Turn an Old Hot Tub Into a Water Feature

Do you have an old hot tub that's ready for the landfill? Save the environment and recycle it into a beautiful water feature! Here is a step-by-step guide to show you how you can turn that old jacuzzi into an aquatic doozy!

Steps

  1. Remove the hot tub shell from cabinet housing and disconnect the hoses from the pump/motor.
  2. Dig a hole in the ground that is large enough for the hot tub shell. The Edge of the shell should be 3" above the ground, so as to prevent rainwater from running into the finished water feature.
  3. Place the hot tub shell into the hole. There is no need to remove any of the hoses, plumbing, or lights from the shell, as they will not be used.
  4. Use a long board and level to make sure that all sides of the shell are level (water will always be level and pond will appear unlevel if this is not achieved before adding the water). Backfill the shell with dirt only until level is achieved. Do not over water the backfill, or the shell is likely to float.
  5. Line the shell with an appropriate pond liner (usually black poly). Cut the liner to allow for depth/dimensions of the shell with enough edge (about 1 foot) to wrap under the top edge of the shell. You can find liner calculations on most pond supply websites.
  6. Fill the installed liner with water before completely backfilling the shell. When the feature is three-quarters full, begin backfilling the area around the outside of the shell with the previously excavated dirt. Make sure to keep an eye on the level as you do this!
  7. Tuck the remaining liner under the top edge of the shell. This helps prevent rain from running into the final project.
  8. Add necessary pump/filter system. Add plants and fish. Add landscape to edge of feature, such as a flagstone that is large enough to overhang the edge of the shell. Remember to support all stones with excavated dirt, sod, or plants.

Tips

  • You can resell the original hot tub pump and motor. This might recoup the costs of water feature supplies!
  • Adding an additional water filtration systems may be necessary depending on the amount of aquatic life and exposure to the sun your water feature has.
  • If you don't have your own spa to convert to a water feature, people frequently give away old dilapidated spas in newspaper classified ads or on craigslist.
  • Using an old hot tub shell saves the environment, adds life to your liner by ensuring its shape, and provides for wonderful plant shelves.
  • Recycle a wooden hot tub cabinet into bird houses.

Things You'll Need

  • backyard or front yard
  • an old unused hot tub shell
  • pond liner material
  • pump/filter system
  • a shovel
  • a long board
  • a level
  • electrical outlet (properly installed outdoor outlet with GFCI)
  • aquatic life (plants

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Sources and Citations

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