How to move a hot tub safely and easily

Looking to move your hot tub to a new spot within your home or a completely different location? This guide provides helpful tips and tricks for moving a hot tub yourself. We’ll also cover hot tub disposal options, so be sure to read till the end!

How to move a hot tub by yourself

Keep in mind that when we say “by yourself,” we mean that you will be doing the task on your own without hiring professional movers – but with the help of friends or family members. 

You should not try to lift a hot tub entirely by yourself. Aside from the fact that you’d probably be unsuccessful in your solo attempt, lifting such a heavy item can result in injury.
 

Tips for moving your hot tub 

Our number one tip for moving a hot tub is preparation. Take note of the following:

1. Get enough people for the job 

If you will also be lifting your hot tub, get three to five more carriers to help you. A hot tub can weigh around 200 to 450 kilograms (500 to 1,000 pounds), so make sure you choose your helpers wisely!

2. Prepare the proper hot tub moving equipment 

Using the right tools and equipment can lower the risk of injury while lifting and moving a heavy object like a hot tub.

You’ll need the following:

• 4 pieces of wood 
• Furniture dollies
• Moving straps
• Measuring tape
• Ratchet straps 
• Moving blanket
   

3. Clear your route 

Decide on the direction you’ll be taking to move your hot tub. See to it that it’s clear of any obstacles, such as plants, furniture, and so on. 

Also, measure your hot tub using a measuring tape to know if it will fit through any doors or gates you might need to pass through. 

If your hot tub won’t fit through the door, you have two options: 

• You can try transporting the tub on its side. 
• Or, you can hire a professional door installer to remove your door temporarily and then reinstall it once you’re done moving your tub.

How to move a hot tub a few feet

Whether you need to reposition your hot tub to create more space or get it closer to an electrical outlet, moving it just a few feet can be a tricky task. But with the right tools and careful planning, you can safely move your hot tub.

Here’s the easiest way to move a hot tub:

1. Unplug the power cord of your hot tub. Detach the power cord, but if this is not possible, make sure to secure the cable so it doesn’t get wet or trip the people moving the hot tub. 

2. Drain the water from your hot tub. Unscrew the hot tub drainage spout and then attach a hose to it. You can also use a submersible pump to pump out the water from the tub.

3. Slide the pieces of wood under the hot tub. To do this, have two people at the opposite corners of the tub and lift at the same time. A third person should slide the first wood piece underneath. Repeat the process on the other side of the tub.

4. Place the dolly at the back and front of the tub underneath. You can tie down the hot tub with moving straps for extra security. Then, roll the hot tub to its new location. 

5. Prepare the lumber boards in the new area. Once you arrive at the new location, remove the moving straps.  

6. Slide the hot tub onto the boards. Then, lift the tub and have someone remove the dolly from under it. Lift the tub again on each side to remove both lumber boards from underneath. 

How to transport the tub to another house

Perhaps you’ve purchased a new home or are moving to a different rental property. Or you may be selling your current home, and the buyer has requested that you remove the hot tub.

The moving steps are the same as above, but with the added procedure of loading the hot tub into a moving truck:

1. Measure your hot tub. You will need to rent a moving truck, but before you do that, get the dimensions of your hot tub using a measuring tape. This ensures your hot tub will fit through the entryway of the moving truck.

2. Unplug your hot tub and drain it. If you don’t have a submersible pump, you can use a bucket to scoop out the water. 

3. Slide pieces of wood under the hot tub and insert the dolly. Secure the tub to the dolly with moving straps. Also, cover the hot tub with a moving blanket to protect it from scratches, dings, and other damage that may occur during the move. 

4. Move the hot tub along the loading ramp of the moving truck. You will need around four people to push the tub along the ramp.

5. Roll the hot tub outside via the loading ramp when you reach your destination. Make sure to have around four people supporting the tub on all sides as it rolls on the ramp.

6. Move the tub to its new location, ensuring the wooden boards have already been laid out. Remove the moving straps, slide the tub onto the boards, and lift the tub to remove the dolly. Lastly, lift the tub on each side to remove the lumber boards from under.
    

☞ Also read: How to keep your hot tub clean

How to dispose of a hot tub

Now, how do you get rid of an old hot tub that’s no longer usable so you can clear up space in your home? You can consider these options:

Sell or donate 

Disposing of your hot tub isn’t the most environmentally-friendly option. So, we recommend selling your old hot tub (if it’s still working or repairable) to online marketplaces or donating it to a local charity. 
 

Trade it in

If you plan to buy a new hot tub, check if your local dealer has a trade-in promotion. You might get a discount on your new hot tub by trading in your old one.
 

Hire a removal service

Contacting your local waste management service or hiring removal services is another way to get rid of a hot tub. This is also an opportunity to dispose of your other unusable items.

If your hot tub has been non-functional for a while, but you still want to save it, you can consider hot tub repair services.

Move a hot tub without fuss

Transporting a hot tub can be less daunting once you know the procedure and tips to keep in mind. However, if you want to completely avoid the hassle and risks, it’s best to leave it to the experts.

Airtasker can connect you with rated and reviewed hot tub removal services near you. Simply post a task and wait for qualified movers to send you quotes; you can also check out this guide to hot tub removal costs.