How to Build a Stone Hot Tub Enclosure

A hot tub enclosure is essential if you have a hot tub, you do not want your pipes exposed to the elements. In cold weather they will freeze and can crack, and in warmer weather the area beneath your tub can become home to all sorts of unwanted guests, like snakes and maybe a skunk. You will want to make your enclosure as animal proof as possible, while still allowing you access to the controls and plumbing.

This enclosure is made of Castle Stones and will protect your tub from almost anything.

You will need:
* Tape measure
* Castle stones - enough to finish the project
* Concrete mortar
* Pressure treated plywood - large enough to cover the opening for the controls
* Pressure treated 2x4's - enough for bracing as needed

Measure the tub; be sure to measure it from every angle. Measure across the top, around the outside, and the height; then measure it again. Remember to MEASURE TWICE CUT ONCE, so you need to double check your measurements before cutting anything.

If you are replacing an old enclosure, remove any part that is rotten or broken; be sure to leave the supporting braces. If they are rotten or broken, replace them with pressure treated wood. Make sure that your tub is well supported. If you need to replace all of the supporting braces, then do so, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Next, you will need to build a frame around the area where the controls are. This should only consist of a vertical brace at either end, and a horizontal one at the top or bottom. Be sure to leave enough space to access the controls. Later you will cover the resulting hole with a piece of plywood.

Begin setting your "castle stones" around the base of the tub. The first layer is the most important, so be sure that they go around the tub and are exactly where you want them to be. They are heavy and the entire construct will sink into the ground once it settles. When you lay them out, be sure they are touching one another, if your tub (enclosure) is square or rectangular, the castle stones will only touch on the tips. If it is round, they should touch at the sides.

Place a thin layer of cement mortar on the top of the first stone, and down the side. Then place a stone on top of the mortared stone; it will be off set slightly due to the key (the small lip on the side of the stone). Wipe off any excess mortar; you don't need much to make it stay. Continue placing stones one on top of another around the tub until you reach the bottom edge of the tub. There will be a slight gap between the lip and the "wall" you just completed, place thin strips of wood in these gaps. You can use pressure treated 2x4's or pieces of the old enclosure; any wood will do.

For access to the controls, place a piece of plywood, the exact size of the opening, just inside the opening.

Screw the plywood to the supports and you are done.

This makes a beautiful enclosure for your hot tub, and is virtually indestructible. It is not a simple project to complete, but it is very rewarding. Be sure you work fast, because mortar dries quickly. Make certain you have enough time to complete the project; a weekend should be enough, if your tub is of normal size.