Okay, so picture this: It’s Michigan. It’s snowing. My kids are bouncing off the walls. I’m staring at two giant plastic storage totes wondering, “Could this be… a spa?”
Answer: Yes. Yes, it could.
Let me walk you through how I created a budget-friendly, kid-approved, snow-surrounded hot tub experience using stuff I already had around the house. If you’re into fun hacks, cozy memories, and a little backyard science, this post is for you.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 large plastic storage totes (strong ones that can hold water + kids)
- Hot water (from your tap or a big pot on the stove)
- Towels
- Swimsuits
- Snow (optional but highly recommended for that frosty vibe)
- Kids (or grownups who love a good soak)
How It Works:
- Fill the bins with hot water.
Don’t go full dragon’s breath—make sure it’s a safe, comfortable temperature for kids. I waited until it cooled just enough to be soothing. - Set the bins outside.
Ours sat right on the snow in the backyard. It looked hilarious, which only made it better. - Pack snow around the bins.
This is the secret sauce! Snow is a surprisingly good insulator. It keeps the warm water from losing heat too fast. Plus, it makes the whole setup look very Scandinavian spa meets suburban survival. - Let the kids climb in.
Add some laughter, hot cocoa, and maybe some tunes, and you’ve got the ultimate snow-day upgrade.
Why It Actually Works (Science-ish Edition):
Water holds heat way better than air. And snow, while cold, traps air in its structure, acting like a fluffy insulating blanket. So by surrounding your bins with snow, you’re basically using Mother Nature’s version of a thermos. That warm water stays cozy for hours—even when you’re sitting in a winter wonderland.
Bonus Tips:
- Put towels in the dryer so they’re warm when the kids hop out.
- Add glow sticks or waterproof LED lights for nighttime fun.
- Keep extra hot water on hand in case you want to top it off.
No, it’s not a five-star spa. Yes, it’s two storage bins in the snow. But also yes: it was pure magic. The kids still talk about it. It’s one of those memories that sticks—not because it was fancy, but because it was unexpected and full of joy.
So next snow day, before you scroll TikTok for crafts you’ll never finish… just grab a tote and make a hot tub.
Trust me, the best family memories are often the weirdest ones.