How to Move a Hot Tub – The Step by Step Guide

Moving a hot tub is a serious undertaking for anyone. In fact, a hot tub is one of the most awkward and difficult items that you are likely to have to move.  Not only is a hot tub extremely heavy (they can be upward of 900lb or 400KG) but they are also extremely large and difficult to get a grip on as well. So, if you need to move your hot tub you are going to need some expert tips and advice as well as the reassurance of a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.  This guide will give you everything you need to know to help make the right decision about how to move your hot tub and, if you decide to do it yourself, how to move your hot tub in the safest and most efficient way.

So, how do you move a hot tub?  To move a hot tub you need between 4 and 6 strong helpers,  two strong furniture moving dollies, two long pieces of 4 by 4 timber,  lots of large sheets of cardboard or old blankets, strong strapping and a truck.  Lift the hot tub onto the 4 by 4 timber, slide the dollies underneath before strapping the hot tub securely and wheeling it up the ramp to the truck.  Setting the hot tub in its new location is the exact opposite of this process.

So, that’s it in a nutshell but you really do need to consider a lot of other possibilities before you start moving your hot tub as the potential for damaging not only the hot tub but possibly yourself is relatively high.

Should I move my hot tub?

First of all,  before any heavy lifting takes place,  you should have a long hard think about whether actually moving your hot tub really is the best plan.  If you have a hot tub that is under warranty and you decide that you are going to move it yourself you could well invalidate your warranty.  On the other hand, if you have an old hot tub and you are considering moving it to a new house or a new location have a think about whether it is really worth the time trouble and expense.  If you are moving house, it might be a better plan to leave the old hot tub and to buy a new one when you get to the new house. You are likely to be very time-pressured around the time of the move and moving a hot tub is a time and labor-intensive process.  Even if you decide to get a professional hot tub mover in it will add to the cost of the move and may simply not be worth it. You could possibly consider adding the hot tub into the sale price of the house or seeing if you can sell it second-hand and leave the moving of it to somebody else to worry about. 

If you are simply considering changing the location of your hot tub in your garden then carefully consider whether it’s really will be worth all the time and effort.  What will be the advantages of the new location? Will moving the hot tub encourage you to use it more or to enjoy it more? Will the view be better or will it be closer to the house and more convenient?  You also need to consider the time and expense that will be involved in moving or creating a new base in the garden for the hot tub as well as making good the area where the hot tub previously stood. All of these things take considerable time and effort and you need to weigh up the advantages of going ahead with the the the amount of effort that will be needed. 

What’s the easiest way to move a hot tub?

If you have decided to take the plunge and you’re definitely going to move your hot tub then you will want to know the easiest way to do it.  In all honesty, the easiest way to move a hot tub is to get in a professional hot tub moving company to do the job for you. They will take care of all of the details from preparing the hot tub beforehand by draining and cleaning it to providing transport and also ensuring that the route the hot tub has to take through your garden is possible.  Obviously they will also have the right lifting equipment which if you were going to do it yourself you would have to rent or buy.

However, probably the most important aspect to consider is the fact that at a professional mover will have experience and will know how to move your hot tub safely.  The chances of your hot tub being damaged if you do a DIY move are considerably higher than if it is moved professionally. This particularly will be the case if you have any steps that the hot tub has to go up on or down as shifting such a large object that weighs 400 kg or more up or down steps is a highly skilled operation. If your hot tub needs to be put up on its side to get through any narrow passageways also consider the amount of manpower it will need to get the hot tub into a vertical position as well as the skill needed to keep it there. It only really takes one miss judgment or mistake for your hot tub to come crashing down and to be extensively damaged.  Obviously, and even more worrying, is the very high risk of personal injury. Crushed fingers, feet or head injuries are obviously extremely serious and when you are dealing with moving such a large heavy and awkward objects as a hot tub the chances of somebody becoming injured are relatively high.

If you do decide to get in a professional mover then depending upon where you live you may well have a choice of companies who specifically specialize in moving hot tubs.  If you can’t find any then you could contact your hot tub supplier or contact some local general removal firms as well. It’s really difficult to give an idea of how much moving a hot tub will cost because it varies so much depending upon how far it has travel and also what part of the world you are in.  However, do bear in mind that all reputable removal companies will be fully insured and will have the right experience to make sure that your hot tub arrives safely to its new destination. Bear in mind that if your hot tub is still under warranty and you are going to move it you will definitely need to use your hot tub supplier to do the removal in order to keep your hot your warranty valid.  Otherwise, it makes good sense to ring around two or three possible companies to see who sounds as if they know what they are doing and who can give you the best quote. Remember the cheapest quote may not necessarily be the best option when you are moving something as difficult and as expensive as a hot tub. Saving a few dollars on a cheaper less reliable or experienced removals firm could well be a false economy.

