How to Take Care of a WOOD FIRED CEDAR HOT TUB

[@8056443232]

I may have already posted this - I'm a hot tub pro (retired). I have a couple tips: Drop the (frozen) hose into the hot tub the night before to thaw AND become more pliable. Assuming the tub is hot as you get out, hose should be all ready to use the following morning. Do more than one partial drain instead of a complete drain/refill during the cold season. Get a simple siphon tube (I use 3/4" PVC and a Garden Hose adapter glued onto it's end) to vac out the tub while it is still full. Get a siphon going - vac exactly as you did BUT using the flowing water. We live on the beach and sand is a constant problem, so I vac out using our siphon to get it out - typically the water level will drop a few inches at the most - and this is good as replacing that much freshens things up without a complete refill. I can show you my "Econo Vac" in action if you would like - once our customers see it in action one time they always 'get it' and head off to buy the pvc parts and short garden hose to make one.

[@mudcrazy95]

just found your videos we full time in our 38' 5th wheel for 2 1/2 years with 3 kids I loved it, winter sucked in Michigan so we ended up buying a house I would like to go back in the 5th wheel when the kids get older

[@andx79]

This video is basically my relationship goals. Both people are hard working, not afraid to be who they are and not afraid to get their hands dirty.

[@OneOfDisease]

i'm sure someone said it below, but you should invest in a submersible high gal/min pump. I use one for work to drain manholes and it's a beast and really not very expensive at all. If I remember correctly the layflat hose was more expensive than the pump, but its very compact and worth the money.

[@maltharius]

Really like watching your videos. Seeing the 'realness' of life off the grid has definitely given me things to think about.

[@cdnsoul5808]

Hot tubbing in the winter is soooo refreshing, at least when you don't have to walk a mile to get to and from it and to do this you have to keep the water in the tub, of course.

[@Canadianhonkindiesel]

I luv watching you two. You cover interesting topics. I also am off grid and hopefully 2-3 wks from my own well! Getting to your hot tub issue, you may wish to look at a pump and filtration system. Also if you do a periodic Chlorine reconditioning you may not need to replace the water. See your nearest swimming pool expert on maintenance. There are lots of solutions.

[@UndeadEarth1]

OMG these people are awesome. They are living an the life many of us dream about.

[@TrueBlueEG8]

This is how people were meant to live. Hats off to you.

[@proffd972]

you guys should make some storage under your hot tube platform for the projects like plumbing and maintenance items so you dont have ponder what pile of snow its under or have to fill up your shed on wheels. great channel

[@timothyblazer1749]

The absolute highlight was the porridge and the Hard Ginger Ale. :-) Plus you are 100% correct about caring for a wooden hot tub. You need to keep the planks wet, otherwise they shrink, check and crack unless they are PERFECT vertical grain. Even then, they will still shrink a bit. Keeping them wet is the best way to go, otherwise you can spray them down with wax inside and out while they are still wet. That would allow you to avoid having to maintain it over winter, but it also means you can't use it. Personally, I like using hot tubs in winter!

[@practicalman45]

If there is a drain hole at the bottom of the tub? You might put a stopper or cork in it to close it from inside the tub. Then open the outside drain valve and drain the under pipe and valve so they can't freeze and break. Put a string or chain on the drain plug to make pulling it easier than reaching to the bottom by hand. You could even cork the drain with a short pipe (w/tapered bottom end that fits the drain) The height of the pipe could be like an overflow. Rain gutters on the shed, if close enough, or just a big tarp collecting rain on the hillside above, running down through an old pool or household sediment filter first, could gravity flow run into the tub overflowing it at that stand pipe drain plug. (diverted when you are heating it so it doesn't cool all your warm water). Probably still have to haul tub water when you drain it in dry season, but it might be nice and fresher water in the tub when there is plenty of rain or snow runoff.

[@pavehawk01]

Stumbled on this channel a couple months ago while looking at chainsaw mills.... now I've seen every video you've posted (some multiple times). Absolutely awesome channel. Would love to do this, but with some little feet running around and more on the way...I'll just have to live curiously through you guys for the time being. Thanks for the inspiration and shared experiences.

[@DustinFife]

Best video yet. Thanks for your attentive postproduction work.

[@SangeetaKaurKhalsa]

You two are great! Thank you for sharing the not so glam side of simple living-chop wood, haul water.

[@wklatt4]

I love your Teamwork and Persistance! You guys are inspiring!

