A Step By Step Guide to Moving A Hot Tub
Fact Checked by: Here’s the quick answer: To move a hot tub, you need to disconnect the electricity, drain the water, and remove the cover. Next, you’ll need about four people to lift the hot tub onto wood boards and slide it using dollies. Strap the tub to the dollies with straps before pushing it up a ramp and onto your moving truck or trailer, then tie it in place for the move.
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Want a step-by-step breakdown of how to move a hot tub? This guide covers proven techniques, what gear you’ll need, and safety must-knows from our team of moving experts.
Preparation and planning
Hot tubs are heavy, awkward, and sensitive to impact. A little planning goes a long way toward preventing damage and keeping everyone safe.
- Assess the hot tub: Look up the manufacturer’s specs for weight and dimensions, note whether it’s hardwired or plug-and-play, and confirm where the control panel and access door are located so you never set weight on them.
- Measure access points: Measure the tub and the entire route. Be sure to factor in doors, gates, hallways, deck openings, stair width, and any tight turns. Add 2–3 inches of clearance for padding and hand placement.
- Clear and stage the path: Trim bushes, move patio furniture, roll up rugs, and lay temporary ramping where needed. If the tub has to go on the street, check local placement rules and permits for equipment or trailers.
- Line up helpers early: Plan for at least four strong adults (six for stairs or oversized models) and assign roles in advance.
Common oversights to avoid
Most hot-tub mishaps come from small details that snowball. Keep an eye on these easy-to-miss issues:
- Skipping the tape measure: Eyeballing clearances can lead to last-minute disassembly, scratched siding, or a move that stalls halfway through.
- Forgetting elevation changes: One step, a deck lip, or a sloped yard can overwhelm a dolly. Plan to use ramps and have someone act as a spotter anywhere the grade changes.
- Ignoring weather and surfaces: Wet grass, slick decks, or winter ice can turn routine moves into risky ones. Build extra traction or reschedule if conditions are unsafe and check out our guide to moving in the rain for more tips.
Essential equipment and tools
You don’t need a crane for most hot tubs, but you do need the right mix of leverage, rolling support, and protection. Most of these moving supplies can be rented from hardware or moving supply stores.
- Furniture dollies: Ideal for flat, firm surfaces. Use two dollies — one under each long side — for stability.
- Appliance dolly/hand truck: Helpful for short stair sections or steeper grades. Choose one with rated straps.
- Lifting straps: Shoulder or forearm straps help distribute weight and improve control during tilts and pivots.
- Plywood or planks: Create temporary ramps and bridge soft ground. Thicker sheets will reduce flexing under the hot tub’s heavy load.
- Teflon/furniture sliders: Allow controlled sliding across decks or patios when rolling isn’t practical.
- Moving blankets and stretch wrap: Protect acrylic shells, cabinets, and corners from dings and scuffs.
- Heavy-duty tie-down straps: Secure the tub in your trailer or truck at four points to prevent shifting.
- Pallets or cribbing: Distribute weight and keep the shell off uneven truck or trailer floors.
- Safety gear: Work gloves, closed-toe shoes, eye protection, and optional back support belts.
- Large trailer or moving truck: A moving truck with a ramp or liftgate is best; confirm payload capacity and anchor points.
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Where to get equipment
You should rent or buy supplies from sources that stock pro-grade gear and can confirm weight ratings. Here are a few places to start:
- Local home centers: Home Depot and Lowe’s often rent dollies, ramps, and trailers.
- Moving supply rentals: U-Haul, Penske, and Budget locations typically carry appliance dollies, blankets, and tie-downs.
- Specialty retailers: Online shops offer high-capacity sliders and lifting straps if local stock is limited.
Safety tips and precautions
Even seasoned movers understand the risk that moving hot tubs can carry. Build in time for safety checks and communication at each step.
- Lift with your legs, not your back: Keep your spine neutral, hinge at the hips, and use team lifts for tilts and pivots.
- Wear proper PPE: Gloves improve grip, and sturdy shoes protect your toes. You might want to consider eye protection for debris under decks, too.
