How To Move a Hot Tub or Hire a Professional for Disposal
Moving a hot tub isn’t your average weekend project. These heavy-duty backyard fixtures weigh anywhere from 500 to 950 pounds when they’re empty — and that’s before you even factor in the awkward shape and delicate pipes.
Whether a backyard upgrade’s on your mind or you’re selling your house, moving a spa successfully comes down to a few things: proper preparation, the right equipment, and a solid strategy for getting from point A to point B.
Before you lift one edge yourself or hire a moving company, read our guide on how to move a hot tub.
What To Consider Before Disposing of or Moving a Hot Tub
When you’re prepping to move your hot tub, keep these essential factors in mind.
Size and Weight
Your hot tub is deceptively heavy—we guarantee it. Even small, two-person models weigh around 400 pounds when empty. Large, six-person spas can weigh over 900 pounds. And some luxury models weigh even more than that.
You need to know how much your hot tub weighs and its dimensions. This determines what kind of dolly and how many people you need for the job.
Access and Location
The route between your hot tub’s current and new locations matters. Walk the path and look for obstacles that could block a dolly or force a sharp turn. Measure your gates, stairs, and hallway clearances, and consider the different types of surfaces you must cross.
Time and Manpower
Moving a hot tub takes substantial time and several people. You have to drain the tub, which requires a few hours even with a hose or pump. Most moves require four to six people to accomplish safely, and the process itself is delicate and lengthy.
You’ll also need to prepare the hot tub’s new location and reconnect everything when you reposition it. Our recommendation? Plan for an entire day, and if you’re done early, you’ve earned some extra time to relax.
How Hard Is It To Move a Hot Tub?
Moving a hot tub is a serious challenge, and you need to decide whether to do it yourself (DIY) or bring in professionals.
If you go the DIY route, you have to rent equipment like a dolly, moving straps, and padding. This could set you back between $200.00 and $400.00. You also have to rent a truck or a trailer, which can cost up to a few thousand dollars if you need a large truck and are traveling a long distance. You’ll also need to recruit a handful of strong volunteers and—chances are—spend an entire day on the project.
According to recent industry data, hiring professional hot tub movers costs between $300.00 and $1,200.00. This includes skilled hourly labor and specialized equipment. Professional movers have the experience to expertly maneuver a large spa where it needs to go and complete the job quickly.
When you go the DIY route, you might end up damaging your spa. Common issues from improper moves include cracked shells, broken jets, and damaged pipes due to inexperienced movers.
Reputable moving companies carry insurance for these types of moves, which your homeowner’s policy likely won’t cover. This coverage protects your expensive investment if something goes wrong.
Essential Equipment for Transporting a Hot Tub
When you’re moving any heavy furniture, whether it’s a hot tub or a pool table, the right equipment makes all the difference. For spas, professional movers use gear specifically designed to handle heavy, awkward loads:
- Furniture dollies: You need two heavy-duty furniture dollies with four wheels for hot tub transportation. Each should be rated for at least 1,000 pounds. You can also use specialized spa dollies.
- Straps and tie-downs: Straps and tie-downs secure the hot tub during transportation, keeping it from slipping or tipping. They’re also used for lifting the spa onto the dollies.
- Protective coverings: Moving blankets and corner guards protect your hot tub from scratches and other damage. Proper padding protects the exposed surfaces that are the most vulnerable to impact.
- Ramp or lift: A moving ramp is essential for getting the hot tub into the truck or trailer. You can also use a hydraulic lift to load the spa safely.
- Trailer or truck: A moving truck or trailer provides a stable platform for transporting the hot tub to its new location.
The Best Way To Move a Hot Tub: Step-By-Step Guide
Follow these six steps to relocate your spa.
1. Make a Plan
Consider your hot tub’s size, shape, and weight. Measure any spaces you’ll have to pass through like gates and doorways, and clear obstacles from the path to the moving truck.
Look up the manufacturer’s details so you know whether the spa runs on a connection or plugs into an outlet. Make sure to note the location of the control panel and access door.
2. Disconnect the Power
Safety is the most important part of moving your hot tub. Hire a licensed electrician to switch off the power at the main circuit breaker and disconnect the hot tub’s power supply. You’ll also need their help reconnecting the spa at the new location.
If your hot tub is a “plug-and-play” unit powered by a wall outlet, you can skip this step. Just unplug it and secure the cord.
3. Prepare the Hot Tub
Remove the hot tub cover and drain the water using the built-in drain valve, hose, or a pump. Leaving even a small amount of water sloshing around can damage the pipes.
Clean and dry the spa after you drain it. Store the cover and any other detached components separately so nothing gets crushed on moving day.
4. Lift the Hot Tub
Position your movers around the hot tub and use straps to lift one side. Slide two plywood boards underneath it, and lower it gently. Repeat on the opposite side, and once the entire hot tub rests on the plywood, slide the furniture dollies underneath.
5. Move the Hot Tub To the Moving Truck
Slowly and carefully roll the furniture dollies to the trailer or truck. Never drag your hot tub on the ground because this can damage the cabinet and pipes. Avoid sharp turns and use a ramp or a lift to get the tub safely off the ground and inside. Once your hot tub sits in the truck or trailer, secure it with ratchet straps and cover it with moving blankets to prevent any damage.
6. Move, Unload, and Install the Hot Tub
Drive the hot tub to the new location, unhook the straps, and remove the blankets. Roll the spa off the vehicle carefully onto the furniture dollies, and roll it to its new spot. Once it's positioned on level ground, reconnect the power and hoses. Refill the spa and check for leaks around each pipe. Replace the hot tub cover once you complete the setup.
Hire College HUNKS for Hot Tub Removal
Moving a hot tub takes more than just muscle, whether it’s going to a new home or location on your property or heading to a facility for disposal. You need a plan, the right equipment, and at least a few helpers.
If you’re moving your hot tub to a new location, you may want to hire professionals who specialize in this type of work. If you simply want to remove it for disposable, trust the team that does this every day: College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving. We bring the strength, know-how, and gear to handle the hard work of getting rid of your hot tub safely. And our prices are transparent. Request a free estimate today.
FAQ
Can You Move a Hot Tub On Its Side?
Moving a hot tub on its side is a common method if you need to fit it through tight spaces. Use plywood sheets and furniture dollies to protect the shell. Tip the spa on the opposite side of its pumps and heater to avoid damage.
How Can I Lift a Hot Tub With a Forklift?
You can use a forklift for hot tub moving, but it’s not always recommended. If you try this method, double-check the forklift’s capacity, and use fork extensions to support the tub. You can also use pallets or plywood boards to prevent the forklift’s tines from coming into direct contact with the spa, which can cause damage.
How Much Does an Empty Hot Tub Weigh?
Most empty hot tubs weigh between 500 and 1,000 pounds. Smaller, two-person tubs may weigh less, while older fiberglass spas can weigh more.