Can I Power a Hot Tub Off-Grid With Solar Only?

Рет қаралды 39,657

Ай бұрын

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Пікірлер: 392

@Gayle.M Ай бұрын

Would a timer help? Have it turn on the hot tub about 3hrs before sun rise and turn it off (?) at midnight (?) so it doesn’t completely drain your system.

@nomadicfanatic Ай бұрын

Worth a shot! I've never used the timer function. I'll mess around with it.

@friskydingo5370 Ай бұрын

That's exactly what I said 👍

@jeffmeador1923 Ай бұрын

@@nomadicfanaticWhat percentage was the battery at the very end of the last day?

@iandavid7474 Ай бұрын

I use a Hot splash heat pump on my hot tub 600watts of power for 3.75kw of heat, what I do is overheat it in the day and it's still hot enough for the morning, works great in the UK with lower temps than what you have, I'm sure running at 600 watts with more output will sort your power usage out

@Teresa.McDermott Ай бұрын

Congrats on running your hot tub with solar! Looks amazing!

@nomadicfanatic Ай бұрын

Thank you!

@tinanunya7343 Ай бұрын

Yeah! Hot tub on solar, I love it. Enjoy. Happy belated birthday! Thanks for sharing the videos with us.

@gordon3730 Ай бұрын

Kept 4 person 102 in minus 5 temps. That cover isn't insulated. You had cover blowing in wind. Which meant air getting underneath. You need to put a additional tarp insulating blanket on top. I finally built a small wood structure around mine. Fully insulated. I'd pump that water through just like a old still. You can also get same unit 2 person. That's lot of water keep that warm.

@diggingarizona8592 Ай бұрын

Brother, I lived in my RV for almost 7 years until recently and I'm in northern Az. I was living in an RV park and only had a 25 ft White water hose to the RV. The first 30 seconds or so of water would come out Scalding hot until the tankless water heater took over. I think if you got one of those spiral jobs or the other one you showed you could store the water over night and give it a good blast around noon. Just a thought.

@A.S.K.1 Ай бұрын

Used to have a solar water heater (with a storage tank) on the roof of a place that we used to be renting. It supplied the whole house with HOT water. Yeah it was HOT: panel was about the size of ONE of your electric panels. The thermostat stopped working, and it actually started BOILING the water - and shooting out of the safety valve. So yeah... they CAN get very hot.

@susanstrickland6774 Ай бұрын

Very cool on the hot tub. Glad it worked out for you. Good to put it under shelter too. Sun is terrible on skin. Maybe turn it off when you aren't in it some each day. I don't run my spa all day, it's fine. Enjoy!! 🙂👍

@kennethhuff7471 Ай бұрын

I usually never leave you a comment because I know how busy you are, but I just wanted to tell you that my wife and I love all your videos. We have been watching your channel for almost two years now and we love what you’re doing and just wanted to let you know that you are a big inspiration to my wife and I. We are starting to look for a Rv and start this journey.. keep producing your great videos… Fans for life here❤🎉😊

@karens8633 Ай бұрын

Congrats on the working off-grid Hot Tub! 😊

@bretebey Ай бұрын

I think the supplemental propane heater is your best bet. That way the solar will keep it up to a decent level, and on the nights you want to use it, the propane can top it off. That way you still have battery left and don't take em down so far in case yuo need them. Also, in the winter, you'll def need more ooomph.

@inemt63754 Ай бұрын

Get foil sided insulation and place it between the liner of the tub and the inflatable part. Also wrap your pipes and the heater itself in the same insulation. They also sell covers with a clear lid. Running it juat during the day ours gets to 104 and only drops to 102 at night. What cools the water the fastest is when running the bubbles. I have seen people who use plastic trash cans and cut out holes fir the pipes pack in the insulation and the bubbles will actually he warmer.

@johnnylightning1491 Ай бұрын

Eric, you may want to rethink the black hose coils. BTUs are BTU. I think if you use the black hose coils in conjunction with your electric heater you may be able to use less electricity, although you will use some power to run the pump for the hose. It's nice to see Diana around again. Keep the good stuff coming buddy.

