I built a WOOD Hot Tub out of 2x4s and T&G!! (FIRE HEATED) - - Hot tub Build Part 1

How to build a wood burning hot tub: I put together the tongue and groove walls, build a 2x4 frame, plumb it all up, build a fireplace, and waterproof it with flex seal.
#DIYhottub #woodjacuzzi #Flexseal

[@DIYSCOTT]

Have ideas on how I could make it better or a question? Put them down below :)

[@shaneord7527]

Better would be to not have bare feet 2 inches from a grinder lol I'd have been tempted to pour a few ml of resin into the base, the tip on each side and repeat. Decorative top plate added after. I'm redesigning my sunken tub at the moment and drawing up a new design for the rocket burner heater.

[@serugoinnocent643]

@@shaneord7527 err red ddd

[@alexlahti4001]

Don't utilize siding when it needs to be water tight, measure twice cut once, learn how to join materials, learn how to cut rabbits and dados plane and joint your boards for proper thickness and width, SAFETY GEAR!!!! Unless you want to be called stumpy for the rest of your life. Learn the functions and directions of your pump then apply them accordingly, its not that hard has 1 in 1 out if one side sucks the other side blows. Don't try to assemble pump lines while trying to crawl between the fence and a tub. Squares have been around for mellinia, a good square is worth its weight in gold. Dry fit before running fasteners, make certain those fasteners are proper length and won't potentially cause further injuries. Sand more not just a couple of swipes actually sand, stepping your grits up taking it to somewhere close to 200, and sand everything all sides then stain and seal finally assemble keeping in mind if you have glued joints dont stain and seal until the glue has cured, and more clamps you needed much more and culls to keep it from bowing or cupping. Use a straight edge on all circular saw cuts Unless it's rough but even then having a true square edge to reference off of is good.

[@slydog748]

How hot have you got it ?

[@DIYSCOTT]

@@slydog748 I didn't use a thermometer but I'd say around 92-95 degrees fahrenheit

[@lazerblade2]

Woodworking KZbin, while making a cutting board: dozens of Bessey and Rockler clamps everywhere. This dude, making something that has to be water tight: these two clamps aught to do it. No reason I can't clamp all the panels at once. Hero.

[@DIYSCOTT]

hahaha

[@corpingtons]

Lol

[@Nostromo_1]

I was very skeptical at first when I first came across this video. I was almost one of the haters like in some of the comments. I think the tub came out awesome. Looked like you guys had a good time building it, that is what really counts. Anyone can simply go buy one. I wish I did stuff like this when I was your ages. Good luck to all of you, you'll go far.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thank you! It sure was fun. Glad you didn't join the dark side :) hahaha

[@kcb5336]

I don’t think anyone is “hating” just because the comment may not be favorable. This kid had great intentions and ambitions that should be praised but the quality is plainly lacking! We see the tub lose 12 inches of water upon his test.

[@Brennen_Nisporic]

I would grab more copper tube and make a large coil inside the fire pit area. Maintaining heat also might be easier if you insulate the tub and cover the top while heating. Cool project

[@jamie-r2034]

Just a few dudes chillin in a homeade hottub eating cookies. haha!!! That's truly awesome though - this is the stuff you will remember and talk about for years to come. Enjoy it

[@DIYSCOTT]

Hahaha definitely!

[@crazyicecream2237]

@@DIYSCOTT ...WOW. You are an expert. I am so inspired and intelligent

[@theweekendbuilder]

Great video! Quick tip, you could use one of your water jugs as a stop block when batch cutting all the studs to the same length.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks!

[@jonstravels1085]

I’m doing this when I got a spot 100%. Dope idea my guy and super nice execution

[@unshapingtheearth7916]

Should have sealed the insidde corners prior to putting in the trim pieces and then seal the trim as well. Now when the trim flexes the seal may break. Plus sealing the inner corners is less likely to fail because its part of the structure and cant move as much as

[@jonnypardoe2072]

This video should have way more comments and likes! Good job!