How to move a hot tub yourself

So, you have weighed up the pros and cons and come to the conclusion that the best course of action is for you to move your hot tub yourself.  Let’s assume that you are going to move the hot tub from your garden to a completely different location and look in detail at what you will need to do.

Plan your route –  The first thing to do is to check that you can physically get the hot tub out of your garden and then into its new home. Obviously, at some point, your hot tub was lifted into your garden but have you by any chance erected a new fence or shed since? Maybe you have significantly altered your garden or even had a house extension built which might mean that the route that your hot tub has to take to get out of your garden is blocked.  The first thing to do is to look for the easiest way out. You need to go along as flat, level and even ground as possible and try to miss out any steps or extremely narrow bits. If you are really lucky you will be able to keep your hot tub in a horizontal position.  However, it’s more likely that you will have some narrow passageway or narrow corner to negotiate and the hot tub will need to go on its side in a vertical position. To work out exactly how much space you need you will need to measure the external dimensions of the hot tub very carefully.  If you are going around tight corners then you will need some extra leeway bearing in mind that the hot tub is quite long. If you have a height restriction anywhere bear in mind that you will need to add a good 4 or 5 inches to the height of the hot tub as it will most likely be on a furniture moving dolly.

It’s important that you go through this planning stage first because you might realize that moving the hot tub is going to be much more difficult than you first thought. You might need to temporarily remove a fence or possibly move a garden shed first before the hot tub will fit through. You might realize that the ground is very difficult and uneven and think that actually getting in a professional mover might, after all, be a better plan.  In the worst-case scenario it is possible, although very expensive, to crane a hot tub over buildings but this is very much a last resort.

Gather your resources –  After having confirmed that your removal route is possible you need to gather everything that you will need ready.  First of all you will need a truck or van large enough to move the hot tub from one location to another.  Check that whatever transport you use is able to take the weight of the hot tub and also make sure that the dimensions of the hot tub will fit inside bearing in mind that it is most likely to be stood on a furniture dolly.  This will add an additional 5 or so inches to its height. You will also need to make sure that you have a ramp or lift that will enable you to get the hot tub up into the truck.  

You are also going to need at least four very strong helpers.  Realistically you need a helper for each corner of the hot tub plus one person to direct everybody and to put the furniture dollies in place and strap everything down.  If you could have a person for each corner and also a couple of extra helpers for strength plus the spare person to direct this would make life much easier and safer. 

You will also need two to long pieces of 4×4 timber.  They need to be longer than the width of the hot tub as it will stand on these two pieces of timber.  You will also need two very strong furniture moving dollies. These are basically very strong and low trolleys,  you can buy them from home improvement stores and also rent them as well. Make sure that they have the facility to lock the wheels to stop them from moving and that they are designed for the amount of weight they will have to take.  In addition to the above you will need several very large pieces of cardboard as well as some blankets to protect the hot tub during moving. Finally you will need strong strapping to strap the hot tub to the furniture dollies as you move them and also to strap the hot tub into the truck to prevent it moving during transportation.

 I would also strongly recommend that you and your helpers wear both gloves and steel-toed work boots. 

Disconnect the power supply to the hot tub – For most hot tub installations you will need to call in a qualified electrician to physically disconnect the power supply from the hot tub safely.  You will also need an electrician at the other end to make a new connection. Make sure that all cabling is clear of the hot tub cabinet and that any electrical equipment left behind is left in a safe if condition.

Connect a hose to the drain valve –  Find the drain valve on the hot tub and connect a hose to it.  Direct the other end of the hose to wherever you want the water to disperse.  Remember that in many areas it is not permitted to drain hot tub water straight into the sewage system.  You might want to water your garden with the water or direct it to another safe place in the garden where it can gradually disperse.

Drain the hot tub –  Open the drain valve and let the water drain out.  This can be quite a slow process and you can speed it up by using a sump pump. 

Use a wet and dry vac – A wet and dry vacuum cleaner can be really helpful in that it will allow you to suck up the last puddles of water from the bottom of the hot tub.  You can also attach the vac to the drain valve and set it to blow mode and it will push out any remaining water through the jets. You can then vac this out of the hot tub shell.  This is an important step as if the hot tub is likely to experience freezing conditions before it is refilled as it will prevent water from freezing in the hot tub and damaging it.  It will also ensure that there isn’t any standing water left in the hot tub which will only add to the weight when you are moving it.

