How to move a hot tub: A step-by-step guide
By Derrick Maroko•Last updated Aug 31, 2022
Last updated Aug 31, 2022
Table of Contents
- Step 1: Gather tools, equipment and helpers.
- Step 2: Prepare your moving truck.
- Step 3: Analyze the surrounding area and map out a route.
- Step 4: Unplug the hot tub.
- Step 5: Drain the hot tub and dry it.
- Step 6: Place wooden boards below the hot tub.
- Step 7: Strap the hot tub onto the dollies.
- Step 8: Roll the hot tub and load it into the truck.
- How to avoid hurting yourself when moving a hot tub
- Tips to protect your hot tub from damage
- DIY vs. hiring a pro to move your hot tub
- Hire a pro on Thumbtack to move your hot tub today
- FAQs
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Are you planning to move your spa or hot tub from your current home to your new residence? Or, perhaps you’re in the process of re-doing your backyard landscaping and you want to place your hot tub somewhere else? Whatever the case may be, relocating your hot tub yourself for the first time can be challenging.
That’s why we put together this step-by-step guide to help you out. And don’t worry — if the task is a bit too big for you, you can always hire a professional hot tub mover near you.
A hot tub is heavy and takes more than one person to move. You need a plan and a process to get it from your old home to your new one. Here are some easy hot tub moving steps to follow:
Step 1: Gather tools, equipment and helpers.
Trust us: you’ll need help to move your hot tub. This is not a one-person job. Ask friends or hire moving labor to help with holding, lifting and carrying. Having four people is ideal so there’s one person on each side.
You also need the right equipment before you start. Certain tools will make it easier to lift the hot tub from its current spot and place it in a new one. Here’s what you’ll need to move your hot tub into your new home:
- A moving truck. You need a truck large enough to carry the hot tub from your old home to your new one. With a rough idea of your hot tub’s size, a rental truck company can help you choose the right truck.
- Moving blankets. Protect your hot tub in the truck by covering it with large moving blankets to avoid scratches, scuffs and dings during transit.
- Moving and lifting straps. Use these straps to lift the heavy tub, then tie and secure it to your truck.
- Furniture dollies. Once your hot tub is off the floor and dry, move it onto a furniture dolly.
- Several wooden boards. Wooden pieces, usually plywood, help you prop up the hot tub and create a smooth surface for sliding it onto the dolly.
- A pump, drainage hose or garden hose. You need to drain all the water from your hot tub before you move it. For example, you can connect a garden hose to the drainage valve or spout.
- A wet-dry vacuum. Once the water is drained, dry-clean the hot tub with a wet-dry vac. This vacuum separates water from dirt and helps remove any water and dust stuck on the floor of the tub.
- Hot tub cleaning supplies. Depending on your hot tub’s condition, you may want to clean it after you’ve moved it to your new home.
Of course, if you don’t have the helpers and equipment you need, you can hire a professional mover near you. They should have the tools and manpower needed to get the job done.
Step 2: Prepare your moving truck.
Reserve a rental truck you can use to transport the hot tub to your new place. Make sure the truck is big enough for your hot tub. Take measurements if needed.
Step 3: Analyze the surrounding area and map out a route.
Take note of the area around your hot tub to avoid damaging it while moving. Ask yourself, “What is the easiest way to move it without hitting structures or tripping over obstructions on the ground?”
Also, understand the layout of your new home and backyard. Is your yard gate wide enough for the hot tub? Will you encounter steps, hills or other obstacles when moving it from the front of your house into the back? Can you drive your moving truck close to, or into, your backyard without damaging your grass or pavement? Map out your route in advance to avoid potential roadblocks.
Step 4: Unplug the hot tub.
Switch off any electricity connected to your hot tub, and unplug it from its energy source. Do this before draining the water to avoid power surges, shocks and other accidents. Secure any power cords so no one trips over them during the move.
Step 5: Drain the hot tub and dry it.
This step can be daunting, but it’s important. The last thing you want is to move your hot tub when it’s full of water. That makes it heavy and dangerous. Use a pump or hose to drain the hot tub a day or two before you move. Also, decide where to drain it. If you can empty the water into a gutter, you’ll avoid messing up your grass.
After draining the tub, you may decide to clean it. Whether or not you do, dry it with a wet-dry vac before you move it.
Step 6: Place wooden boards below the hot tub.
At this point, you and your helpers are almost ready to start lifting and moving your hot tub. First, hold the hot tub on its sides, lift it slightly and place the wooden pieces underneath. Once the tub is propped up, you can slide your dollies underneath and prepare it for transport.
Note that you can keep the tub flat on the dollies if your passageway is wide enough. But if the passage is too narrow, you may want to turn the hot tub on its side.