[@DIYSCOTT]

Hahaha hopefully one day the algorithm gods will catch on!

[@robertbroderickmacconnell2536]

To save money, buy fence pickets, run through table saw to make your own T&G. Pine pickets are 2.30 , cedar are 5.00

[@bobbandy3464]

Dream it, you can do it... thoroughly enjoyed the video.. there is still hope for young men such as you. Great job!

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks Bob!

[@GhostDrummer]

I subbed because I can’t do this stuff anymore, but I like your positive outlook, so I’ll support your adventures. Great job.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks!

[@DerbyBandit]

Sickkk build by normal people! 🙌 tub came out badass! Even tho there was hiccups y’all showed it and didn’t edit it like other channels. Way to keep it REAL! Good job fellas! 👏😎

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@johnskipper2619]

I aint no hater at all. I love what you have done with the place. Watching your video has given me some ideas of how I may can Jerry Rig my own little hot Tub up.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks! Yeah it definitely had its flaws but with some trial and error you may just end up with something awesome

[@SnakeAndTurtleQigong]

Thanks so much

[@allenzackery1639]

You and your boy "Noland" did a great job....

[@DIYSCOTT]

Hahaha thanks

[@allenzackery1639]

That part was definitely funny 👍

[@tjwilliams7566]

Top job. Hello from snowdonia.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thank you! Hello👋

[@Bob-yl9pr]

This is sick super underrated Fr Fr

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks!

[@Buck1954]

I like your solution. I'd probably fiberglass the inside instead of using water proof glue and stain. You can do that on TUB 2.0

[@DIYSCOTT]

Yes if there is a tub 2.0 I'm all in for that

[@thejerkofalltrades3862]

Dude this was fun as hell to watch for some reason. I'll subscribe to your shenanigans.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Haha thanks!

[@PorkChopSammie]

Clamp Cauls are your friend! Cool build. I’m doing this one next.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks! Good luck!

[@timbouchekara7417]

Loved the Jake Aaknes feature.

[@DIYSCOTT]

A true gift

[@tommyreusse3858]

woooow that looks amazinngggggg

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks!

[@JOSnTHELORD]

That’s was so funny sitting here with me bong thinking he’s gonna have trouble with that glue hahahahah only to hear him say it did a awesome job tho

[@naomithemarketer]

Great work! I won’t hate you if you want to come to Maryland and make me one too😂

[@seanmyers227]

Siiiiiiiick! I'm totally shocked you where able to get those panels apart and they weren't glued together 😂 and I've never had any issues with titebond2, let alone 3, but, Instead of wood glue, you could have used epoxy for 100% waterproofness, or gorilla glue, which is a foaming polyurethane glue. Edit: also! Bar clamps! They're $15 and they're the way to go for pannel glue ups. They fit any length steel bar, and they're less likely to bow then the DeWalt squeeze clamps

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks Sean! Yeah two of them were pretty stuck together but luckily they came apart. Good to know on the bar clamps :)

[@stevendorries]

I think locktight construction adhesive would work better than gorilla glue, it’s also a PU adhesive but foams less and has rated gap filling properties

[@corpingtons]

Wood glue definitely isn’t water proof gonna have issues later on

[@FM-Patriot]

That will NEVER last. Good job!

[@DIYSCOTT]

only time will tell... A lot of times with experiments like this I reuse most of the materials for another project so it's all in good fun

[@hederahashrocks1224]

Haha the tub is now a tree house. Time did tell.

[@godfatherjulio2165]

Just found your channel and your builds are hard asf hope your channel grows more soon im finna start a diy one myself any tips

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thank you glad you enjoy the videos! Yes, it is a lot of work hahaha but very rewarding. Only tip is build stuff that you like then videoing it on the side just makes it more fun

[@zappafan3473]

those 3 cans of flex seal were the definition of throwing good money after bad.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Yeah a lot of money was spent on flex seal... if I could do it again - 2x cedar all the way with tight joints that could swell to create the waterproofing

[@simoncampion4560]

How are you planning on regulating temperature? I've thought about making one of these a few times! I think a hexagonal shape would hold the internal water pressure better than 4 flat sides, but it has more jointing so more complicated build!