[@todddembsky8321]

The reason your water got so bad was the ducky thermometer. should have gotten a fishy one instead, those ducky poo every where :-) That is a lot of work, good job.

[@vmcougarintn5035]

Todd's right, ducks and water equal's poo every time. lol Good video, hope the 'manly' project works out.

[@purelivingforlife]

+Todd Dembsky HAHAHA you might be right!

[@punkyroo]

LOL! :D

[@noyopacific]

I use a Polaris Spa Wand to vacuum the grit and crud off the bottom of the hot tub. I seldom replace the water in the tub and it is always crystal clear. If it gets cloudy I use a flocculant (like Spa Clear) which causes suspended particles to aggregate into a filterable size. It sometimes leaves a ring around the surface of the water but a quick wipe with a cloth removes the ring. I really love jumping into the hot tub when I get super dirty and sweaty. Since I do the cleaning there is nobody to complain. Between the filter, disinfectant and vacuum the water is clear again by the next day. We used to disinfect with bromine but switched to chlorine because it works better and after I figured out the correct amount to use, all traces of chlorine had dissipated by the next day.

[@theineffablehomestead3378]

Fish poo in water too though. That is part of what makes aquaponic systems work so well, they fish poo fertilizes the plants.

[@r.janssen3037]

We too have a cedar tub and live off the grid. I cringed when I saw the fire lit and then tub drained. The snorkel stove is aluminum and will crack if lit with no water around it. We use a bathtub stopper with a string attached and no other valve in line so that one simply has to pull the plug and the tub empties. If the drain hose constantly goes downhill it will completely void and can stay attached. A stir on the tub when almost empty and a squeegee while wearing rubber boots cleans our tub. Although the wet vac did the trick. I do more frequent water changes but it is a bit easier with a spring located uphill. To keep the water moving I use a small fish tank air pump with a diffuser and a length of air hose to keep the electricity away from the soakers. The air stirs the water so that it is all one temperature instead of warm on top and cool underneath. When not heating the water is still moving a bit so it is less prone to freezing quite as fast. We purchased the tub second hand and the folks had dried it out for years. It was extremely leaky. We put a sprinkler on a floating cover under the wood cover and ran water for two months before it would fill to the top. We can leave the tub empty for a few weeks during the winter because things just don't dry out as quickly in the cold. If we are not soaking much we light a maintenance fire to keep the water from freezing solid. Hope some of this helps. Keep up the good work, the videos are entertaining.

[@RelentlessHomesteading]

Yes the things we will go through for our loved ones, ...errr, I mean our hot tubs. Just when you thought it was safe to go back in ---- (the theme from Jaws playing) ...Skank Butt water --- ahhh! Big projects like your water system always take lots more time than we plan for. My business was large projects and I still get blindsided here on the homestead on the time it takes to get through the projects. All the Best - Thanks for sharing!

[@MIdaffy502]

Observation: While you were at the "water hole" you filled potable water tank while using a green hose. Green hoses are not intended for potable water, there just for gardening or things around the house, as they leach lead, which is that strange taste and smell you get while drinking water from that type of hose among other chemical. If you want non-toxic water in your potable water tank, try using the white RV hoses for potable water. For reference here's a article you may find enlightening leadsafeamerica.org/hoses/ Remember the Channel Name Pure Living for Life, lead is not on the menu.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

not sure how much water would flow through your drain, but you should try using your pump pulling/sucking water from that drain and then use the discharge to fill back into the tub like before. You could also use the discharged water hose to push the dirt on the bottom to the bath tub like drain in the bottom of tub. Just something to try.

[@toddbailey5198]

When your valve freezes, try pouring boiling water over it, usually frees it up right away. Used this method many, many times, it works almost instantly.

[@artravision]

I love your videos! Thanks for all the creativity, good spirit, and information!

[@RockObsession1984]

You both are seriously entertaining, love your videos!

[@robertmiller5735]

dumb question , doesn't clean snow melt into clean water when you fill a wood fired hot tub and light a small fire ? It did for us 30 years ago in Colorado.

[@gilestramp8880]

Here is what iv done in my past with the water hose when its frozen, run you ford truck open hood up set water hose on the big air cleaner while you run the engine stand there and watch it it works fine and fast

[@PlowAndPantryHomestead]

Can't wait to see the videos in the new garden!

[@cjg2877]

I have to say also, you guys could put in a water tank, and rain water collection system. With the slope on your property you could have pressurized water.

[@TheWatchit45]

Great video, I love your spirit and humor.

