How to Move a Hot Tub: DIY or Hire a Pro? (Pros, Cons, + Tips)

Want to relocate your hot tub? Maybe your wife wants it at the other end of the backyard. Or you’re moving house and want to take your tub with you. Whatever the reason, relocating a hot tub is both simple and difficult.

• It’s simple because the process is easy to understand. Disconnect everything, pick it up, move it, put it down, and then reconnect everything.
• It’s difficult because hot tubs are big and heavy. All the components have to be moved and reconnected carefully to avoid damage.

In this quick guide, we’ll show you how to move a hot tub safely and easily. Before we start, though, it may be worth your time to check for local hot tub movers. They will charge a fee, but it could save you a lot of headaches and insure you against any damages.

How to Move a Hot Tub? Key Takeaways

DIY vs. Professional Hot Tub Moving: Which Is the Best Way?

Deciding how to move a hot tub can feel like a big choice. Should you round up some friends and tackle it yourself, or hire professional hot tub movers? Both options have their perks, but the best way to move a hot tub depends on your budget, timeline, and comfort level with heavy lifting. Let’s break it down to help you choose.

If you’re moving a hot tub across your backyard and have a crew of strong helpers, DIY might work. But for long-distance moves or tricky terrain, professional movers can save you from costly mistakes. Whichever you choose, planning is key to moving hot tubs safely.

Before You Move Your Hot Tub

Let’s cover the things you should do before you move your hot tub. These are simple steps and should be no problem for any hot tub owner.

Check for Damage

Before you start, especially if you are using professional movers, check the hot tub for damage. Photograph anything you can find. If you are moving it on your own, you’ll want to be aware of anything that looks weak or cracked. This will help you protect it along the way. Professional movers may conduct their own inspection. The inspection is your proof that everything looked and worked good before it was moved.

Disconnect and Drain the Hot Tub

Disconnect the power supply and remove the power cord. This should ensure all the hot tub equipment is turned off and avoid damage to the pump.

Use the spa drain valve or a garden hose to fully drain the tub. Most hot tubs have a drain spigot. Just connect the hose and run it to where you want the hot tub water to run off. There will be a lot of water, so plan accordingly! Since it is chlorinated, you might want to avoid draining it into your flower beds.

Once all the water is out, you can disconnect all the plumbing elements. You might need the proper equipment for this, like pipe wrenches and pipe cutters. But it should be pretty straightforward to see what needs to be disconnected.

Package the Hot Tub

You probably won’t fit your hot tub into a giant cardboard box. But there are better options. Here’s a simple way to get it ready for moving:

• Wrap it in a moving blanket to protect the flat surfaces and cabinet from damage.
• Add a piece of lumber, ideally plywood, to each side you’ll need to support. For example, if you will tile the hot tub on its side to move it, add a brace to the bottom side. This will spread the weight of furniture dollies or lifting straps to avoid damage.
• Secure the covers and supporting wood with ratchet straps so nothing moves while you’re moving the hot tub.

If you do these three things, you should have a hot tub that is safe to move and won’t crack when you lift it.

Essential Equipment for Moving Hot Tubs

Moving a hot tub requires the right tools to keep things safe and smooth. Whether you’re handling the move yourself or just want to know what pros use, having the proper equipment makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need for hot tub moving.

• Furniture Dollies: These four-wheeled carts are a must for rolling your hot tub across flat surfaces. Rent or buy heavy-duty ones rated for at least 800 pounds.
• Moving Blankets: Protect the hot tub’s shell and cabinet from scratches or dents during the move.
• Ratchet Straps: Secure the hot tub to dollies or a vehicle to prevent shifting.
• Plywood Sheets: Use these to distribute weight and protect the tub’s sides when tilting or lifting.
• Pipe Wrenches and Cutters: Handy for disconnecting plumbing components safely.

Having these tools ready before you start moving hot tubs ensures you’re prepared for the job. If you’re short on equipment, professional movers typically bring their own, which is another reason to consider hiring them for complex moves.

Moving The Hot Tub

Now that you’re ready to actually move your tub, it’s time to think about how to get it to its final destination safely. We’ve got a simple step-by-step guide for you.

Step 1: Plan your route

You should think about the path the hot tub is going to travel. A few key questions apply to both the starting point and the destination:

• Are there any tight spaces to navigate? If so, measure them and the tub. You don’t want to start moving your tub only to realize it simply won’t fit.
• Will you go up or down stairs or big inclines? Stairs, ramps, and hills are tough to navigate. You can make them much easier by using an appliance dolly with straps. These often have tilting wheels to handle steps.
• How will you get it onto a vehicle? Keep in mind your hot tub’s weight. Some models can weight upwards of 800 pounds completely dry. You’ll want lots of help or a bunch of friends to get any serious lifting done safely.