[@DIYSCOTT]

Yeah a more complex shape would be more fun. I've only gotten it up to like 93-95 degrees so just around perfect at max fire for a couple hours

[@FLYBOY1995]

AWESOME

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thank you!

[@OmarAhmad-gm1uc]

Great work! Nothing like learning by doing. Maybe insulate the wood with spray foam and sealing it with another layer of plank wood.

[@OmarAhmad-gm1uc]

I have since seen the later video. Never mind… lol😂

[@DIYSCOTT]

@@OmarAhmad-gm1uc Hahaha. Yeah insulation is a must if I ever build another one

[@Lfs1891]

Awsome idea. Id have used silicone in the grove of each board, or a rubber cord.

[@natashanewman2296]

Is there any chemical transfer from the waterproof sealant being heated? Since it’s not made for constant contact with water and skin I’m wondering if it will degrade and contaminate the water

[@DIYSCOTT]

I think once it is fully cured flex seal and other silicone sealants I used are pretty non toxic. Definitely uncharted waters though so I do test the water frequently

[@hajimumtaz3351]

Verey good

[@bobbieangel9830]

You have a great start and I love your creativity. I got a lot of ideas from your video for the deck and hot tub I plan to build. You asked for suggestions on how to improve yours, so here are a couple of suggestions. Please take this reply as a constructive reply. In no way am I throwing shade at your efforts. Quite the opposite. You and your assistants did a great job and gave me ideas on creating, designing, and building my own. The money you spent on the Flexseal, glue, stain, and clamps would cover the cost of the cedar. When joining the Ceder, you could use a pocket hole jig on the back and install decking screws every 4" to 6" along the joint to make the wood a water-tight seal. You would no longer need the long clamps included in the savings. With cedar, you might have some small weeping along the seams, but the seams would seal closed as the wood expands. Also, the floor joint would have been less likely to have failed if you had installed deck screws with pocket hole joinery. ** Using the deck screws along the tongue and grove joints and the plywood/T-111 sheeting would have saved you time because you would not have to wait for the glue to dry. Pocket hole joinery allows you to put a screw into the board from the back side, at an angle, pulling the two boards together, tightly. The screws are hidden from the finished side while doing a great job keeping the joint together even when the spa is empty and dry. You can look up Pocket Hole Jigs on the internet. my favorite brand is the Kreg System. I am not a sponsor of Kreg Tools, I just love their system and I have used many and even built some myself, but none worked for me as well as Kreg Tools. I will use these tools to build my 10' by 8' in-deck hot tub. Kreg Tools Website: www.kregtool.com/shop/pocket-hole-joinery/pocket-hole-jigs/ You might want more copper tubing and two or more wraps in the coil to make a more efficient heating element. As the heat rises in the flue of the firebox it heats the cooler water with the coolest gases first and the hottest part of the fire as the water leaves the firebox. The water flow should go toward the cold water entering the coil at the top and leaving the coil at the bottom. The furnace to heat the water should be an enclosed firebox with the heating element, the copper coil on top of the wood, made out of cinderblocks. The firebox should have an opening on the bottom for the wood and air to enter. The firebox should enclose the heating coil except for a 4" to 6" hole at the top to allow the smoke and gasses to escape. The fire would burn more slowly but put out a more even and efficient heat. When you build the furnace with controlled airflow, you will use less fuel but get more heat because of the venture effect. A double brick or cinder block wall around the furnace will also make it safer for you and your guests. You might consider upgrading to a stronger pump and adding more distributed water returns to the pool with a directed flow to circulate the water more evenly throughout the spa. Adding Styrofoam or waterproof insulation around the outside walls and then a cover of T-111 siding will use less energy to keep heated and will also look much more attractive. Another upgrade I can see is adding a solar heating option, having two heating sources. Using Solar during the day to maintain temperature, and wood burning for when the sun is not shining or during extreme cold. Both of the heating options need a way of temperature control for safety reasons too.