[@elliottmanning]

It took four big guys to load that snow plow, and only one girl to unload it!!! You go girl!!! ps; Be sure to drain your hoses after each use, (year around) like the Firemen do...

[@3MISSISSIPPI]

Can you make a recommendation on the cameras you are using? I have a Nikon DSLR for stuff that is going to be shot from a tripod and an Olympus TG-3 that is water proof and cool for some stuff... Thinking a headgear cam would be a good addition, what are you using?

[@GaLLoW999]

love the vids, thanks for bringing us along on your journey. i wouldve filled the hottub with snow.

[@8digitPDX]

Ryobi just came out with a transfer pump that runs on their 18v cordless tool batteries and Dewalt has a wet/dry shop vac that tuns on their 20v cordless tool batteries. It saves you from having to drag the generator around.

[@sdushdiu]

...and 6 months later.... ;-)

[@mchristofas]

Quickest way to thaw hoses is on the floor of the truck or car with heat on high. I did construction for years and it works every time :)

[@kjrc1999]

Hilariously entertaining! Excellent job!! Thank you!!!

[@karenweber7898]

your cat is so cool, beautiful colors and patterns. love your adventures.

[@rayskins1]

Karen Weber i

[@ericwolf5874]

If you get a length of PVC pipe long enough to reach the bottom of the the tub. Then connect it to the output of your pump with a short hose, say a few feet. You could use that to stir up the sediment on the bottom that could then be filtered out. And if that doesn't work try it on the inlet. Or run the inlet to the filter from the tub drain. That way you don't have to change the water and it is cheap.

[@0toeknee0]

the curiosity is killing me....when do you guys plan on starting to build your barn or house?

[@theoldwizard998]

Concur on keeping water in the tub !

[@enduser6957]

I can relate to the frozen water hose battle.

[@WatersandWilderness]

Love watching your channel. The two of you are so cute and you make it fun. Love it.

[@DannyRenstrom]

great video you two! Loving your channel.

[@emh1122]

That placemat was certainly impressive! 😳

[@Lochlee]

Great video! Looks like the water change went fairly well, glad that worked out for you. Watch out for the children buried in the snow! :D when the spring thaw hits you may find some.... Either way thanks for the hard work, and the great content! Keep it up :) Semper Fi

[@TheSmartodd]

IMHO You guys are very courageous, if not fearless :). Great job - keep going...

[@ronhart4166]

I think a sauna might be on the agenda !! That hot tube water really grossed me out !!! I don't see how that water could be good for you :) Happy to see you using your old camera gear. The video turned out great !!! Nice job :)

[@thewakersci]

The ol' laptop computer stew plate place mat... theyre quite durable..

[@thatotherdebra1834]

I definitely WOULD NOT drain it for the winter! That's the BEST time to enjoy it :-)

[@tmac015]

have you guys ever looked into a green house that dug into a ditch. supposedly you can grow all year. i have always wanted to do it myself but dont have the property for it. i think that could be a fun project for you guys.

[@6217lex]

For better filtration: Put the pressure side of the pump on the bottom of the tub, so the dirt gets mixed into the water and eventually gets sucked in an filtered out. regards from germany

[@joycejudd5109]

I suspect leaving an outdoor hot tub empty in the winter would be similar to draining an in ground pool....seemed like a good idea at the time...however...... good video!

[@Lordmalik13]

Just started watching you guy's channel. Love it. Would totally love to build some awesome off the grid home. You guys might look into Thermal effect generation or TEG for short for the winters ;).Might be a cool addition to some of your projects.

[@bjglesener]

I have a snorkel tub, and I use one if those cheap $60 above ground pool filter systems to circulate and filter the scum...

[@geoffrobinson7104]

You folks are correct that it is better to keep water in you hot tub. As long as the wood stays (side boards) and bottom boards stay wet, the will be above 29% moisture content. By maintaiing the high MC% level, the wood does not shrink so the tub stays watertight, If you let it dry over winter, the wood will drop to a lower MC%. In that process, wood shrinks and the tub will leak. You would have to get the boards and stays wet let them expand and then fill the tub. In reality, you stand a good chance at not having all the gaps seal correctly. Anyway... that is my advice as a wood technologist.

[@roadking8337]

Went though all that and didn't even get in it. lol. very well done. got to be dam cold when getting out of hot tub

[@MylesNicholas]

For garden make a mix of 75% sawdust and 25% soil, water once a week with soluble fertiliser, roots love it potatoes even more so.

