Off Grid Propane Powered Hot Tub

Ever wanted to relax in a hot tub under the stars !?

Step 1: Find Cast Iron Tub .

We found this on Craig's List for 100 $

Step 2: Clean Said Tub !

We used Fume free oven cleaner and let it set over night. This one was REALLY SMELLY ! dont fret it will look like new after you clean it.

Andre testing it out BEFORE we cleaned it !

Step 3: Paint Tub Your Desired Color .

We used regular green latex paint.

Step 4: Buy Propane Burner and Regulator Hose

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0038V5D5U/ref=oh...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DQ43CWU/ref=oh...

These were about 100$ together . it comes in one and two burners as well.(cheaper) but will take longer to warm up.

Step 5: Fill With Hose Heat and Enjoy !

We put it up on 2x4 blocks to get the burner to fit .I cant stress enough you CAN NOT sit in the tub while warming. Turn off burners and wait 5 to 10 before attempting to bath. Although I leave the front burner on low while im in the tub and it works great!

Comments

[RachelleM20]

Hah! I thought I invented this! Well I have an old claw foot with a garden hose and use propane to heat it up, my question is if anyone knows how much heat the tub can take without risk of cracking?

[djharris]

I came here looking for the same answer! I can tell you this...the first time I ran it, full burner, I heard a pop, so I lowered the burners to about half intensity. I haven't had a crack (yet) but the heat was already partially supplied directly from my hot water heater (direct hose out to the back yard) so I would recommend treating it like a cast-iron comal or skillet on any stove...warm it up gently, as cast iron doesn't like wild temperature swings. Maybe not the answer you're looking for? Maybe practice with a cast-iron skillet first? 😁

On that note, I can tell you that the burner spots are too hot to touch *inside* the tub because cast iron retains the heat so well. So turn off the back 2 before trying to soak at least 5 minutes or longer before getting in, and make sure your hand can handle the heat-on-the-seat before getting in. I also run it like the OP and only run the drain burner at low (simmer? 😅) once in the tub. I ALSO run an alerting BBQ temp probe near the top dangling from the spigot, partially above where the drain burner is still lit to monitor that temp. I set the BBQ probe to alarm it at 110 degrees and my regulator can be adjusted easier than the burner once I'm in. I've been in a hot tub at 120 before and was fine while in it but couldn't get in once I got out and cooled off. Not sure this is a safe amount but it sure cured my sunburn 😉(no, really). Scald it off, worked for me at least.

Lastly, I plan on "jetting" the tub with a 1/2 HP water pump pulling from the drain and pushing through the overflow. Mostly so we can get bubbles going (ever put bubble bath in a jacuzzi spa?) for photoshoots and have it still look "integrated" into the classic clawfoot look. Will just need a diverter or T-fitting with a ball valve to actually drain it at that point.

Does anyone know of a propane 1/2 HP water pump? I haven't been able to find one without hooking an electric pump to a propane generator 😔

And lastly, ANYONE considering doing this...I got 2 hernias from lifting this tub with a friend's help. I think hernia repair is the most common "old man" surgery there is because we forget how strong we were and how weak we've become 🤣 3 adults, minimum, or a "cart" to move it. I made a cart I can "put together" under the tub to move it.

[Starlyte]

Nice, as we just took a very pint size one out of the bathroom. I'm going to use the paint and summer sun for now, till our new bath is in, then I'll think about what to do with the tub... outside bathing's nice though, and the curtains are a great addition, against unexpected visitors!

[TimK38]

Love the idea and I'm going to build one. If I may add to some other suggestions, some perforated steel around the burners just to keep towels or slippers and such from being kicked into the flame.

[deltafour]

How warm is the water

Have you used it in the winter time?

[jaylabrosse]

you can boil the water if you like ! Human stew jk ! Yes it takes a 45 mins in the winter to warm up to 104 where my wife likes it . Summer only takes about 20 to 25 mins.

[deltafour]

You just eliminated a ton of hassles for me!
I am "stealing" your idea.

[jaylabrosse]

Crossing the street is dangerous too ..thankfully my wife knows how to read a thermometer .

[pdyson]

seems very unsave, throw some carrots onions and other veg in and you got a nicely cooked human if its too hot

[NRG4UandMe]

cool ! u could prob increase efficiency by putting some metal side walls, maybe 6" away from burners so that the heat doesnt just go up around the tub and over but much could be collected and less spill out into the atmosphere , some kind of shielding, -- just concentrates more heat to the tub and less going up to the outside air ...

[MsSweetSatisfaction]

This is so cool! I love the concept of not having power but having a warm hot tub! Thanks for sharing!

[jaylabrosse]

your very welcome !

[treenail]

Of course...cooked human!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIufLRpJYnI

[mpulliam1]

There is a place in Tahoe that we used to bike to. It was an old abandoned logging camp that people have converted into a trail rest stop - with HUGE copper tubs. Water is gathered from snow run off from the streams and we start fires under the tubs. Very similar and so relaxing! Fun stuff, great job!

[mountainmasha]

My father in law has been trying to convince us to buy a tub and light a fire under it for a "redneck hot tub" (his words). This seems safer. I'll have to show him.

[jaylabrosse]

I've seen them with a fire underneath ! the temperature control this way is much simpler for sure.

[Mario2007]

It's still a fire under the tub .....

[szymon58]

OMG! i love it!

[jaylabrosse]

we have used it at least a dozen times and the propane is still at least half full if not more.

[amro.qandour]

How long or how many baths can you take from one gas canister ?