[@bobbieangel9830]

Another thought, you also would have had little to no chemical transfer when going with cedar.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Hi. Thank you! Glad the video was of help. This is some great information. I completely agree that the cedar would've been the way to go. Also maximizing efficiency with more copper coils, insulating the tub, and enclosing the furnace is a must. Solar idea is also a great idea. I hope to build another tub one day and take everything I learned with this one and make a much better one. Thanks for the advice again!

[@mikecutty7821]

I think using a bigger copper coil would heat it up much faster. A 1” copper pipe perhaps.

[@mateohellabay78]

How did this hold up? I live in Atascadero and was excited when I saw you were local

[@DIYSCOTT]

Yes sir. It held up decent but after sitting dry for a summer it started to leak. So logically I turned it into a treehouse

[@orosz.istvan]

How long it takes to heat it up?

[@DIYSCOTT]

This original version took too long... 4-5 hours with like 5 bundles of wood

[@vidrihall]

Cool stuff, how is it holding up today? Any problems?

[@DIYSCOTT]

I turned it into a treehouse…

[@Reggy2000]

Hay Scott, what about using a much bigger copper coil and engulf that coil with fire, I mean bond fire size. That should get you the results you want!!! Or, you can get one of those tankless water heaters and use that. Either way it will be epic!!!

[@DIYSCOTT]

Tankless hot water heater would be clutch

[@OW79]

Price/Plans/Supplies/Tools/Suppliers & Time it took to build it. Pls?

[@ken_in_atx9619]

You should consider a vinyl liner.

[@DIYSCOTT]

For a long term solution I would agree in considering it or using a wood that can hold up better to water like cedar

[@leifshrecengost9589]

I'm not sure if that sealant is safe to submerg your body into after being heated over 100. I used straight silicone.

[@JonPeroutka]

Billy Mays smiles upon you from the heavens.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Phil Swift is the man I think you’re thinking of. He’s alive and well

[@cleggydadon]

would it be better to put tarp inside ? tac it to the sides?

[@DIYSCOTT]

Some sort of liner yeah

[@scientist949]

Fuck yeah Scott!! My girl and I really enjoyed the vid. We’re also looking to make a hot tub. 👍🏼thx

[@DIYSCOTT]

Do it!

[@paulhutchings7527]

This must have cost a fortune especially with lumber prices the way they are now. Spend the money on the cedar next time it swells and makes it water tight without all the flex seal and stain.

[@DIYSCOTT]

100% Agree!

[@anthonymatos6057]

Needs more copper tubing and stop those leaks We saw the water level overall not a bad idea. 👍🏽

[@alexlabs4858]

Get you a nice pair of headphones, and the last step of your editing should be throwing those things on and mixing the audio evenly to finish it off. Made me bout jump 450 feet into the air with those sudden cuts to the full volume music in comparison to the volume of your commentary. Great vid. Would love to cut a huge square hole in my deck and build one of these into it.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Hahaha. Sorry!!! My audio does suck. Working on making it better

[@alexlabs4858]

@@DIYSCOTT Its all good man. It was still a great video. Editing is HARD.

[@deanfreeman3856]

How do you get the water to rotate from tub round the tubes without some kind off pump

[@DIYSCOTT]

The heat from the fire causes the water to rise in the coil (just like air) and it will flow out of the other end. There's a science term but I forgot it

[@derrickhess2591]

Thermal cycling is the science term (:

[@lovenatureandplants3137]

Love your hot tub

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks!

[@billmaharry4874]

What was the total cost for everything including the plumbing and heater?

[@crazyicecream2237]

Have you tried time travel subliminals or the energy thief subliminal

[@DIYSCOTT]

Hard to say at this point... the wood was probably around $800, pluming was $200, pump was $120, plus a lot of random Home Depot trips so probably 1.2 to 1.4k?