@Eric-R Ай бұрын

Hi Eric. Three ideas come to mind: 1) buy or build a better insulated cover, side and top, to hold the heat better and reduce the load on your solar power system. 2) add more solar panels to your array so you can finish the day at full charge even after heating the tub. Can you add your many portable panels into the mix? 3) adding more batteries to your main bank will be cheaper than portable stations, unless you already own them. But still a pain to manage those separately. Anyway, loved to see the success you're having so far. Keep it up!

@FreedomHawk Ай бұрын

You can use that black netting that people use for gardens to keep bugs out, you can see through it and it well cut down on the wind pretty good.

@manlystranger4973 Ай бұрын

What if you built an insulated box from lightweight foam insulation sheets which you could place over the tub at night? Like a giant DIY cooler, but in this case, holding in heat like a thermos.

@hnobro7210 Ай бұрын

Also under styrodurfoam

@TheWestlandgirl Ай бұрын

Great idea Eric. Gets pretty chilly up there at that elevation. Or if its hot you can soak in cooler water. Perfect.👍

@Ragesauce Ай бұрын

I'm sad that the smart car is still in the intro but doesn't have a halo!

@RosieS519 Ай бұрын

😂😂😂😂😂

@smc65714 Ай бұрын

You could also do gen power for initial heat up too. your system is bigg enougth to maintain it, Keep improving your off grid Life, Fun to watch!!!!!

@mudchariot Ай бұрын

Have you considered a rocket stove with a water heater coil plumbed into the tub’s water pump? Seems like you could run it at night with no issues… Keep the sweet videos rolling! Love our hot tub too!

@PanzerBuyer Ай бұрын

just what I was thinking. A Hot Tub still.

@cwk1981 Ай бұрын

was going to say thing. old school way. pump/coils/ camp fire. aslong as there is a fire there is hot water.

@richardbethel6590 Ай бұрын

There's several wood fired spa heaters, and you've got plenty of wood!

@yxcvmk Ай бұрын

The rocket stove done properly would be a great addition.

@Non_Of_U_business Ай бұрын

Glad to see your smiling in Arizona! Im in WI but native of Arizona just south of Globe. Eric 80 degrees is about normal temps for Show Low in summer instead of the 120 degrees in Phoenix. You should not see much weather this summer but we can tell you're a happy camper! Lets work on a body sun tan?:) Cheers!

@friskydingo5370 Ай бұрын

Awesome, out of all the hot tubs you have had, which one would you recommend. I am looking for one your input would be aprechated 😊

@markbeavers5747 Ай бұрын

Nice video Eric, the Hot Tub looks awesome!!

@shibalover54 Ай бұрын

Put bubble wrap cut to fit on top. Back in the day- my inlaws had an inground plastic liner pool. To get it heated they bought a gigantic solar cover (as it was called then)cut it to fit and voilà, heated the pool up quite a bit. It was like super thick bubble wrap and it was pretty darn effective in caputuring the suns ambient heat and transferring it to the water. Good luck as always. Be blessed. Hello little kitties!!

@williamsrdan Ай бұрын

Wood fire water heater? I don't know what equipment would be needed, but could be a possibility... Congrats on getting it to work, patience is always key. Happy soaking!

@Mike-01234 Ай бұрын

100% correct about direct heating solar at night going to cool down electric solar heating way to go. I use direct solar heating here in Phoenix so we can swim in the spring and fall as you stated pool gets to 80f. I have run it during July see how hot I can get my 13k gallon pool hottest I gotten it was 102F it was 114F outside.

@mildredpadilla5734 Ай бұрын

#1 yay🎉 like your videos it’s educational in many ways. I learned a lot about r.v. living,best spots in our beautiful states and useful memberships that are helpful when on the road.

@JanesDough855 Ай бұрын

As it warms up, that 77 deg. is going to feel mighty nice. Enjoy that nice water!

@johnpowell1841 Ай бұрын

I have never thought about saying anything negative about someone’s video until now, I just thought about it… and I would still never say anything negative about anyone’s video~

@19Photographer76 Ай бұрын

Any Radiation under those solar panels? A wood burning water heater (rocket stove) would work but for how many months could you use it? You could plumb in an electric water heater (home water heater) and just cycle the water through it. Do you have enough power to run your digital projector? You could mount the screen where the propane tank is.

