Hill Billy Hot Tubs, anyone made one?

[henry d]

As part of a future garden project I quite fancy trying to make a wood fuel heated hot tub (looking at using an IBC as the tub and aware of the possible problems).

Has anyone made a hot tub (of any sort) from scratch and how did it turn out? Kids paddling pool and a tin of beans type jokes not required thanks!

[Ricko]

This has crossed my mind, although my days of making 'shine are long over.

Have a look at a 'Rhodesian boiler' in terms of a hot water supply rather than sitting in a container above the flames like a cannibal's dinner.

[henry d]

Yeah that looks similar to what some have made, I was thinking more of an insulated rocket boiler as below...

[Blackpowder]

Came across one near a village on the Southern Upland Way a few years ago.  Appeared to be quite a simple set up of a fire and heat exchanger through the tub.

 

Blackpowder

[figgy]

You can use any suitable water tub, its just the size of your boiler you need to get right. Have a look on the internet lots of different ones, from home made wood ones.

I would look at getting an old unwanted hot tub spa and add the wood fired boiler, you then have ready made out lets and can blank off any you don't want.

Edited September 19, 2018 by figgy

[henry d]

18 minutes ago, figgy said:

I would look at getting an old unwanted hot tub spa and add the wood fired boiler, you then have ready made out lets and can blank off any you don't want.

Good point, thanks!

[manthing]

I think George Clarke made one from an old jet engine body and the furnace was a propane bottle.