Great idea!

I too like finding usuable things others are tossing away. Years ago, I found an old hot tub up at our dump. My husband at the time thought I was crazy, but other then buying a little tube of aquarium sealant and a bathtub plug or two, it was free. Of course he and my son didn't enjoy digging the hole for it.. Has lasted years and allows the turtles to dive deep. I doubt it even freezes all the way down in the winter.

where do you live to get that cold?

I live in Nebraska. Not sure how deep the freezing actually goes down. I have six turtles (two RES females and the other four are paints). [Just want to add that this is the only pool or enclosure where I keep more then one type of animal. As a rule, I want everything in with only it's own kind or alone.] I allow them to winter outside naturally and I know some choose the bottom of the tub, while others go to the ground surrounding it. I also keep fish in it year round. The first few years I tried to keep it thawed with a horse tank heater. A couple of years later, the heater went out during a very cold snap and the pool froze. When the spring thaws came, all the turtles and fish were still alive, so since then I let it go natural.

yea i bet the turtles hiberated and shut down their bodily organs, just like desert tortoises do. do you have any pics of your setup?

Unfortunately, not currently. I am allergic to cameras. I know I do need to break down and get some shots taken.

ive herd it being done.
But never seen it