@leslieobrien4690 Ай бұрын

Eric, you’re really creating a good life for yourself. Lots of quality of life and comfort in multiple areas of your life that go far beyond just meeting your basic needs. It is so satisfying to watch! You do your research and know what you’re talking about!

@tikoy1955 Ай бұрын

Good video. Enjoy your off grid hot tub.

@wesallen4228 Ай бұрын

Glad you got your "Hot" tub up and running. You have the technology to reach your goal. How cool is that? Way cool. Nice!

@SandysTravels Ай бұрын

A small woodstove with a manifold , a good stove will stay hot almost all night , a very small pump will circulate the v water .. water coming out is so hot you can't touch it, I heated a whole house with it

@JAMESMT-mm6zl Ай бұрын

You could add about two inches of closed cell insulation to the top of the tub, then put your cover on. It should help maintain a higher temperature over night. Thanks for sharing

@beckymoran321 Ай бұрын

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! (belated) TaterLand is coming along nicely.

@carmenortiz4446 Ай бұрын

When it's hot out, a warm pool will feel good!

@timaz1066 Ай бұрын

I agree, Eric, either power stations or add more batteries to your capacity until your solar system. Barry is able to fill them up even when you’re running things during the day. Why don’t you put a shunt on your battery bank like you have in your motorhome?

@scottharrington2052 Ай бұрын

I have a weird idea , how about one of those off grid showers that are for campers that run on propane , put the intake into the pool and just run the hot water back into the hot tub

@keithriddle5989 Ай бұрын

Should put that thing out in the sun, sun warm it up put umbrella out when you’re in it smarter not harder, bro

@nomadicfanatic Ай бұрын

I absolutely do NOT enjoy sitting in the baking sun. I won't even use it.

@kurtz260 10 күн бұрын

Ive seen some firewood stoves with copper coiled inside that you could pump the hottub water through to heat it. For those cloudy rainy days where it would lose temp, plus you could roast some hotdogs or burgers over the fire that way 😂

@GaryNichols50 Ай бұрын

First, Happy Birthday, Eric. Have you considered an LP powered hot tub heater? Or how about running a generator just long enough to get it hot? Regardless, even with the way it is now, it is well worth having IMO.

@markparham3759 Ай бұрын

Congrats on your off grid hot tub! Enjoy it.

@erleysmiff5151 Ай бұрын

I guess I'm confused here. You have 800 Amp Hours of Battery, which equals around 9600 watt hours, right? So you are pulling 1400 watts with the tub heater, shouldn't the batteries run the heater for about 6.85 hours ?

@maxescamilla4597 Ай бұрын

I kept hearing Eddie Murphy on SNL singing hot tub! 😂 nice set up!

@yxcvmk Ай бұрын

800Ah @ what Voltage? Even @ 12V that would mean 9.6kWh. So down to 17% would mean you used approx. 8kWh? Some losses in the inverter would still mean 7.5kWh in heat energy. How many hours did the batteries support the heater? Rather than using Ah, which mean nothing without the voltage, try to use Wh, or kWh, then things become much more clear.

@mikeforce5926 Ай бұрын

Eric, one of the things I love about your channel, is how you use high tech. I love anything high tech and seeing it being put to use, is cool to watch.

@Ammotyr Ай бұрын

Awesome !!! WOOOHOOOO ... Off-grid hot tub! You made it !!

@ejs6010 Ай бұрын

Nice work on the hot tub. Several good ideas in the comments for helping conserve the heat. Good to see your friends, Diana, enjoying Taterland.

@MichaelMiller_WI_US Ай бұрын

Eric, we are heating a hot tub directly off solar. The secret is to separate the heating of the water from the circulating pump. We have two 4S2P arrays of 315W, 45 VOC panels for about 4,800 Watts total. We connected one solar array directly to the hot water heater element using 12ga wires and a DC circuit breaker for a switch. The second solar array is connected to an inverter to power the circulating pump and bubbles. Granted, it only works during full sun, but it works just off solar. By directly connecting the solar to the water heater element, we get a lot more amps to the element because it is not running through the inverter. Give it a try.