[@TheKRiddler]

great video n had me laughing I wonder if they ever have forgotten to take off the camera on there head n just walk into public

[@Xaviar002]

thanks for all your wprk this channel is great

[@matdean2002ec]

Could you keep a small pump circulating the water to keep it from freezing?Delorme Map spotted @ 7:00ish. Great maps! Keep up the good work!

[@blutrax]

I love your truck. I have an '87 just like it

[@101egals]

just a thought you could try hooking your hose to the drain and circulating the water through your pump and filter.

[@veronicajernegan6208]

I am going to say it again. YOU GUYS ROCK! Namaste, Veronica

[@TealHouseFarm]

My 3 year old daughter helps set the table and gives me a "baby spoon" EVERY MEAL...she's thinks it's hilarious...

[@alllivesmatter9671]

you can drain tub twice as quick and easier by weighing down one end vacuum hose and create siphon .diameter of hose and length of drop create huge suction. great way to clean debris off the floor. take it from a 60 year old pool and spa pro .ps neutralize acid with baking soda

[@MylesNicholas]

Chop 8 bits of wood and some kindling, place four wood splits on the snow to make a flat bed. Pile the thin kindling in the centre, pour some diesel on the pile. Next pour diesel on the ends of the other 4 splits, make a Teepee over the pile of kindling and light it up. Soon the fire will have 4 logs burning at the top, place them burning end down in the stove.

[@cjg2877]

you can encase the pumps with a nylon screen, and maybe some other synthetic fabric. That would prevent debrie from entering the pump.

[@badgecko]

A little late now, but some skateboard non-slip tape may help when the steps finally dry out. :-)

[@louiskenny1321]

You guys inspire me!

[@National757]

As usual, you two are great! Thanks for sharing with us city slicker homestead wanna be's! :)

[@karenweber7898]

yes indeed!

[@jackfoo2]

if your not using a filter on your hot tub you could use a aquarium canister filter . you should have no issue run it off a single batire and a small converter. the sun sun brand is the cheapest on ebay. just fill the filter trays with fiber mating from wallmartt and a layer of felt diy filter for under 50$

[@loucee222]

Oh my kiddos, please be careful on that ice! This old Gramma fell hard on concrete, shattered my shoulder. A hot tub sounds real nice right about now. Enjoy your adventure!

[@kevinharrington3292]

Lou Cee I lost a great uncle(didnt know him well) cause he fell on the ice went backwards, hit his head on the sidewalk then died hours later. But, can't live life in fear of natural weather elements!

[@sgtrock1]

You guys are fun to watch in the making of these videos. One thing I want to ask is why do you waste so much energy tinkering around and not just focus on establishing your homestead first? Reason I ask is I think you would focus less on the little things and make better progress overall on your main goal which I believe is your intent? I guess if you're having a boat load of fun doing then that's ok too. How do you afford all of this tinkering around? Time is money and I don't know your financial situation but, it would seem more logical if your focus was on the bigger picture cause in the long run you would spend less energy moving forward. Anyway, I really enjoy the videos. I live in Alaska and many of us here tinker quite a bit but, we have to manage our time better since the cold winters ususally come upon us pretty quick and we normally don't have much time to prepare for the seasons because there are only two seasons.

[@TommyboyGTP]

Awesome videos keep up the great work!

[@GnatManAllinCoIronWorks]

That Adult Ginger Ale Looks Amazing! Guts ta find me sum! Thank you as always for sharing,and all the hard work you put into the channel. C-Ya!,,,,Peace!

[@marklittle-list6513]

Hi guys I love watching your show I have been on disability for 2 years and been having a hard time leaving the house .Hopefully someday I will get back out and do what you guys are doing .Love to be able to get back on my feet again. Just wondering if you have covered how Alyssa has gotten her black eye.

[@theineffablehomestead3378]

"don't forget to take the camera off your head before you go in public" Hahahaha. I could totally see that happening. Forgetting that is. Great video, awesome you got the chance to change the water. I would have been no fun to have it keep getting worse over the winter. You want to use that tub. Sounds like Jesse's battery adventures didn't go so well :( and him taking the inverter off to a coffee date doesn't sound too good either. Guess that will be coming up in a future episode. As well as some more info on the snowplow.

