Soaking in a hot tub is one of the best ways to relax and let go of the tensions of your daily life. But when it’s time to move the hot tub, it can be one of the biggest reasons to stress you out. Moving a hot tub is no child’s play because of its size, weight, and irregular dimensions.

Lifting the hot tub without damaging it can be tricky, and loading it into a truck requires professional help. Preparation and caution are key when it comes to moving a hot tub. If you want to learn how to move a hot tub spa or hot tub by yourself, read on.

How to Move a Hot Tub by Yourself

If you have a small or medium-sized hot tub, you might want to learn how to move it by yourself. The process can vary depending on the size of the hot tub and how it is installed. For certain hot tubs, you might need professional assistance to unplug it from electric and water connections. You’ll also need help to put the hot tub on a trolley, secure it with straps, and transport it.

Things to Take Care of Before Moving a Hot Tub

Moving a hot tub is not as simple as it looks. Here are some things to consider:

  1. Drain the Water
    Your hot tub must be empty before moving it. Use the inbuilt drainage points or a pump to drain the water.

  2. Unplug Power Connections
    Have a licensed electrician disconnect all power connections. Keep the cords and connecting units separate and labeled for easy reinstallation.

  3. Unplug Filters
    Remove and secure the filters to prevent damage during the move.

  4. Dry the Tub Properly
    Ensure the tub is completely dry to avoid slipping or improper securing when moving.

How Much Does It Cost to Move a Hot Tub

The cost of moving a hot tub depends on factors such as size, weight, and distance. On average, it costs around $300–$400. Check with hot tub moving professionals for an exact quote.

Things You Will Need for Moving a Hot Tub

  1. Equipment
    Use wooden beams and straps to lift the hot tub onto a dolly.

  2. Manpower
    Enlist 3–4 people to help.

  3. Moving Truck
    Ensure the truck’s trailer area is larger than the hot tub for secure loading.

  4. Knowledge of Hot Tub Fittings
    Basic knowledge of fittings will help you remove and reinstall the hot tub.

How to Move a Hot Tub on a Trailer

  1. Secure the hot tub on a dolly with straps.
  2. Use a loading ramp to roll the dolly onto the trailer.
  3. Secure the hot tub and dolly together on the trailer for transport.

Risks Associated with Moving a Hot Tub

  1. Damage to the Hot Tub
    Ensure the hot tub is dry and all filters and fittings are removed to avoid damage.

  2. Damage to Property
    Secure the hot tub to prevent it from falling and causing damage during transportation.

  3. Physical Injury
    Use proper footwear, gloves, and lifting techniques to prevent injuries.

Taking these precautions and following the steps carefully will help you move a hot tub safely and efficiently.

How to Move a Hot Tub on Its Side

While moving a hot tub to a truck, you might wonder how to move a hot tub on its side to fit it into the trailer of the truck. To turn a hot tub on its side, you will need a dolly, wooden beams, and straps for securing the hot tub on the dolly. Simply lift each side of the tub and slide a wooden beam under it.

Once the hot tub is on the beams on all sides, you can place the moving dolly under the hot tub and lift it on its side with a surface positioned firmly on the dolly. Make sure you secure the hot tub with straps so that it does not fall off at any points during the loading and unloading.

Another way of moving a hot tub on its side is by using an airbag. You will need to raise one side of the hot tub and insert a deflated industrial-quality airbag under it. Once the airbag is under the hot tub, inflate it until it lifts the hot tub to a 45-degree angle. Then, with help from another person, move it onto a dolly with ease.

Steps for Moving a Hot Tub

It can be easy to move a hot tub when you follow precautions (source) and understand that it is a heavy object that should be lifted with care to avoid any damage to the tub or people involved. Here are the steps you can follow for lifting any modern hot tub:

  1. Drain, Dry, and Unplug the Hot Tub
    Drain the hot tub of all water using a pump or through the drainage valves. Let the tub dry out in the open air or use a towel to soak up any water. Once it’s dry, unplug all power, heater, and water supplies. Remove the filters and any accessories in use.

  2. Elevate the Tub with Wooden Beams
    Use two 4×4 beams. Lift one side of the hot tub and place it on one beam. Then lift the opposite side and slide another beam under it. Once the hot tub is elevated, proceed to the next step.

  3. Fix the Hot Tub to Dollies and Secure It
    Slide a dolly under the hot tub on one side and repeat for the other side. Once the hot tub is on the dollies, secure it with straps. Ask friends to stabilize the hot tub if it moves.

  4. Roll the Hot Tub to the Moving Truck
    Roll the dollies to the moving truck, ensuring the tub doesn’t wobble or lean. Secure the tub properly on the dollies and roll it up the loading ramp to the trailer.

  5. Secure the Hot Tub to the Truck Trailer
    Use straps to secure the hot tub to the truck’s trailer. Ensure there’s ample space on the trailer for the hot tub and dollies. Check all straps to make sure they’re tight. Use moving blankets to cover the hot tub for added safety.

  6. Unload and Reinstall the Hot Tub
    Carefully unload the hot tub at its destination. Roll the dollies to the designated spot, unstrap and unload the hot tub, and reconnect all fittings.

How to Move a Hot Tub with Ease

Moving a hot tub can be challenging, but preparation is key (source). The easiest option is to hire professionals to move your hot tub. Ensure the professionals are insured and certified to avoid liability in case of damage.

If you prefer to move the hot tub yourself, enlist friends with experience, gather the necessary equipment, and follow all steps carefully to avoid damage or injury.

Conclusion

Moving a hot tub can be difficult, but with proper preparation and understanding of the risks, you can do it yourself. Always get help from friends or relatives strong enough to lift and move the hot tub. Double-check that the hot tub is dry, unplugged, and secure before moving it.

If you’ve moved a hot tub recently, share your experience and tips in the comments! Have questions? Feel free to ask in the comments section.