Removing a hot tub costs anywhere from $150 to $800, but the average homeowner spends $400 for this work.
If your unused or broken hot tub is taking up valuable space, you’ll need to call in the pros to remove and dispose of it so you can reclaim that square footage. The average cost to remove a hot tub is $150 to $800, and most homeowners pay around $400.
While local junk removal companies are capable of removing and disposing of a hot tub and hot tub movers can remove and relocate it, some details will cost you more. Take a look at the factors that tip the price of removing a hot tub.
Hot tubs are large and heavy, so the cost and method of removal depend on their size and weight. Some hot tub movers charge by the hour; the simple math is that a jumbo tub requires more time. Consider using hot tub repair to save money if you have a large indoor hot tub that will require lots of fanfare to get through doorways and stairs. Sometimes, repairing is a cheaper option than removing and buying a new hot tub.
Removing an in-ground hot tub requires drilling, sawing, and a lot of extra time, so they cost more to remove than freestanding units. This kind of removal takes specialized skill—especially if you want to keep the surrounding walls or tiles intact, and your pros will charge more for the work.
| Type of Hot Tub | Average Removal Cost |
|---|---|
| Inflatable | $120-–$300 |
| Above-ground | $250–$500 |
| In-ground | $400–$1100 |
Consider how easy it is to access and dispose of your hot tub. Is it up a flight of stairs or through a narrow hallway? How many people are required to carry it? Is it outdoors, or do you need a crane to pull it out the window? The more complicated the removal, the higher the cost. Many movers tack on extra "stairs" fees totaling $100 to $125 per job.
Are you keeping your hot tub to sell or moving it to a new location on your property? That may increase the removal cost since your pro must keep the unit in perfect condition. They’ll have to move slower and use extra caution to prevent damage. If you’re throwing your hot tub away, labor can be less intensive and less costly.
Large pieces like hot tubs come with a cost of disposal. If you hire a junk removal service for the removal, they should include disposal costs in their price, but it’s wise to double-check how much you’re charged for removal beforehand to avoid surprises. The cost of junk removal, particularly for a hot tub, ranges from $200 to $600 on average.
Most junk removal companies will include labor in a flat-fee rate for hot tub removal, but hot tub moving companies often charge by the hour for labor. Labor will cost you $100 to $200 per hour, and removal may take several hours.
While tipping junk haulers is optional, you can show your appreciation for exceptional service with 10% to 20% of the total cost or $10 to $20 per worker. Some companies may have guidelines regarding tips, so check with the company about their tipping policy.
A permit may be required to remove your hot tub—check to ensure you’re following all necessary regulations. Permit costs vary widely and can range from $50 to $500, depending on location and what work needs to be done to remove the hot tub.
If you’re removing your hot tub entirely and disposing of it, you can expect to pay between $150 and $800. But if you’re relocating a hot tub to a different place within the same property, the price tag can be much lower (especially if no stairs or tight spaces are involved). For hot tub relocation on your own property, you can expect to pay just $150 to $200 and see the job done within an hour or two, but expect a charge of at least $350 to relocate to a new house.
| Relocation Cost Factor | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Transportation | $350 |
| New Connection | $85–$210 |
| Leveling | $1–$12 per cubic yard |
| Repairs | $160–$530 |
Removing a hot tub on your own is essentially free—if you don't factor in the time required. However, whether or not you have the necessary experience and how your tub is installed will influence whether you need a professional.
Most hot tubs are freestanding and can be removed without damaging the foundation. However, if the hot tub is secured by concrete, you can carefully remove it using tools like a pickaxe and sledgehammer. You'll still need to pay for junk removal or a dumpster rental.
If you plan to reuse the tub in a new location, bring in a local professional plumber to handle disconnecting the water lines so you don't cause damage. If your tub was secured in concrete, trying to cut it out without experience can damage the tub beyond repair.
Once you decide to invest in hot tub removal, there might be other expenses or add-ons you’ll incur, such as:
Stair transport cost ($100–$125 per hour): Depending on where your hot tub is located, it may need to be lifted and transported up or down stairs. Since this likely requires additional labor and specialized equipment, you should budget for this cost. Many contractors will increase hourly rates if your hot tub removal involves stairs.
Landscaping cost ($1,249–$6,071): After your hot tub is removed, you might want to spruce up your outdoor space with new landscaping. This is particularly true if the removal process warrants the need for excavation and leveling. The cost of landscaping varies greatly and depends on a number of factors, such as the complexity of your project and the materials you choose.
Eco-friendly junk removal cost ($133–$372): If you’re environmentally conscious, you might pay extra for a sustainable disposal service. This will require the company or contractor to take extra steps and recycle as much of your hot tub as they can so they can repurpose or reuse it. Most junk removal companies will give you a free quote in advance so you can budget accordingly.
Hot tub removal and disposal is usually a job best left to the pros, since these tubs can weigh 1,000 pounds or more, but there are still ways you can save on hot tub removal costs. If your hot tub is in working condition, you may be able to sell or donate it to offset or reduce removal costs.
A scrap or salvage service may be willing to take a hot tub off your hands for its components—call around to find a local service. A junk removal service can also take other unwanted items when they pick up your hot tub. These companies often charge by the load, so it can be cost-effective to add other items to the truck for disposal at the same time.
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Most companies that haul away old hot tubs build the cost of disposal into the price. However, there's no guarantee. Always ask for confirmation before agreeing to an estimate. If the removal company does not also dispose of the hot tub, you will need to rent a dumpster or hire a local junk hauling service.
When disposing of a hot tub on your own, you'll need to cut it into small pieces that are approved by your local landfill using a reciprocating saw. You can also consider listing the hot tub for free to anyone who wants to come haul it away from your property.
Moving a hot tub is worth it if you are unable to enjoy your soaking experience. After all, what’s the point of owning and maintaining a perfectly good hot tub if you aren’t comfortable using it? But if your hot tub is past its prime, and you’ve been thinking about upgrading to a newer or bigger model, it may not be worth it to simply move your old one. Instead, you’re better off buying a new hot tub and having it installed in your ideal location.
