Hot tubs are some of the hardest things to move during a home relocation, right up there with pianos and giant safes. It is big, it is heavy, and it’s never sitting in a spot that makes the move easy. Most people take one look at it and wonder how many friends they can bribe with pizza before they even think about touching it.
The good news is that you can move a hot tub safely and efficiently, once you know how to break the job into smaller steps. This guide walks you through the whole thing so you can decide what you want to handle yourself and where it might make sense to bring in labor-only movers for the tougher parts.
Assessing Whether You Can Move Your Hot Tub
Before you start, you should understand exactly what goes into moving a hot tub, and whether or not it’s a viable choice for you. Hot tubs come in all shapes and weights, and most are heavier than you expect, even after they are drained. Some tubs are closer to the size of a small car, while others are so huge and heavy, they feel like they were never meant to move again.
“While you can move a hot tub yourself, it is a lot to take on…By the time you add in borrowed tools, sore backs, and a whole Saturday gone, the ‘cheap’ option does not always feel that cheap.”
First, you should measure the tub, then look at the area surrounding it. Do you have a clear path out, or are you going to have to wiggle it through a tight gate or slide it past a railing? Then, look at what the tub is sitting on. Concrete is solid and predictable, but the instability of gravel or an older deck can be unsafe.
You also need to answer one big question: who is actually helping you? A hot tub is not something you move alone, no matter how strong you are. Even three people might not be enough if the path is uneven or the tub is a larger model. This is when it’s a good choice to bring in professional help, because all it takes is one awkward angle or a sudden shift for someone to get hurt or for a corner to drop.
Gathering the Right Tools and Equipment
Once you have a sense of the path and the people helping you, the next step is getting the right gear together. You do not need anything fancy, but you do need certain tools that can actually handle the weight of the tub. Moving straps and an appliance dolly are usually at the top of the list, since they give you leverage and keep the tub steady while you lift.
Plywood sheets are also worth grabbing, especially if you are working on grass, gravel, or a soft deck. Lying them down gives you a little “road” to roll or slide the tub across. Furniture sliders, blankets, and a couple of old towels can help protect the shell from scratches, and they make it easier to turn the tub without scraping up your hands.
And do not forget safety gear! Gloves with good grip, closed-toe shoes, and even a back brace if you have one. It seems small, but once you are leaning into a 600-pound tub, you will be glad you took a minute to set yourself up right.
Step-by-Step Guide to Moving a Hot Tub
Moving a hot tub comes down to a few big steps. You empty it, unhook the power, get a few people around it, and slowly tip it onto its side so you can start moving it. After that, it is just a matter of working it to the truck or trailer, getting it loaded without any sudden drops, and tying it down tight enough that it will not shift during the drive. With this much weight, every bit of caution helps. Here’s how to relocate your hot tub safely.
Draining and Cleaning
Start by turning off the power, then open the drain valve and let the tub empty completely. Some tubs drain slowly, so don’t rush it. If there is a spot in the yard where the water won’t cause issues, let the hose run there instead of near the path you are walking. Standing water and heavy lifting are not a great mix.
Once the water is mostly out, towel out whatever is left in the seats or footwell. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should be dry enough that you’re not dealing with puddles inside the shell. If your model has plumbing lines that hold extra water, give them a minute to drip out. A quick wipe around the shell helps too, since dirt and grit can scratch the finish if the tub tilts or slides while you are moving it.
Disconnecting Electrical and Plumbing
Before you get near the wiring, shut the power off completely. Most tubs have a little shutoff box on the wall or post nearby. Flip it, then look at the control panel on the tub just to be sure everything is really off completely. Once you know it is safe, pop off the access panel and find the main line running into the tub.
As you unhook each wire, stick a piece of tape on it and jot down something quick, like “left pump” or “top heater wire,” so you know what it is when you hook things back up later. If your tub has a couple of plumbing lines or outside valves, go ahead and shut those too. Anything that keeps water from leaking out while you are lifting is worth the extra minute or two it takes.
Lifting, Loading, and Securing
This is the point where teamwork matters more than anything. A hot tub is usually tipped onto its side first, and you want everyone lifting at the same pace so it does not swing or twist. Move slowly, and talk to each other as you go. If someone loses their grip or feels off balance, stop and reset. There is no reward for speed here.
“In the summer, the shell and panels can heat up fast, so give the tub shade and keep the electrical parts out of direct sun while you work.”
Once it is standing, you can slide a dolly underneath or push it along on a couple of sliders. It looks awkward, but that’s normal. When you reach the truck or trailer, take your time getting the tub inside. You want it to settle in, not drop or bounce, since that can damage the tub and the truck bed. After it is in place, use several straps and pull them tight from different angles until the tub does not budge. A couple of wooden or plastic blocks under the edge helps keep it from rolling during the drive.
DIY Move vs. Hiring Labor
While you can move a hot tub yourself, it is a lot to take on. It is hard work, you run the risk of injury from moving such a big and heavy item, and it can be troublesome to coordinate family and friends to help out. By the time you add in borrowed tools, sore backs, and a whole Saturday gone, the “cheap” option does not always feel that cheap.
When people bring in labor-only movers through HireAHelper, the hard parts fall on movers who do this kind of work every week. They lift the tub, guide it out, and get it loaded and unloaded into the exact place you want it. You pay for only the time you use, and many people say it is worth it just to avoid the stress of moving a 600-pound tub.
Seasonal Tips for Moving a Hot Tub
Weather can make a big difference when it comes to relocating your hot tub. In the summer, the shell and panels can heat up fast, so give the tub shade and keep the electrical parts out of direct sun while you work. Winter brings its own problems, namely any water left in the lines that can freeze or spill when you tip the tub, so make sure everything is drained and dried before lifting.
Get Ready for Your Hot Tub’s New Home
Once you have the tub moved, the last stretch is just getting it settled again. Take a minute to look at the spot where it’s going. Here are a few reminders:
- Make sure the ground is level, the pad is solid, and there’s room for the wiring and panels to open
- Match your labels and reconnect everything
- Double-check your power source
- Give the shell a quick wipe
- Make sure everyone is clear on where the tub belongs before you start lifting again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move a hot tub?
Prices vary a lot, mostly based on how big the tub is and how many people you need to help. Local moves with a couple of helpers tend to be on the lower end, while bigger tubs or tricky pathways can push things higher. The easiest way to get a real number is to compare quotes on HireAHelper, since you can see rates for different crews and choose the team that fits your budget and timeline.
Can I move a hot tub by myself?
No, it simply isn’t safe. Even with the right tools, a hot tub is too heavy and too bulky for one person to handle safely. If you have a very small model and a straight path, you might manage it with a dolly and a few boards, but most tubs need at least a small team. If you can’t get friends and family on board, hiring labor-only help is usually the safest move, especially when the path is uneven or the tub has to be tipped and lifted more than once.
How long does it take to move a hot tub?
Most moves take a few hours from start to finish. Draining and drying the tub can easily take an hour on its own, and disconnecting the wiring and labeling everything adds a little more time. Lifting or loading goes faster or slower depending on how many people you have. Reassembly is usually the quickest part, especially if you labeled everything beforehand.
Do I need a special truck or trailer?
You will need a vehicle that can handle the weight and size of the tub. A flatbed trailer or a box truck with a ramp is what most people use. If you hire helpers through HireAHelper, you can filter for crews who are used to moving heavy items and can guide you on the best type of vehicle for your tub.