[@Hdhhdhdjsjnkoi]

Hey , how much hours took you to heat it up?

[@DIYSCOTT]

Way to many... generation 3 was like 4 to 5 hours

[@tomaso19]

Very good job, you can't do it better the only suggestions instead of the open fire i would take Ofen for safety reasons greetings and enjoy Partys

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks! Yeah I ended up containing it in a 55 gallon drum eventually which made it a little safer and was more efficient for heat transfer

[@sarahbrett8502]

Has your tub lasted and not leaked I want to build my own but I can't afford to spend the money if it leaks etc can you let me know please

[@DIYSCOTT]

I'm going to make a follow up video on this very soon

[@DIYSCOTT]

Just posted... it definitely leaks over time but I think it could be built better to not leak

[@tulsisfavouritestulsi8778]

How much did it all cost you, in the end?

[@DIYSCOTT]

hard to say because I improved it a couple times but just to build the first video's worth maybe like $600 but wood was way more expensive then than it is now

[@KingAztek]

How much did this cost all in all?

[@DIYSCOTT]

First video only: probably around $800 including some tools like those clamps

[@jonathonhastie8459]

How do you clean it?

[@DIYSCOTT]

I bought a chlorine floater and test strips. Pump has filter balls you wash out and I get the leaves out with a "net" (window screen) haha.

[@kenb3552]

A year later - is it still holding water without additional work or repairs???? Or has it leaked?

[@DIYSCOTT]

It's a treehouse now... It leaked once I left the wood dry out when it was empty over a summer

[@kenb3552]

@@DIYSCOTT How about for your next project - hot tub in a tree?? :)

[@johnskipper2619]

Cookies & Milk? 😅 Wheres the Whiskey & Women? ❤ Bring'em on out...

[@maylon2501]

How come you used T&G instead of some very thick plywood?

[@DIYSCOTT]

I thought it would look cool... If I were to do it again I would use plywood (kinda like the floor) because there would be way less seams to seal

[@onlyaman333]

Now only some nice bubbles are missing. Pls let us know if this cool tub is still not leaking 😉

[@DIYSCOTT]

It’s a treehouse now…

[@georgegouvas27]

flex seal over caulking, why, silicone already flexes

[@matthewthompson7012]

How is the tub after a year?

[@DIYSCOTT]

It's in a tree now... It started to leak once I left it empty for the summer and the wood dried out

[@jozefdabrowski6463]

I would love to know the cost of this project, just curious.

[@DIYSCOTT]

I think it was like $800 to make this first video

[@AesthMed]

looks good. any leaks?

[@DIYSCOTT]

It was dripping out of a couple of the bulkheads but once I tightened them with a wrench it was good to go!

[@ChrisLee66]

So no jets?

[@DIYSCOTT]

The pump kinda made "jets"

[@nolanmods7172]

So how is this holding up after a year?

[@DIYSCOTT]

It’s a treehouse now…

[@tomermahlis12]

U need to let the wood to get wet and expand and it will stop the leaking

[@TobiasJeth]

I would just avoid the pump altogether, if you're using the copper coil in a fire method, the water will circulate on its own just due to the heated water rising in the coil

[@DIYSCOTT]

Yeah I added the pump for the filter though mostly

[@GAD00SH]

So... a year later, how did it hold up?

[@DIYSCOTT]

It’s a treehouse now…

[@GuardianAngle93]

This is why i bought a sawmill. Cedarwood is free.

[@DIYSCOTT]

I'd love a sawmill one day

[@33EPOCH33]

id mostly be concerned with the stain and sealant leeching out into the water because of the heat, i feel like that is cancer waiting to happen... i do love the idea though, id suggest a 500 gallon steel stock tank

[@a13thhour]

Need more rounds of copper in the fire. Larger the diameter, faster it will heat.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Yes I agree

[@georgegouvas27]

no way in and out

[@andrewscribner3058]

Any issues with it yet?

[@DIYSCOTT]

Gonna make a follow up video on this soon!

