5 Things To Know Before Building A Custom Hot Tub

Start Here Before You Break Ground On A Custom Hot Tub

Picture this: a crisp Utah evening, mountains on the horizon, and you sinking into perfectly warm, bubbling water in your own custom spa. It is an incredible upgrade to your home and lifestyle, but it is not something you want to rush.

If you are in Utah, Idaho, or Wyoming and thinking about building a custom hot tub, there are a few critical decisions that will shape everything from how it feels to how much it costs to run. In this guide, we will walk through the five big things we help our clients think through before we ever pour concrete or place a shell.

By the end, you will know exactly what to ask, what to plan for, and how to move forward with confidence.

Clarify Your Vision For A Custom Hot Tub

The best custom hot tubs start with a crystal clear vision. Before we recommend equipment, finishes, or even a location, we sit down with you and talk about how this spa fits into your life.

How You Plan To Use Your Hot Tub

Use drives every design decision. A spa used for quiet hydrotherapy looks different from one built for late night gatherings with friends.

We usually start with questions like:

• Do you imagine relaxing alone, as a couple, or with a crowd most nights?
• Is pain relief, recovery, or fitness a priority, or is this mostly about relaxation and connection?
• Do you want the spa to be the star of the backyard or tucked into a private corner?

If hydrotherapy and wellness are a priority, we might guide you toward jet layouts and seating similar to our Caldera Spas hydrotherapy options. If entertaining is the focus, we think about open bench seating, easy entry, and social lighting.

What this really means is that your lifestyle should set the blueprint long before we talk about tile or coping.

Size, Seating, And Features To Consider

Once we understand how you want to use your hot tub, we can dial in the physical details.

A few key points we walk through with clients:

• Size and bather load: How many people should fit comfortably, not just on paper. Families with teens, for example, often appreciate a bit more room.
• Seating mix: Lounge seats are great for solo relaxation, while upright therapy seats are better for conversation and easy entry.
• Depth and access: Step design, grab points, and seat heights all matter for kids, older adults, and anyone with mobility concerns.
• Features: Custom lighting, water features, integrated audio, and nearby fire elements can turn a good spa into a true backyard retreat.

If you are still in the dreaming stage, our clients like browsing inspiration like these backyard design ideas that make a big impact. It gets the creative gears turning before a design consultation.

Understand Site Conditions And Local Regulations

Your property and local rules will shape what is possible just as much as your wish list. We always evaluate the site early so there are no surprises halfway through the project.

Structural And Access Requirements

One of the first things we look at is whether the chosen location can safely support a spa filled with water and people. That is a lot of weight in a small footprint.

Key structural and access questions we evaluate:

• Soil conditions and slopes: Do we need retaining, over‑excavation, or engineered footings?
• Existing patios and decks: Can they handle the load or do they need reinforcement or replacement?
• Equipment access: Is there a clear path for equipment, plumbing runs, and service access once the spa is in place?

For in ground or custom built in spas, we design the entire structure around the hot tub and its equipment, similar to how we approach residential inground pools. The goal is a spa that looks beautiful on day one and stays structurally sound for decades.

Permits, Codes, And Safety Standards

Every city and county has its own rules for water features, electrical work, and barriers. It can be confusing, and missing a requirement can slow your project or create expensive rework.

As professional builders, we handle:

• Required building and electrical permits
• Setback rules from property lines, utilities, and structures
• Barrier and fencing standards to protect kids and pets
• Local standards for drainage, anti‑entrapment, and emergency shutoffs

In Utah and throughout the Intermountain West, inspectors take safety seriously, especially with winter conditions and freeze risk. We stay current on local codes and national standards so your custom hot tub is compliant and safe, not just attractive.

If you are still deciding between a custom spa and a pool or combo design, this is also when we can talk about options like in ground vs above ground pools, setbacks, and how everything will work together in your yard.

Plan For Power, Plumbing, And Drainage

A custom hot tub is more than a pretty shell. It is a system that needs the right power, piping, and drainage to run safely and efficiently in our climate.

