It’s not every day that you have to move your hot tub, but if the time comes, it’s important to do it right. Hot tubs are big and bulky, and if you don’t have the right equipment or preparation, you could end up damaging your hot tub or even injure yourself. So how can you keep both you and your hot tub safe?
Moving a hot tub starts with prepping its new location. Ensure that the ground is level and can support the tub’s weight. Then drain the tub and remove its electrical and plumbing connections. Ideally, you’ll need four or more people to help lift the tub onto a dolly and load it into a truck.
Moving a hot tub is a huge undertaking. Not only is it extremely heavy, but it’s also delicate and can be easily damaged. If you’re not careful, you could end up causing serious damage to your hot tub or injuring yourself in the process. Let’s look at the detailed process of how to move your hot tub safely and efficiently.
How Do You Move A Hot Tub?
If your hot tub is ready for a change of scenery, you’re in for a task. But while it might seem like a daunting project, moving a hot tub is doable with the right preparation — and help from some friends.
- Start by planning the move, including organizing help and renting the proper equipment, like dollies and straps. Then measure the dimensions of your hot tub to ensure it can pass through any doorways or gates at the new location. It’ll also help you rent the right size of truck.
- Visit the new location and prepare the area for the hot tub. Make sure the foundation is level and can support the weight and that there is enough clearance for the hot tub to fit.
- On the day of the move, disconnect the tub from its electric and plumbing connections, then drain it. Next, detach all the removable parts, making sure you remove standing water inside the pipes.
- Now it’s time for the heavy lifting. With the help of some friends, place the hot tub onto a dolly and strap it down. Carefully load it into the truck — being extra careful with obstacles like stairs.
- When you’ve reached the new location, follow the steps in reverse to get the hot tub into place and connected. Once everything is in its rightful place, fill up the tub and test all the connections. Now you’re ready to enjoy your newly relocated hot tub.
How to Prepare the New Location of Your Hot Tub
Start by finding a level spot for your hot tub. Make sure that there’s no slope and that the ground is firm and level.
If you’re putting your hot tub on a deck, make sure that the deck is structurally sound and can support the weight of a hot tub. Consult an expert if you’re unsure. They might recommend concrete footings or another type of support.
You’ll also want to ensure that there’s access to an electrical outlet. Hot tubs require a dedicated 220-volt circuit. If you don’t have one, hire an electrician to install one for you. It’s great if you have a drain nearby because it’ll make filling and emptying the tub much easier. If not, you can always use a hose.
Then, clear the path from the truck parking to where you will place your hot tub. Move any furniture, potted plants, or other obstacles out of the way. Your new home for your hot tub is now ready for the big day.
How Many People Do You Need to Move a Hot Tub?
Ideally, you’ll need at least four people to help with the move. Two or three people can still do it, but it’ll be more difficult, and you’ll have to take extra care. However, you’ll always need proper equipment like a dolly (on Amazon), 2×4 planks, and straps, no matter how many people are helping.
A move that’s long distance or across uneven terrain can become quite the project. Even your small army of friends may not be enough for the job.
If you ever feel like you’re in over your head, it’s always best to call in the professionals. They’re your best bet to safely move your hot tub without damaging it or your property.
Disconnecting and Draining Your Tub
Start the process by disconnecting your hot tub from the power source. Depending on the model, this might be as easy as unplugging it from the wall. Alternatively, you might have to open up the control panel and disconnect the wires. If you’re unsure how to do this, consult your owner’s manual or call a professional.
Once it’s disconnected, open up the drain plug located outside the tub or use a submersible pump to remove the water. You can also use a wet vacuum to suck out leftover water inside internal plumbing and jets.
It’s especially important to remove any remaining water if you live in a cold climate because water freezing inside the pipes could damage the system. This will also prevent any water from getting inside and ruining the electronics.
Once the water is drained, disconnect the plumbing line and removable parts like the heater and pump. You can pack these separately to avoid damage during the move.
Moving and Loading Your Tub
Follow these steps to efficiently move and load your hot tub.
- Gather your supplies: two dollies, four 2×4 planks, and moving straps. Get two friends to lift the tub from one side by grabbing the corners, then slip two 2x4s underneath for support.
- Repeat the same process on the other side so the tub the propped up on all four 2x4s.
- Slide the dollies underneath the tub between 2x4s on each side, being careful not to damage the bottom of the tub. Remove the wood boards and secure the hot tub to the dollies with the moving straps or rope.
- Test the dollies by gently pushing them forward and backward to ensure the hot tub is secure. If it feels unstable, stop and adjust the straps or rope.
- If everything looks good, slowly wheel the dollies to the moving truck. It should have a secure ramp ready for loading. Get one person inside the truck to pull the dollies and guide the hot tub inside while the other person or people push from outside.
- Center the hot tub inside the truck and secure it with more straps or rope. You don’t want it moving around during transport. And if you have room, throw in some blankets or furniture pads to cushion it from bumps.
- When you reach your destination, get your friends to help guide it off the truck and push it to its destination.
- Reverse the process to unload: slip 2x4s under the tub, remove the dollies, gently lift the tub from each side to remove 2x4s, and put the tub in place. Reconnect everything, fill up the tub, and enjoy.
Tips for a Successful Move
- Plan ahead in order to give yourself enough time to get the job done. This isn’t something you can do in a single afternoon.
- Don’t try to move the hot tub by yourself. It’s not worth the risk of injuring yourself or damaging the tub. Get help from at least four people or more if possible.
- Ensure the people you’ve enlisted are physically capable of handling the hot tub. It’s not a job for kids or elderly people.
- Be extra careful going downstairs. This is where most accidents happen.
- Bring the moving truck as close to the hot tub as possible to make loading easier. If you have to move it a long distance, use a flatbed trailer for transport.
- Secure the hot tub in the truck with straps or rope, and pad it with blankets or furniture pads.
- If you’re planning to move the tub sideways, the side with the digital panel should be up. This is the most fragile part, and it can malfunction due to water damage or weight.
- Always be mindful of the weight and size of your hot tub. If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to ask for help from professionals or friends with experience.
- And finally, when in doubt, call in the professionals. They’re the best bet to move your thousand-dollar investment safely.