[@DIYSCOTT]

Just posted a follow up video

[@pikachuthegayatheist6215]

Also, you should’ve used pipe clamps not trigger clamps. Reason is because you don’t get a good surface for clamping on trigger clamps with clamping large boards.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Interesting... I've never used pipe clamps

[@JeremySheffield-fn2oh]

Go Mustangs or Cougars!

[@MrTrda]

Milk and cookies 😂

[@DIYSCOTT]

Just how Santa likes it

[@cmm4456]

wood pallets and a heavy duty tarp.... philly style lol

[@krisholden5365]

I couldn’t read any more comments. People suck man. They’re sitting on their fat asses telling you how bad your ideas are and how they won’t work with ZERO self-awareness or irony. It’s gross. So, my apologies if this was already posted. If you decide to do this again or any wood projects that need to be water tight, wood swells as it is exposed to water. The sealant will reduce that to some extent but not completely. So, the seams that leaked initially, if left to soak for a day, will swell up and seal tight. Wooden boats tend to leak so badly when you first put them in the water it’s terrifying!! But by the time 6-9 hours passes, it’s down to nothing.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Hey! Hahaha yeah I don't let the key board warriors get to me. Yeah I know now if I ever do it again to use cedar and let it swell up. The round tubs are pretty cool where you can tighten the whole thing with a strap too

[@Hamas1010]

Hi Nolan 👋 🤭

[@DIYSCOTT]

lol

[@georgegouvas27]

no need for flex seal, the wood will swell and seal..

[@notyouraveragegoldenpotato]

I bet that was awesome for the days that it lasted😂

[@DIYSCOTT]

It sure was

[@skatetv253]

I'm I the only one that noticed the water level dropped when it was hot,, looks like there's still a leak is there a update video or was that honestly a waste of money? sure building and fun is all good but did it fail ??? looked like it to me

[@DIYSCOTT]

Yeah there’s a couple update videos. It did leak in different spots over time and it was a pain because the tub had to be drained each time to patch them so I just let some of them leak.

[@Blaaake]

It’s crazy that you have this few subs. Sub’d for more!🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@ninefourninerecords4240]

Chemical Hot Tub! lol

[@DIYSCOTT]

I've done stupider

[@flan6]

I build things and I’m single too 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@DIYSCOTT]

hahaha

[@kai6424]

if you really want it to last for a longtime use teak wood.

[@DIYSCOTT]

That would be $$$

[@kai6424]

@@DIYSCOTT lol

[@rbagley66]

Should have made SMORES.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Hahaha I like the way you think

[@DJDeezNutz]

Hi Noland

[@stevemcnamara4568]

now that's a nice hillbilly hot tub

[@DIYSCOTT]

Haha thank you 🤠

[@bunny-tc8yr]

Wow r u ever far gone. :)

[@here_for_the_popcorn4474]

No one gonna mention the dropping water level. . Still leaking 😂

[@DIYSCOTT]

Shhhh

[@here_for_the_popcorn4474]

@@DIYSCOTT 😂😂😂

[@jo_nathan_nation6544]

Should have just restored a free used one off marketplace. You would have paid way less and it wouldn’t leak or be a pile of shit in 2 months.

[@puntabachata]

The water level went down QUICKLY.

[@DIYSCOTT]

She was a bit leaky at first

[@pikachuthegayatheist6215]

I don’t think this is gonna last forever, even though outdoor finish is designed to last year weather constant water pressure will make it fail and you’ll have to deal with moisture problems with the entire life of the hot tub, regardless of what kind of would use. The wood is going to rot because of the constant amount of water.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Yeah it's definitely not a permanent thing... mine was decommissioned and turned into a treehouse

[@B.O.N78]

What about all the chemicals that are now in the water.. rinsing it several times would fave been alright.. but cancer causing chemicals.. is a no fir me

[@chr_isso]

You can already see how much it leaks. Better way: Build it with wood, then put pool-foil in.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Yes some sort of liner would’ve fixed that