Step 7: Strap the hot tub onto the dollies.
After you’ve slid the dollies under the hot tub, make sure they’re positioned at the front and back of the tub. Then remove the wooden boards and strap the hot tub to the dollies to keep it stable.
Step 8: Roll the hot tub and load it into the truck.
With the hot tub tightly secured to the dollies, slowly roll it toward the truck’s ramp. Make sure your helpers are holding tight and taking careful steps. Once you’re at the moving truck, your helpers should move inside to pull it in while others push from the back. Cover your hot tub with a moving blanket for added protection.
You can now drive to your new location and unload the hot tub slowly at its new home.
How to avoid hurting yourself when moving a hot tub
Moving a hot tub can be risky if you’re not careful. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
- Always disconnect the power supply. Switch off and unplug any energy connection.
- Drain all the water in the tub. This reduces the overall weight of your hot tub and helps avoid extra carrying. Dry it to help prevent slips and falls.
- Ask for help. Avoid throwing out your back by having extra hands help with the lifting and loading.
Tips to protect your hot tub from damage
Here are some tips to avoid damaging your hot tub while moving it:
- Unplug any connections to your tub, like pipes, a hot tub cover and cords. Remove them carefully and store them neatly.
- Drain, clean and dry-vac your tub to remove stains from the floor and interior.
- Flip it on its side when going downstairs and through narrow passageways. With help from your helpers, lift and move the tub onto its side for easier moving.
- Move slowly when placing the tub on the dollies, rolling it and unloading it. Avoid dropping the tub harshly on its new floor.
- Use moving blankets. Covering your hot tub with moving blankets can help protect it from damage while you drive it to your new home.
DIY vs. hiring a pro to move your hot tub
Moving your tub yourself is gratifying. Still, you can also consider hiring a pro to do it for you. Before you decide, keep a few things in mind. Here are some considerations when debating between hiring a pro and DIY-ing this task:
- The cost. Research the average cost of hiring a hot tub mover in your area. For a more accurate cost, get estimates from at least three local pros. Also ask how they calculate their fees, whether there is a flat fee or hourly fee, and what factors may affect the final cost.
- Your time. Moving your spa to a new home may take a lot of time during the day. If you don’t have the time, hiring a pro may be worth the cost.
- Access to tools. Do you already own the tools required to move your hot tub? If not, are you willing to spend money to buy or rent them? Depending on those costs, you may want to hire a hot tub mover instead.
- Free labor. Even if you decide to move the spa yourself, you will need at least two people, ideally four, to help with the move. Will you be able to get people to help for free, or cheaply? If not, hire a pro.
- Obstacles in your old and new home. If it’s your first time moving a hot tub, it can be a daunting task. You could plan for the whole moving process yourself, but a pro likely has experience with the situations that may come up in both your old and new homes. They may also have the creativity to handle unexpected issues while moving your hot tub.
Hire a pro on Thumbtack to move your hot tub today
If you don’t have the right tools, a few helping hands or the time to move your hot tub, you have another option: hire a professional hot tub mover.
For many hot tub owners, this option can be easier, faster and more convenient than moving a hot tub on your own. Use Thumbtack to compare hot tub movers near you, read customer reviews and ask for price quotes. Get started today.
FAQs
Is it easy to move a hot tub?
It can be easy to move a hot tub as long as you understand the process and have the necessary tools. If you don’t, you’re better off hiring a professional instead.
Can you put a hot tub on its side to move it?
Yes, you can put a hot tub on its side to move it. This is recommended when going downstairs and navigating a narrow passageway. However, you’ll need the help of two or more people to lift the hot tub onto its side.
How heavy is an empty hot tub?
The weight of an empty hot tub depends on its size, model and manufacturer. For example, some hot tubs may weigh around 400-900 pounds when empty. Check your manufacturer’s website or guide to find out how much your hot tub weighs when it’s empty.
How much does a 7x7 hot tub weigh?
There is no set standard for how much a hot tub weighs. In most cases, you can expect a 7-by-7 hot tub to weigh several hundred pounds when empty and up to several thousand pounds when filled with water and/or people.
How much does an 8x8 hot tub weigh?
There is no set standard for how much a hot tub weighs. In most cases, you can expect an 8-by-8 hot tub to weigh several hundred pounds when empty and up to several thousand pounds when filled with water and/or people.
How do you move a hot tub over grass?
To move a hot tub over grass, use wooden boards and a cart or dolly. Get help lifting the tub onto the boards and cart or dolly, then pull it over the grass.
How do you lift a hot tub over a fence?
Depending on the hot tub’s weight, you may be able to lift it over a fence with several helping hands. However, you may also want to use a crane. When in doubt, ask a professional hot tub mover near you if they can lift your hot tub over a fence.
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