[@haysamalsayed]

you guys need to do a video about the challenges of doing laundry off the grid

[@theineffablehomestead3378]

Funny I answered a question someone else had about off grid laundry. Sounds like indeed it is a topic worth discussing, though I suspect they have the boring answer right now of going to the laundry mat. I have not seen any sort of laundry set up in the background of their videos. I also suspect if they had a set up there they would have done a video on it already. My guess is they are still researching and planning for something more permanent and so haven't invested in anything yet. Laundry is a big issue though for off grid folks and one that sadly isn't discussed that often.

[@purelivingforlife]

+The Ineffable Homestead Yep, we go to the laundromat. Seems to be the most efficient option for the time being :-)

[@theineffablehomestead3378]

Yes nothing wrong with that. As I mentioned to the other person asking about laundry, a lot of folks try attaching a bike powered belt system to regular washers. But this is often abandoned after not too long. The effort is just way too much, and it tends to be problematic. Water and wet clothes weigh a lot and make it hard to move. Ester from Fouch-o-matic used to use this but now drives into town and does laundry at a friends house. Off grid laundry is not an easy task and it is honestly one of the least discussed topics of off grid homesteading. Probably due to a lot of homesteaders still trying to figure it out. The power and water use of regular laundry machines is tough for off gridders, the power use of a dryer is pretty much too much for off grid. Dryers are energy hogs. There is a sad lack of decent off grid washing machines. There are some folks who get the old antique ones that were from before widespread electricity in the home. Many try the old bucket and plunger trick. Some opt for the barrel rolling. But most find it is really difficult, and that you really have to opt for many smaller loads rather than the bigger loads. The best hand powered washer I have seen is the Lehmans tub with lever powered agitator. Which is the one I am thinking I will be getting. Though it's popularity also means it is almost always on backorder.

[@MrFelixify]

Nice couple. Great property. I'm jealous.

[@davidk.7264]

New sub from Chicago, Illinois

[@bretwayne8302]

I have a pool vac for my hot tub that helps alot.

[@marjoriereagan4367]

Why is she doing all the hard work its like he went off an napped or am I imagining this?

[@sirjohnahayfalcon]

hes a beta man

[@davidsaunders2070]

Haha great video! I agree on the hot tub not being drained, its bad over the winter. We just got one in August 2017 and have been using it all winter. Usually 3-4 days a week. Do you guys shock and have a chlorine system or bromine? Just curious how the simple life system may be different? Ours is a SouthSeas 965L. It's nice, but it isnt as cozy as yours.

[@SashNone]

Howdy-howdy! You so handy girl!! Nice job with a hatchet!

[@mikearmstrong7830]

Personally, I'd like to see more of the bushy tail. Don't blame me. I'm not alone and you brought it up.

[@madebyfugals7022]

Batteries? I am just starting on my Power system upgrades. Jesse may have some helpful tips. You made me laugh so hard, 45 degrees warm. After sitting in below freezing for months on end 45 degrees is nice. Yes put everything away, I did a video on my Snowblower eating a Cooler full of frozen sand, after that I ran over the Extension cord that was also under the snow, both Items were not were they were supposed to be.

[@BradJr_RFC]

I love your guys videos

[@ravenrock67]

Nice vid. You had me smiling.

[@victorscale7520]

Chanel locks for every job :-)

[@cathywright6665]

Fun video, thanks! Amazing amount of work, however.

[@bongofury8615]

Do either of you go hunting? I would love to learn about sustainable hunting, meat preservation and cooking for a off grid lifestyle.

[@Chief5868]

"No time for baby spoons." Right on!

[@subbstevie]

love the videos,very inspiring.

[@mroot4006]

Haha his face at the end, priceless.

[@jaysparc]

You might want to think of some type of sanitizing for your hot tub. You can breed some pretty dangerous bacteria in a hot tub which were it to enter your body could make you extremely ill or kill you.

[@barneydtr]

Fill the hot tub with snow!

[@dananelson3534]

That's some chore, hauling water, building a fire, lost, frozen hoses. Makes sense to keep the spa wet, because it will shrink and leak if it's left dry out.

[@yv6eda]

You are a lovely couple! Love your videos...

[@rs4394]

I like the way you talk.

[@TomNook77]

You should raffle off a gallon of shank-butt water to the people in the KZbin comments!

[@buckwhitetail1876]

Shipping would be be spendy

[@stevebellows7314]

what area are you living in. landscape is sweet , I envy what you two are doing.

[@philpenfold8219]

hey i have a question why would you go and get water couldnt you just shovel snow into it and start a fire? or is it not ??clean enough ? we dont get much snow here in STRAYA