Furniture dolly (or multiple furniture dollies, depending on size)
Moving straps
Moving blankets
Towel
Attachable hose
SUPPLIES
Pressure-treated lumber
Being able to look up at the stars and soak away tension in your backyard hot tub is a goal for many homeowners. It sounds like heaven, right? Learning how to move a hot tub is essential before moving to a new home or redesigning your backyard.
To transport this heavy and bulky item, you’ll need to take steps to move it safely or hire local movers who can help. While it’s possible to move your hot tub with the help of a few other people, the safest option is to hire a professional moving service to avoid personal or property damage. If you’re sticking to the DIY option, learn how to transport your hot tub safely in this nine-step guide.
Drain Your Hot Tub
At least 24 hours before your scheduled move, drain the water in your hot tub. To complete this step, you’ll need to unplug your unit and then attach a hose to the drainage spout (located at the bottom). Place the other end of the hose in a level area of your yard that’s at least 10 to 15 feet away from your foundation and has good drainage.
Once you remove the water, close the drainage spout. If possible, drain it during a sunny day so your tub can dry before it’s time to move.
Plan Your Route Ahead of Time
Along with draining the tub ahead of time, the key to moving a hot tub safely is mapping out the route to the moving vehicle.
Take time to measure the dimensions of your tub, the distance you need to travel, and which path you will take. Remove any obstacles that could make it difficult or dangerous to move a heavy object. In general, coming up with a list of trouble spots is recommended when working with movers. Your moving company may also want to know how much your tub weighs. Most unfilled tubs weigh between 500 and 1,000 pounds.
After mapping out your course, you might find that disassembly of your hot tub is necessary. Read your instruction manual carefully or ask a professional for help with this process.
Remove Your Hot Tub Cover and Store Separately
Hot tub covers can weigh anywhere from 50 to 70 pounds, so it’ll make life easier if this item travels separately to its destination. They’re bulky, and you won’t have to worry about it falling off in transit. If your hot tub cover is going into the moving truck, wrap it in a moving blanket to avoid scratches or damage.
Wipe Down the Inside of Your Hot Tub
Before you begin the lifting process, give the inside of your hot tub a quick wipe down with a clean towel or rag. Remove any moisture you can, especially if you’re moving your whole house and the tub will travel alongside other possessions in the moving truck.
If there are any pools of water left in the bottom, reopen the drainage valve and gently tilt the hot tub to help remove it. Have a friend or family member help you complete this step.
Place Your Hot Tub on Pressure-Treated Lumber
At this point, you’ll need to recruit the help of a third friend or family member (fourth if possible). Together, carefully lift your hot tub and place it on two pieces of pressure-treated lumber to create space beneath it. Two people can lift the empty hot tub, while one person slides the slats of wood underneath it.
Keep in mind that the cost to hire movers can be as low as $240. So if you’re struggling to find people to help you move this heavy item, you may be able to justify the pro mover costs to protect your hot tub.
Load the Hot Tub Onto the Dolly
Place your dolly (or dollies) underneath the hot tub. Use tie straps to secure the hot tub onto the wheeled device, and then gently roll your unit toward the moving truck or its new destination.
You’ll want to have one person on each side of the hot tub while you move it. The cost to repair a hot tub is $324 on average, so a slip-up could be costly. Moving insurance is recommended to avoid these sorts of expensive repairs.
Secure Your Hot Tub Inside the Moving Truck
If your hot tub is going in a moving truck, carefully roll it up the ramp with the help of your partners, and then tie it down with ratchet straps. Ideally, you’ll be able to keep the dolly underneath for the duration of the drive. If you need to remove the dolly (and have space to do so inside the truck), position your tub against the back wall and secure it.
Carefully Unload Your Hot Tub
Repeat the steps listed above in reverse order. Unload the hot tub with the help of friends or moving professionals, and carefully move it into its new position. Ensure the drainage valve is shut. Check for any damage that may have occurred during transit.
If you’re installing the hot tub on a second-story deck, you’ll need professional help with the unloading process. First, ensure that your deck is reinforced or strong enough to hold the weight of the hot tub. If so, the movers will move forward by lifting the tub onto the upper deck with a winch, crane, or, in rare cases, a helicopter. Luckily, many crane companies offer this service, and you’ll need to ensure that the overhead access is clear of trees, power lines, or other obstacles. Consult your moving service about scheduling a second-story hot tub installation.
Get Your Hot Tub Ready for Use Again
Photo: Hero Images / Adobe Stock
Plug your device in, and then refill it with water and treat it with chemicals per manufacturer instructions. This information can be found in the manual that came with your machine or online.
DIY vs Hiring a Pro
While it’s possible to move a hot tub successfully with the help of a few other people, we highly recommend hiring a team of professional movers to complete the job. It’s risky to transport such a heavy, bulky, and valuable item on your own, so it’s typically worth the cost of hiring movers to ensure it relocates safely.
The cost of removing a hot tub ranges from $150 to $650, depending on the home location and hot tub size. If you aren’t moving the hot tub to a new spot but getting rid of it altogether, you can expect to pay $300 to $600 for junk removal costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hot tubs are very difficult to transport to a different location. For reference, a standard hot tub weighs about 800 pounds. This job requires several people, plus the necessary equipment and safety measures to ensure a safe delivery. That’s why it’s usually best to leave it to a team of moving professionals.
It’s not possible for a single person to move a hot tub. However, it’s possible for a small team of people to move a hot tub with the right skills and equipment. When hiring a moving team for this job, be sure to specify the size and weight of the item to ensure that they send several professionals to take care of the task.
It’s possible to move a hot tub on its side or base as long as it fits snugly in the moving truck, with plenty of padding around it. This moving method requires specialized equipment and careful planning, like moving straps, dollies, and moving blankets.
Ben is a writer, media strategist, and DIY enthusiast. A former teacher, he's written two books and published articles on major publications like Business Insider and Elite Daily. He lives in Denver.
Ben is a writer, media strategist, and DIY enthusiast. A former teacher, he's written two books and published articles on major publications like Business Insider and Elite Daily. He lives in Denver.
The homeowners guide to Pool Sales Construction and Installation
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
