems like it's overheating won't run at all on winter setting can you help please

[@philyoung1]

Check your hoses to make sure there are no kinks.

[@debbiehood1820]

@@philyoung1 no kinks

[@damiangibbons6584]

Hi you had the temperature at 57 going to 65 is that just to get it to 40 degrees on the hot tub quicker also is the temperature gauge on the hot tub quick to gauge the hot water going in. Just trying to work out the best temperature to set the boiler thanks for the vid

[@philyoung1]

60°c is a good temperature to aim for. Set it at this but remember it's dependent on the water temp going in. 20 degree water won't heat to 60 like 35 degree water will.

[@ianbowler1]

I tried this but I get hot and cold pockets of water in my tub. Has anyone had this issue?

[@philyoung1]

Make the hot water come into the tub above the filter outlet. That will make the water mix well and you'll avoid cold areas.

[@beatrizteixeira6940]

Top Notch

[@MC-pz3qj]

Hi Phil, Great video really helpful. Did you ever measure the flow of your boiler outlet? I’m using the 18l version and just looking for a pump that will give me that flow once the resistance of the boiler is taken in to account. Thanks Matt

[@richardskeggs3726]

A draper water butt pump will do the job , plugged to. Wi-Fi plug I've ordered a draper water butt pump 1 18ltr heater 15kg butane as I can't source a 28mbar regulator for propane but I won't have freezing issues at -2 plus butane is better heat output, installing nx weekend

[@MC-pz3qj]

@@richardskeggs3726 Thanks Richard, I started with Butane but couldn’t find a regulator higher than 1.5kg / hr. The manual on the 18L states consumption of 2kg/hr. I’m using a 37mbar 4kg/hr propane regulator and 47kg tank. I’ve got an Umi off Amazon which should do the trick.

[@barrel_is_hot]

@@richardskeggs3726 Just go to your nearest caravan dealer and get a lpg regulator, it will work fine.

[@andrewbrown7272]

I wonder if anyone can help out with this question. I have the Heater and the pump and even the hoses ready. The problem is that I cant seem to find anywhere an adapter to connect a standard hose to the Draper pump (The yellow bit in the video here) any suggestions please

[@philyoung1]

Hi Andrew. There should be an adapter for the pump which screws on and then connects to the hose adapter.

[@kristinaowen3147]

Tank won't turn on or ignite have new gas and new batteries regulator working no leaks why doesn't ut turn on did it happen to u thanks

[@kristinaowen3147]

It seems to think it's hit temperature and turns off, is there any way round it thanks

[@Pitbike_Ginge]

what pump are you using mate i have a 18l heater im unsure on what pump to get

[@philyoung1]

I have a 350w submersible pump

[@danleew123wells]

Hi I have a similar set up, but my flow rate at the hw outlet is slow , is there a way to increase on the water heater itself? The submersible pump is flowing fine Thanks v much

[@philyoung1]

I've just upgraded to a 18L version. It's much better. If your flow isn't good, look for kinks and flattened parts of the hosing.

[@jmcmartin1188]

@@philyoung1 looking at the 18l for my hot tub setup are you doing an update on the previous vid which was great btw

[@philyoung1]

@@jmcmartin1188 no update but they are very similar in their heat output to be honest. Not a huge difference in degrees per hour.

[@jmcmartin1188]

What size gas fitting is it please

[@davidholding5335]

How is this different to a hot water tap 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@philyoung1]

Because a hot water tap fills. It doesn't cycle water that is already there.

[@louiepage6623]

Hello buddy ....just looking on ebay at theys and everyone ... saying.must be run on propane......not butane.....

[@philyoung1]

Hi, you can run on either. Propane is better for winter use because it has a higher freezing temperature and supposedly burns hotter but I don't think there is much difference. The reason to use propane is for the 47kg bottles, which is what you'll really need.

[@louiepage6623]

​@@philyoung1ok buddy thank you for the reply .....

[@project6287]

not good 220 on a pool beter use a 12 volt pump reated at 0.8 bar

[@philyoung1]

What is the meaning of this comment? A 12v pump will never get enough pressure to lift up to the height needed, through the heater and back into the tub.