@bt4b4 Ай бұрын

I think the power banks would be your best option . Since you probably already have 2-3 of them and your solar is rocking daytime hours. Hit up Jackery again……. Promo time !

@yxcvmk Ай бұрын

How much Wh do these power banks have? 700-1000? So one fully charged could run the heater roughly 20-30 minutes?

@yxcvmk Ай бұрын

With this setup I don't see a reason for power banks. Rather increase battery capacity from the main system.

@Sigurther Ай бұрын

Happy it worked for yah, man! Gotta enjoy even the little wins in life.

@whynot16384 Ай бұрын

what about trickle heating overnight to keep it somewhat up with only a few degree drop... Then the % on the batteries will go up.. Or propane trickle.. ??

@larrycaraccio5200 Ай бұрын

Thanks for the video!

@spoonsix4984 Ай бұрын

Loving the homestead videos Eric!

@Integratedcraig Ай бұрын

Great work Eric. Keep the accomplishments going, one day and one doubter at a time!

@yxcvmk Ай бұрын

In this scenario I would go with a heat-pump, should give 1:3 at least, AND a rocket stove design if more power is required. However: Is it worth it? All needs to come down when freezing...

@beltex63 Ай бұрын

You should try butterflying your chicken drumsticks next time. They cook faster and flavor is even better when grilled.

@RVRebelGirl Ай бұрын

i like heated pool Ausia found glass windows at a resale or habitat store don't remember but she put them around her sitting area to block wind snd it looks real nice

@davidd3347 Ай бұрын

15:44, more please!

@sunnyalways68 Ай бұрын

Happy Birthday Eric🎉🎁🥳🎈

@timijen5632 Ай бұрын

Hey Eric, is it possible to insulate around the out side of the hot tub to help keep heat in? Maybe build a deck around it and insulate. Like it would be a place to hold food drinks and such

@teresasue5188 Ай бұрын

Great video

@truenaturestormers2525 Ай бұрын

I can always count you too, give me a smile. Thanks my Man.

@gundy99223 Ай бұрын

Thanks for keeping all your projects, vehicles, and travel down to earth and relatable. Makes what you do informing and entertaining.

@Flipperwi715 Ай бұрын

I once went on a trip to South America, it was hot, we went to visit the hot springs, Let me tell you... Getting into hot springs in hot weather. It was the worst and last thing I wanted to do. I'm in a mental debate on why you want a hot tub in the desert. lol.

@keithDaBest Ай бұрын

Nice to see Dianna visiting with you! Her channel get De-listed again?

@nomadicfanatic Ай бұрын

Unfortunately, yes.

@Lst2ltdwn Ай бұрын

If the tub were to be in the sun with black cover on, it should heat faster. Then some type of awning for day use. Looks good no matter what, just to bad your batteries are so low getting there.

@Tatiacha Ай бұрын

that's the downside of the shade is the sun would really help get it hot and keep it hot during the day but then you would have to rig up shade when you wanted shade

@Daleboy16 Ай бұрын

I am looking forward to seeing it when you add the tv

@louparry7721 Ай бұрын

Hi Eric, you did it! The ambiance is so nice. Nice to see Diana. Enjoy your summer, your friend, Louise

@Heidishereandthere Ай бұрын

Who wants a hot tub in the heat of summer anyway.

@thatdudeinblack8707 Ай бұрын

right lol, btw whats up lol

@steviebboy69 Ай бұрын

It would be nice here right now today got to 12.C but a few more days and I see a 20 pity it didn't stay like that but its now just gone winter here.

@Mike-01234 Ай бұрын

About 10% or less humidity cools down fast after dark when you would use it.

@gthornton3 Ай бұрын

Eric you put your mind to something and it happens. Wtg 🎉HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY 🎉

@jpenzky Ай бұрын

Since the wind is low at night. How about some sort of wood fired water circulation? I'm sure a small pump can run all night.

@georgiacorey954 Ай бұрын

I love it! Your place is now "Tator Land Resort" complete with hot tub & outdoor theater.