Step 2: Communicate with your team

“Pivot! Pivot!” Nobody wants to be Ross yelling at Chandler in the corner. Talk with your team of happy volunteers about the route of the tub. Get their ideas for how to negotiate any especially tough sections. Designate someone to be the team talker who will give out instructions.

Step 3: Move that tub!

With all the prep work and communicating done, it’s time to move the tub. Simply pick it up and move it. Go slowly and you shouldn’t have any problems. You’ve done your preparation so you know what’s coming. If you go slowly, you’ll avoid any equipment damage. Those 4-wheeled furniture dollies have a safe speed limit!

When moving a hot tub, safety is everything. Always lift with your legs, not your back, and make sure everyone on the team knows their role. If you’re using dollies, check that they’re rated for the hot tub’s weight—some models can hit 800 pounds or more when dry. For long-distance moves, secure the tub in a truck or trailer with ratchet straps to keep it stable.

How do you move a hot tub through tough spots like narrow gates or steep slopes? Tilt the tub carefully with plywood support and use an appliance dolly with stair-climbing wheels if needed. Take breaks if the team gets tired—rushing can lead to accidents or damage. A steady pace is the key to moving a hot tub without a hitch.

Step 4: Settle it into its new home

Once you’re at the destination, take a few minutes to do a couple of quick checks. Here’s what peek at one more time:

• Ensure the foundation is strong enough. Make sure the hot tub pad is strong enough to support the weight of the fully loaded hot tub. You probably already did this, but it doesn’t hurt to take another quick look.
• Check for any debris or possible damage-causing pebbles. Check over the place the hot tub will rest and make sure there aren’t any little rocks or other items that might damage the shell of the hot tub. A quick sweep with a broom will always be a good idea.
• Double check the utilities. Again, you probably thought of this already, but check again that your equipment and control panel is close enough to the power source. The electrical outlet should be easy to reach and connect.

These four steps will get you through the moving process with no problems.

Post Move Checklist

After you’ve moved the hot tub, you are going to do a few of the same things but in reverse. Here’s a quick checklist of the things to do once the hot tub is in its new home.

• Unwrap it carefully
• Make a visual inspection for new damage
• Connect all the plumbing
• Connect the electrical equipment to the nearest power source
• Fill it with water again
• Test the plumbing for leaks
• Test the pump and heater

Once you’ve done these things, your hot tub should be ready for use in its new home. Of course, you’ll have to balance all the chemicals and take care of any dust or small debris that may have gotten into the tub during the move. But that’s going to be easy for you. The hard work is done!

Don’t Fall for These Hot Tub Moving Fails

Okay, you’ve drained the tub, disconnected everything, and are ready to roll. But hold your horses! There are a few classic blunders folks make when moving their hot tubs, and we want you to steer clear. Here’s the lowdown:

• “It’s lighter than it looks!” (Famous last words) Don’t be fooled – even an empty hot tub is a beast. Get enough helpers or rent the right equipment – your back will thank you.
• Prep? What prep? Draining the tub is one thing, but don’t forget those electrical connections and loose bits. Take your time, or you might be re-buying parts later.
• Winging the route… not your best bet. Picture getting your tub halfway across the yard and realizing it won’t fit through that gate. Measure everything first, and plan how to get around any obstacles.
• Laws? Permits? Who needs those? Turns out, sometimes you DO. Hot tub relocations might need electrical or plumbing work done by the pros. Check your local rules to avoid fines or a hot tub that won’t work.
• Reinstalling in a rush: bad idea. Yeah, you want to get soaking, but a hot tub on an uneven surface or with half-done connections is a recipe for trouble. Be patient, or get help with the tricky bits.

The Takeaway

Moving a hot tub isn’t rocket science, but a little forethought goes a LONG way. Avoid these common pitfalls, and you’ll be relaxing in your newly-placed tub in no time!

Conclusion

While the DIY spirit is admirable, sometimes it’s smarter (and easier!) to leave the heavy lifting to the experts. If the thought of moving your hot tub has you feeling overwhelmed, professional hot tub movers can take all the stress out of the process. They’ll bring the right equipment, know-how, and insurance to ensure your hot tub arrives at its new home safe and sound. If you want help planning your move or finding reliable movers, give our friendly team at Epic Hot Tubs a call!

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About The Author:

Manny Brambila

Manny Brambila - Pool & Spa Expert

Manny has been in the Pool & Spa industry for over 15 years and is considered a pool, swim spa, & hot tub expert. He has been a Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) since 2009 and worked 15 years in aquatic training and development for the largest pool chemical and customer care company. He also has been an outside consultant for the Pool and Spa industry in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles since 2018.