Even empty, a small hot tub weighs 400 pounds.
Jump to insightThe most common method for moving a hot tub requires four movers and a dolly.
Jump to insightTwo people can move a hot tub using the roller method, but only if the terrain is level.
Jump to insightTo move a hot tub off an elevated deck, from a fenced-in yard or over rough terrain, you may need to rent a crane.
Jump to insightPreparing your hot tub for a move
To prepare your hot tub for a move, you’ll need to unplug it and drain all the water. Whether you hire professionals 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
| Size of tub | Empty weight | Filled weight |
|---|---|---|
| One- to three-person | 400 lbs | 3,400 lbs |
| Four- to six-person | 600 lbs | 5,350 lbs |
| Nine- to 10-person | 900 lbs | 8,900 lbs |
How to move a hot tub with a dolly
The dolly-and-plywood method is the one that will probably be the most accessible to the average homeowner.”
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."
You’ll want to look for a large furniture dolly since that’s the one that works best. If you don’t have one, you can rent one—along with ratchet straps—at home centers, moving van rental locations and storage facilities. You’ll also need a sheet of heavy plywood (or two if you need to create a ramp into the truck bed).
A large furniture dolly is the best tool for moving a hot tub safely.
Steps to move a hot tub with a dolly
- Step 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.
- Step 2: Clean the area around the tub. Make sure all sides are accessible and the path to the truck is clear.
- Step 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.
- Step 4: Secure the tub. To ensure 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.
- Step 5: Load it onto the truck. 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. Then, push it onto the truck bed and secure it with ratchet straps. This side contains the motor, making it the most stable position for transport.
- Step 6: Unload at the destination. Roll the tub out of the truck the same way it was loaded. Move it to its final location.
- Step 7: Remove supports and set it up. Loosen wires and pipes as needed. Lift the tub while removing the dolly and plywood.
» COMPARE: Best moving companies
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 what the terrain is like.
The two-mover roller method
To move a hot tub with just two people, you can use the roller method, which 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 flat, level surfaces, like patios and flat lawns.
Steps to move a hot tub with rollers
- Step 1: Clear the path. Remove obstacles and set up lifting straps.
- Step 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.
- Step 3: Move the hot tub. Lift the tub onto the rollers. One person pushes while the other moves rollers from the back to the front.
Renting a crane to move a hot tub is expensive — around $2,000 — but sometimes, it’s the only option.
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.
“A crane is the most expensive way to move a hot tub, but sometimes it’s the only way,” Foss said. The cost depends on the site and distance, but hiring a crane could cost up to $2,000 — not including the transportation of the tub to a new location.
Frequently Asked Questions
How heavy is a hot tub?
An empty hot tub can weigh 400 to 1,000 pounds, depending on the size. When filled with water, a tub can weigh 3,000 to 10,000 pounds.
Can I move a hot tub myself?
Moving a hot tub by yourself isn’t feasible. Even drained of water, a tub can weigh 400 or more pounds. But if you have at least one helper and the pathway is level, it is possible to move it using the roller method.
Can I hire movers to relocate my hot tub?
Many professional moving companies offer hot tub relocation services, but costs vary depending on distance, accessibility and whether special equipment, like a crane, is required. Some movers specialize in heavy or oversized items, so it’s best to check with local providers.
Should you move your hot tub or leave it behind?
Moving a hot tub is doable 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 straps. Two people 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 can 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 requires too much effort or expense, it may be worth considering leaving it behind and including the hot tub with the sale of your home.