Electrical Capacity And Safety

Hot tubs draw serious power, especially if you want strong jets and a reliable heater in cold weather. Before design is finalized, we review your electrical service and panel capacity.

In most projects we evaluate:

• Panel size and available amperage
• Dedicated spa circuits and GFCI protection
• Conduit routes that protect wiring and keep your yard looking clean

Because we work with high performance equipment and reliable hot tub brands, we match the electrical design to the actual load of your chosen system. That protects your investment and helps you avoid nuisance breaker trips when the spa is running at full power in winter.

Water Supply, Filtration, And Waste Management

Clean, comfortable water is where the real magic happens. For built in spas, we design plumbing and filtration around how often you plan to use the tub, how many people will be in it, and what kind of water care system you prefer.

We look at:

• Fill and top off options so you can add water conveniently
• Filtration and circulation equipment, sized correctly for the spa volume
• Heater type and efficiency, often referencing options similar to our pool heater recommendations
• Drainage plans so that when the spa is drained for service, water goes to an appropriate location and does not damage landscaping or hardscape

We also talk through water care approaches, from traditional chlorine to salt systems and mineral systems like FROG water care. Many of our clients prefer options that reduce harsh odors and keep water gentle on skin without adding complexity. Our team handles the setup so you are not juggling chemistry alone.

If you like to dive deeper into equipment basics, our pool equipment guide is a helpful companion resource.

Budget Realistically For Build And Ongoing Costs

A custom hot tub is an investment in your property and your lifestyle. The key is understanding both the upfront construction costs and the long term costs to own and enjoy it.

Upfront Construction And Finish Options

Custom spas can be built a few different ways: as part of a new pool project, as a stand‑alone in ground spa, or as a partially recessed or built in portable spa. Each approach has its own cost profile.

Your initial budget will be shaped by:

• Type of build: Fully custom concrete spa, integrated pool and spa, or a high end portable spa built into a custom surround
• Site prep: Excavation, retaining, access, and any needed structural work
• Finishes: Tile selections, coping stone, decking materials, and surrounding landscaping
• Features: Waterfalls, fire elements, smart controls, lighting, and audio

If you are also considering a pool, you may find it helpful to read about how much it costs to install an in ground pool. The same cost drivers show up with custom spas, just on a different scale.

We work with you to prioritize what really matters so you get the experience you want without blowing past your comfort zone.

Maintenance, Energy Use, And Long-Term Value

Once your spa is installed, ongoing costs become the focus. Thoughtful design upfront keeps those costs predictable and manageable.

We talk through:

• Energy efficiency: Quality covers, well insulated shells or vaults, and efficient heaters pay off in our four season climate.
• Water care and chemistry: Choosing the right system, like a salt system or mineral system, can make maintenance more predictable and comfortable. Our hot tub maintenance tips cover many of the basics our technicians handle for clients.
• Service and lifespan: Regular professional service extends the life of pumps, heaters, and controls, protecting your investment.

We also remind clients that the real return is not just financial. Improved sleep, stress relief, and connection with family are real benefits that many people notice quickly. If you are curious about the wellness side, you might like our article on the health benefits of hot tub use.

In short, a well designed custom spa with quality equipment, good insulation, and proper service offers years of reliable enjoyment without constant headaches or surprise bills.

Choose The Right Professional Hot Tub Builder

Once you know what you want and what your site can support, the most important decision is who you trust to design and build it.

Qualifications And Experience To Look For

A custom hot tub is not a simple plug in appliance. It sits at the intersection of structural work, plumbing, electrical, and water chemistry. You want a partner with deep, local experience in all of those areas.

Here are a few things we believe every homeowner should look for:

• Years in business and local reputation in the Intermountain West
• A portfolio of completed custom spas and pools in a range of styles, like the projects in our gallery
• Certified technicians who understand equipment, controls, and water care
• Strong partnerships with trusted brands and access to quality heaters and equipment
• Clear, detailed proposals that explain what is included and how the process works

At Intermountain Aquatech, we bring more than 40 years of regional experience to every spa and pool. We know how to design for snowy winters, hot summers, and everything in between.

