I’m planning to set up a DIY stock tank solar + electric hot tub and hoping to get some feedback on the setup.
170-gallon 2x2x6’ tub, insulated, out through an inline strainer, then to an intex 1500gph pump/filter. Then it would split into 2 loops, controlled by b-hyve or similar wifi irrigation controllers.
Loop 1 would go to a 4x8’ rooftop solar thermal panel followed by a temp sensor and one-way valve.
Loop 2 would go to an in-line pressure-activated electric heater on GFCI. Loops then join and return to tub.
Solar loop open ~10am-4pm, actuated by pump. Thermostatic safety cutoff of pump if heat exceeds 118 or so. Solar loop closed in evening. Electric loop opened to heat for use – has its own thermostat up to 145C. Hardwired to GFCI.
Parameters:
• Pretty committed to the fun/challenge/cheapness of DIY with off-the-shelf parts. I know it may not prove cheaper in the end.
• Have a small space, so this size tank is perfect for me.
• Idea is that solar would do initial/maintenance heating, electric would be the peaker when using tub.
• Need hot water (104 doesn’t cut it so conventional spa heaters are out).
• Live in northern California, so no freezing or extreme weather issues (only fires and earthquakes!)
• I’m fairly handy but not a technician or tradesman, so simple is preferable to perfect.
Feedback I’d appreciate:
• General ‘will this work?’ assessment
• Fatal flaws, safety issues.
• Tweaks to optimize/improve within those parameters.
Specific Questions:
• What sorts of hoses/lines should I use? I’d prefer to not have to use rigid PVC throughout, especially for the run to the solar panel. Can I use PEX? 1.5"/2” Intex hoses? Will need off-the-shelf joiners/gaskets for tank, pump, controllers.
• How sensitive would the various components be to variations in line diameter? I’d need to step down to a garden hose for the irrigation controllers, plus whatever line goes to the solar. Controllers have a ~700gph flow rate. Will that burn out the pump? Heater requires a bit of pressure to activate too.
• How do you connect a thermostatic probe to a hose? Not at all obvious to a noob like me.
• Can this system power some minimal jets on return to the tub? Not a priority, but another thing that’s hard to glean from casual reading.
170-gallon 2x2x6’ tub, insulated, out through an inline strainer, then to an intex 1500gph pump/filter. Then it would split into 2 loops, controlled by b-hyve or similar wifi irrigation controllers.
Loop 1 would go to a 4x8’ rooftop solar thermal panel followed by a temp sensor and one-way valve.
Loop 2 would go to an in-line pressure-activated electric heater on GFCI. Loops then join and return to tub.
Solar loop open ~10am-4pm, actuated by pump. Thermostatic safety cutoff of pump if heat exceeds 118 or so. Solar loop closed in evening. Electric loop opened to heat for use – has its own thermostat up to 145C. Hardwired to GFCI.
Parameters:
• Pretty committed to the fun/challenge/cheapness of DIY with off-the-shelf parts. I know it may not prove cheaper in the end.
• Have a small space, so this size tank is perfect for me.
• Idea is that solar would do initial/maintenance heating, electric would be the peaker when using tub.
• Need hot water (104 doesn’t cut it so conventional spa heaters are out).
• Live in northern California, so no freezing or extreme weather issues (only fires and earthquakes!)
• I’m fairly handy but not a technician or tradesman, so simple is preferable to perfect.
Feedback I’d appreciate:
• General ‘will this work?’ assessment
• Fatal flaws, safety issues.
• Tweaks to optimize/improve within those parameters.
Specific Questions:
• What sorts of hoses/lines should I use? I’d prefer to not have to use rigid PVC throughout, especially for the run to the solar panel. Can I use PEX? 1.5"/2” Intex hoses? Will need off-the-shelf joiners/gaskets for tank, pump, controllers.
• How sensitive would the various components be to variations in line diameter? I’d need to step down to a garden hose for the irrigation controllers, plus whatever line goes to the solar. Controllers have a ~700gph flow rate. Will that burn out the pump? Heater requires a bit of pressure to activate too.
• How do you connect a thermostatic probe to a hose? Not at all obvious to a noob like me.
• Can this system power some minimal jets on return to the tub? Not a priority, but another thing that’s hard to glean from casual reading.