Getting ready to start the build on a thermosyphon wood fired Hot tub!

[jalan43]

I know we are a little off subject here  but I know there are a lot of us who are trying to save electric and Go Green!

My wife and I have decided to build a wood fired hot tub! I am going to start the build over the next few weeks. We have the shell from an old Jacuzzi tub. First of all, we won't be hooking up the jets. We are looking for something to soak our aching bones in! I

It's funny how the same principle of a UDS is going to work for the thermosyphon. I am picking up a barrel next week.

After I get the barrel, I will be cutting a section out of the side about a 3rd of the way up so I can start the fire.Inside I will be using a 1 inch coiled copper tube, probably about 50 ft. Still need to do the math! The tubing will be coiled inside of the barrel and attached to the sides. I will need to get the venting right for draft and chimney, just like a UDS! The in/out pipes will have to be put through the sides and attached to the tub. Looking at a rough plan online it should take about 3 hours to heat the water.

If anyone has any suggestions or ideas, I would love to here them!

 

[alelover]

Sounds like a great project. Hope you'll be posting pics of the process.

 

[jalan43]

I will definitely be posting pics!

 

[alblancher]

For some reason I have a vision of Jungle music, Abbot and Costello lounging in a big black pot, and a bunch of tribesman dancing around a fire getting ready for dinner! 

Sounds like a nice project  How are you going to keep the smoke blowing away from you?

 

[jalan43]

The chimney has to be somewhere between 6 to 8 feet above the barrel. Still have to work out the exact height.

 

[terry colwell]

Sounds like your making a Still and hiding it in a Jacuzzi.

 

[alelover]

 

[navyjeremy]

Sounds like your making a Still and hiding it in a Jacuzzi.

 

[mdboatbum]

I've seen a much simpler design where the pipe coil was closed at the bottom with expanded metal and the fire was built within. I like your idea with an enclosed firebox and a chimney better. They're supposed to be really efficient, and once the circulation really gets going, almost like a gentle whirlpool.

 

[solaryellow]

You have my attention. I love stuff like this. Any chance you can cook on it while sitting in the hot tub? Wouldn't want that good smoke to go to waste. Not to mention, how cool would it be to reach over from the hot tub and grab a rib to gnaw on?

 

[jalan43]

I'm sure I could figure something out! That's a great idea! Munchies!

 

[alelover]

You have my attention. I love stuff like this. Any chance you can cook on it while sitting in the hot tub? Wouldn't want that good smoke to go to waste. Not to mention, how cool would it be to reach over from the hot tub and grab a rib to gnaw on?

Like a giant Sous Vide. Float the BBQ in bags while you have guest over for hot tub time.