How to Move a Hot Tub

Preparing your hot tub for a move

To prepare your hot tub for a move, you’ll first need to unplug it and drain all the water. Because hot tubs are high-voltage appliances, safety is the first priority. Start by turning off the power at the main breaker and the outdoor disconnect box to prevent electrical shock. Once the power is killed, you can disconnect the hardwiring from the spa’s control pack.

After the electrical is safe, attach a garden hose to the drain valve or use a submersible pump to empty the tub. Whether you hire professional movers or rely on friends, you’ll want to drain the tub first since the weight difference between a full and empty tub can be thousands of pounds.

Hot tub weight by size

How to move a hot tub with a dolly

To move a hot tub with a dolly, you'll need at least four people, a large furniture dolly, plywood and ratchet straps. According to Roland Foss, senior operations manager at Bellhop in Las Vegas, "The dolly-and-plywood method is the one that will probably be the most accessible to the average homeowner."

A large furniture dolly is the best tool for moving a hot tub safely.

You’ll want to look for a large furniture dolly, since it works best. If you don’t have one, you can rent one — along with ratchet straps — at a home center, moving van rental location or storage facility. You’ll also need a sheet of heavy plywood (or two if you need to create a ramp into the truck bed).

Steps to move a hot tub with a dolly

1. Prepare the destination. To move a hot tub safely, start by clearing out any obstacles at the new house, such as hedges. Level the ground if needed.
2. Clean the area around the tub. Make sure all sides are accessible and the path to the truck is clear.
3. Lift and position the hot tub. Two movers lift one side while the other two slide straps underneath. Repeat for the other side. Lift the tub and slide a plywood board underneath. Roll the dolly up and slip it under one end of the plywood.
4. Secure the tub. To check that it's centered, position it to cover as much of the plywood as possible. Use ratchet straps to secure the hot tub to the dolly and plywood.
5. Load it onto the truck. Before rolling the tub onto its side, make sure the heaviest side — the one with the motor — is on the bottom for stability during transport. Then, push it onto the truck bed and secure it with ratchet straps.
6. Unload at the destination. Roll the tub out of the truck the same way it was loaded. Move it to its final location.
7. Remove supports and set it up. Loosen wires and pipes as needed. Lift the tub while removing the dolly and plywood.

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Alternative ways to move a hot tub

If a dolly isn’t practical, alternative ways to move your hot tub include using the roller method or hiring a crane. The best option for you depends on how easy it is to access your yard and on the terrain.

The two-mover roller method

To move a hot tub with just two people, you can use the roller method. This involves placing the tub on logs or PVC pipes and rolling it forward. “The roller method actually starts out a lot like the dolly-and-plywood method,” Foss said. “It's better suited to hot tubs on flat, level surfaces like patios or especially flat lawns.”

The roller method works best for level surfaces, like patios and flat lawns.

Steps to move a hot tub with rollers

1. Clear the path. Remove obstacles and set up your lifting straps.
2. Set up rollers. Use logs or PVC pipes at least four inches in diameter and two feet longer than the hot tub. Lay them parallel to each other.
3. Move the hot tub. Lift the tub onto the rollers. One person pushes while the other moves the rollers from the back to the front.

Using a crane to move a hot tub

To move a hot tub from an elevated deck or enclosed yard, hiring a crane is often the only option.

Renting a crane to move a hot tub is expensive — around $2,000 — but sometimes, it’s the only option.

“A crane is the most expensive way to move a hot tub, but sometimes it’s the only way,” Foss said.

The final cost depends on the site specifics and distance, but hiring a crane could cost up to $2,000, not including transporting the tub to the new location.

FAQ

Bottom line

Moving a hot tub is realistic if you have people to help and don’t need a crane. Most hot tubs can be moved with four people, a dolly, plywood and safety straps. Two people alone can move a smaller tub using the roller method, assuming the terrain is flat.

If the tub is on an elevated deck or in an enclosed yard, hiring a crane may be necessary. This route might make keeping the tub less worthwhile since renting a crane can be costly — sometimes around $2,000 just for the equipment. If moving your hot tub would require too much effort or expense, it may be worth leaving it behind and including it with the sale of your home.