Clean the hot tub –  Next, give the whole hot tub a really good clean with a proprietary hot tub cleaner.  Don’t do a final rinse and wash yet as the hot tub will no doubt pick up some dirt and debris during transportation.

Check all is clear –  Do a final check to make sure that no other connections to the hot tub will prevent it from being moved.  Also make sure that any accessories that are attached to the hot tub are removed such as handrails or possibly extra lighting kits.  If you have anything at all that is easily removable then take it off the hot tub to make it as light and as easy as possible to move.

Lift and insert the timbers –  Now the heavy lifting begins. With at least one person on each corner of the hot tub lift together whilst the remaining person inserts the two lengths of 4 x 4 timber underneath. You might find it easier to lift one side of the hot tub at a time with two people on each corner.  Insert the length of 4 x 4 on one side leaving the hot tub at an angle before lifting up the other side and inserting the length of 4 x 4 on that side as well. You should now have the hot tub about 4-in above the ground resting on the two 4 x 4 timbers. You can insert big sheets of cardboard between the hot tub and the timbers if you want to be sure of not marking the cabinet.

Move the hot tub to vertical – If you are really lucky you will not need to move your hot tub into a vertical position.  If however, this is the only way that you can get it in and out of your space or into the truck then you will need to lift it up.   This is one of the hardest steps and needs to be done slowly and with care and consideration. Bear in mind that has one side of the hot tub is lifted up there is a possibility that the other slide will slip in the opposite direction.  You might well, therefore, need some people lifting on one side and some people pushing on the other side. It might also be possible to have people lifting via a rope as well.

Remember that this part of the operation is,  not to put too fine a point on it dangerous. It will need teamwork and concentration.  The last thing you want to happen is that the hot tub falls out of control and become damaged or that it falls onto a person and hurts them. 

The aim is to have the hot tub in a vertical position standing on the two pieces of 4 x 4 timber so position them carefully before starting this operation.

Insert the furniture dollies –  Once the hot tub is vertical you can insert the furniture dollies underneath.  Make sure that they are positioned absolutely centrally and on a firm part of the hot tub cabinet for stability.  I have specified 4 x 4 timber but you might have to alter the dimensions of this depending upon the height of the dollies.  You need one dolly at each end of the hot tub and once you have them in position you need to lock the wheels. Again sheets of strong cardboard between the cabinet and the dollies should help prevent any scratches to the hot tub cabinet.

Strap everything down –  Now use strong straps to strap the hot tub firmly and with as much pressure as possible to each of the furniture dollies.  This part is vitally important and you must make sure that the dollies are attached to the hot tub as firmly as possible.

Move very slowly inch by inch – Next, unlock the wheels on the dollies and gradually and slowly inch by inch start to move the hot tub.  If the hot tub is in a horizontal position you will have a much easier time than if it is vertical. If it is vertical then you will have the constant concern about it not balancing properly on the dollies and falling over.  You will constantly need to assess the angle of the hot tub and make sure that it is supported by your helpers at all times.

Strap the hot tub into the truck – Getting the hot tub into the truck will also possibly be quite a struggle.  It might be that there is a lift on the back of the truck that is strong enough to lift the hot tub, but more likely is that you will have to use a ramp to get to the hot tub into the truck.  Once the hot tub is in the truck then you need to apply the brakes on the dolly to keep the hot tub still and to strap it very firmly to the side of the truck so that it will not move at all during transportation. Surround the shell with old blankets to prevent any scratching or damage from the side of the truck or other items during the journey.

Unload with extreme care – Once you have arrived at your new destination then it’s time to unload the hot tub and move it into its new position. You might be tempted to rush at this stage as the finishing line is in sight however do take your time.  Bear in mind that you will be probably wheeling the hot tub down a ramp to get it off the truck this time and gravity will make a big difference.   

Get the hot tub back to the horizontal –  Once you have wheeled the hot tub to it’s new position the first thing you will need to do is to get it back down to horizontal.  Essentially this is a reverse procedure from putting it into a horizontal position in that you need to, first of all, remove the dollies one by one and replace them with the 4 x 4 timber.  Before you do this position the hot tub as closely as you can to its final resting position. Once the hot tub is securely on the timber you can start to think about lowering it back to horizontal.  Again the risk is that the lower end will slip forward as the weight begins to change position so you will need several people on both sides. On the upper side they will take the weight as the hot tub comes down and on the other side they will need to push to make sure that it doesn’t slip out of control.

Reposition and reconnect –  Once the hot tub is back into the horizontal position you can move it to its final resting place and remove the two pieces of 4 x 4 timber.  It’s now just a case of getting an electrician in to reconnect to the power and then you can fill the hot tub and get it ready for a well deserved relaxing soak.