@rmpruitt228 Ай бұрын

Just needs a putt putt course!

@georgiacorey954 Ай бұрын

@@rmpruitt228 lol or Frisbee golf may be easier.

@Dave-zj1zj Ай бұрын

Happy Birthday, Eric. And many more to come

@CIBERXGAMING Ай бұрын

is there some way you can super insulate the entire hottub? like something similar to a heated blanket?

@beetlebailey3751 Ай бұрын

Have you thought about a separate stainless steel garbage can,put in 3 holes 1 towards the top and 1 near the bottom connect 3/4 inch copper tubing. Bottom of can 10 feet away a decent size coil lite a fire inside coil heat water feed hot tub and pump cool water from bottom of tub back into the can

@texaslonestarrider Ай бұрын

Congrats! Looks Nice!

@joannewinters9616 Ай бұрын

❤ you did it Eric❤ That was so nice of Kevin and the gang to surprise you with a party Hope you have a very happy birthday week Happy happy birthday Eric ❤

@gailsfoodandstuff Ай бұрын

i love a hotter hot tub (like you do) but the hubby likes it too cool so we always fuss with each other if we go somewhere that has one, lol.

@jeanchase9683 Ай бұрын

In the heat of summer you may just enjoy the Heated pool

@1966spyderco Ай бұрын

Life is a journey. Eric is living his dream. I don't agree with some things he does but I enjoy the overall content and the people he associates with. I think that matters the most. Good friends and support. Cheers buddy

@charleneheiland8803 Ай бұрын

Thank you for the positive reply. Agree greatly with you. 😉

@dianesilverstein6475 Ай бұрын

Your heated pool is pretty sweet! Enjoy!!

@TheWoodsOnline Ай бұрын

What did it end up dropping your batteries to on the last day? Did it get down to 17% or was it higher?

@leesmith9299 Ай бұрын

8:08 correct. don't let anyone tell you it's earth that moves.

@miller4057 Ай бұрын

I think some wind block would help tremendously!!!

@Rafamantra Ай бұрын

Awesome... love it!

@simonlawson2772 Ай бұрын

Pretty neat! Over the 3 days it was heating the tub, did your battery bank get back up to 100%?

@g1smo207 Ай бұрын

add sand bags around it for insulation, and extra seating..

@alexameredith7905 Ай бұрын

Wow. Wish I were soaking in the solar hot tub 🛀 🌞. Fun video!!

@jaseb3816 Ай бұрын

I know you don’t necessarily like using the generator, but it could be a good option if you want to use it as a hot tub instead of a heated pool or to keep it hot overnight

@comndo95231 Ай бұрын

I use a propane tankless heater and a pump to heat mine. Electric maintains it to 80 and i use propane to bring it to 104 and it does it in about 1 hr if that.

@xDoomsdayx Ай бұрын

and if you were to combine a few of those heating solutions together, you would get it hotter faster. the problem with those type of hot tubs, I had one, the AIR your injecting lowers the temp to quickly, so of your doing that in the evening where your not getting any solar, it's going to drop down to ambient temp. a real hot tub had insulation and is made to retain heat. you might want to think about getting a real hot tub where the air injection is recirculated and not pulled out of the air. I think you would be much happier with that.

@PriscillaLivesHere Ай бұрын

Well done, king! Also, mooooore Diana!!! We love her!!

@louissantoscoy6461 Ай бұрын

You can all your buddies in that tub and call it "group ther-a-pee 😂

@Crapos Ай бұрын

rocket heater with a water jacket just for the evenings in line with your regular system .. good luck its working well how it is

@kendallparish5611 Ай бұрын

A suggestion to make things even better -- put and AC timer on the pool heater - ON during the day and ON/OFF cycles at night so you only drop 5 to 7 degrees instead of 10. The timer can also be used to have the pool hot when you're most likely to use it.

@nomadicfanatic Ай бұрын

But that would turn off the filter/pump as well.

@kendallparish5611 Ай бұрын

@@nomadicfanatic that's true - now it's getting complicated - you would have to split out the circuit - looks like you're enjoying your tub regardless - the folding electric bike you were given is really cool - take it with tracker camping.