If you are a business owner considering a commercial spa or pool, you can see how this same approach carries over in our commercial work and why many businesses trust our commercial pool care.

Why Professional Installation Beats DIY

We occasionally meet homeowners who started a DIY spa project and then called us when things went sideways. The pattern is almost always the same:

• Underestimated structural requirements
• Undersized or mismatched equipment
• Electrical that does not meet code
• Water that is hard to keep clear and comfortable

Hot tubs combine electricity and water, often in freezing temperatures. That is not a place to experiment. Professional design and installation give you:

• Safety: Proper bonding, grounding, and GFCI protection
• Reliability: Correctly sized and installed pumps, filters, and heaters
• Warranty protection: Manufacturers expect professional installation for full coverage
• Support: A team you can call for service, upgrades, and seasonal care

If you are trying to decide which route is right for you, our guide on how to choose the right pool contractor for your dream backyard oasis offers a helpful framework that applies to custom spas as well.

We build, service, and support what we install, which means we are just as invested in long term performance as you are.

Ready To Build Your Custom Hot Tub? Here Is How To Get Started

If you are still reading, chances are a custom hot tub is not just a casual idea anymore. You are picturing where it will sit, who will be in it, and how it will change your evenings at home.

The easiest next step is a conversation.

We start every project with a design consultation where we:

• Talk through how you plan to use your spa and what matters most
• Evaluate your property, access, and site conditions
• Discuss budget ranges and finish options that fit your goals
• Outline a realistic timeline from design to first soak

If you want to see what is possible before we meet, you can browse our custom in ground spas gallery or explore our hot tubs and spas to get a feel for styles and layouts you like.

When you are ready, you can request a design consultation or pricing using our free home consultation form or request pricing. We will help you turn that vision of a warm, private retreat into a detailed plan, then into a spa you can enjoy in every season.

Related reads:

• Learn what to expect from the anatomy of a swimming pool, helpful if you are considering a pool and spa combo
• Explore how a spa can support wellness in our article on the benefits of water exercise
• Get inspired with ideas for creating a backyard you cannot wait to come home to

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Building a Custom Hot Tub

What should I decide first before building a custom hot tub?

Before building a custom hot tub, clarify how you plan to use it—quiet hydrotherapy, family time, or entertaining guests. Your intended use will guide key choices like size, seating layout, depth, features, and where it should sit in your yard for privacy and access.

How do local codes and permits affect a custom hot tub project?

Local building and electrical codes determine setback distances, required barriers or fencing, drainage standards, and safety features like GFCI protection and emergency shutoffs. Obtaining the right permits up front prevents project delays, failed inspections, and costly rework, especially in regions with freeze risk like Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming.

What utilities do I need to plan for with a custom hot tub?

You’ll need adequate electrical capacity with dedicated GFCI-protected spa circuits, properly sized plumbing for circulation and filtration, and a safe drainage plan for when the tub is emptied. Thoughtful routing of power and pipes keeps your yard looking clean while supporting efficient heating and reliable performance in all seasons.

How much should I budget for a custom hot tub and its ongoing costs?

Budget depends on structure type (fully custom concrete, integrated pool and spa, or built-in portable), site prep, finishes, and extras like lighting or fire features. Long-term costs include energy use, water care, and routine service. Investing in efficient equipment and good insulation helps keep monthly ownership costs predictable.

Is it better to hire a professional or DIY a custom hot tub build?

Hiring a professional custom hot tub builder is almost always safer and more cost-effective long term. Pros manage structural design, electrical and plumbing to code, proper equipment sizing, and water chemistry. DIY mistakes can lead to safety issues, leaks, failed inspections, and voided warranties that are expensive to fix.

How long does it typically take to build a custom hot tub from start to finish?

Timelines vary by design complexity and permitting, but many custom hot tub projects take 6–12 weeks from final design approval to first soak. Expect time for design consultations, engineering if needed, permits, excavation or framing, equipment installation, inspections, and finish work like tile, decking, and landscaping.