- Move slowly and call commands: One leader calls “lift,” “lower,” “stop,” and “pivot” so everyone acts together.
- Keep it upright: Never rest weight on the control panel, access door, or equipment bay.
- Respect weight ratings: Confirm the capacity of dollies, straps, ramps, and your vehicle before loading.
- Have a first-aid kit handy: Keep it within reach and know who’s grabbing it if something goes wrong.
Step-by-step instructions to move a hot tub
1. Disconnect and drain the hot tub
Shut off the power at the breaker, then unplug it or have a licensed electrician disconnect hardwired units. Remove and set aside the cover. Drain the hot tub per the manufacturer’s instructions (usually via a drain valve and garden hose), then use a wet/dry vac or towels to remove the remaining water. Then, you should wipe down the shell since clean surfaces are easier to grip and protect.
2. Remove panels and secure loose parts
Remove the removable access panels, steps, and skirting. Bag and label your hardware. Wrap the control panel and exposed wiring. Secure the filters and jets with tape or bubble wrap. Pad the corners and edges with moving blankets and stretch wrap.
3. Position lifting straps and dollies
With your team, slightly tilt one long side and slide 4x4s or plywood under the frame to create handholds. Slide a furniture dolly under each long side or use a rated appliance dolly for stairs. Double-check that it’s balanced before you move.
4. Slide and maneuver the tub
Assign a single caller. Use slow, deliberate movements and keep your hands clear of any points that could pinch you. Use spotters at corners and doorways, and switch to sliders if rolling isn’t safe.
5. Load the hot tub onto a truck or trailer
Align the dollies with the ramp and add plywood for width or traction if you need to. Guide from the high side while the people pushing provide a steady force from behind. Once you’re inside the vehicle, set the tub on a pallet or cribbing, remove the dollies, and secure it with four tie-downs to solid anchor points. Add pads where the straps contact the shell.
6. Reverse the process to unload
Clear your path, then reverse each step you just took. Gravity adds speed on the way down, so keep your movements short and controlled. Once the hot tub is in place, reconnect the power (or call an electrician for hardwired units), refill, bleed the air from the pumps if required, and test everything out before heating.
Surface and terrain considerations
The type of ground you’re moving the hot tub across also requires some special consideration. Here’s what you need to know about different surfaces.
- Grass or dirt: Lay plywood “tracks” to spread weight and prevent wheels from sinking. Avoid moving right after rain.
- Gravel: Use wider planks or double-layer plywood to create a smooth, continuous runway.
- Decks or patios: Sliders under each corner reduce point loads and let you “glide” instead of roll.
- Stairs: Use an appliance dolly with straps and at least two spotters above and below. Go one step at a time.
- Steep slopes: Add a rope or winch to control your descent and ascent. Never try to rely on your hand strength alone.
Pro tip: Test the entire route with an empty dolly. If the dolly struggles, the hot tub will struggle more.
What vehicle do you need to move a hot tub?
Choose a vehicle that can safely support the hot tub’s weight with secure tie-down points. When in doubt, size up your gear.
- Flatbed or utility trailer: Often the easiest to load and strap down. Make sure it has a sturdy ramp and sufficient anchor points.
- Box truck with ramp or liftgate: Great weather protection; confirm the truck bed’s height and the ramp angle before the move.
- Weight rating: Add the hot tub’s weight, pallets, and gear. Stay well under the trailer’s or truck’s payload limit.
- Street placement rules: If you’re loading curbside, review local street and permit requirements ahead of time.
How to prepare the vehicle
A few five-minute steps can prevent cracked shells and floor damage.
- Protect contact points: Lay moving blankets or cardboard where the shell will rest to prevent scratches.
- Test the fit first: Do a dry-run on the placement and strap angles so you know exactly how to secure the hot tub.
- Mechanical check: Verify the truck’s tire pressure, lights, and brakes.
Professional movers vs. DIY
DIY moves can save money if you have the crew and gear. Pros reduce risk and effort and can be surprisingly competitive on price for heavy items. Here’s a quick comparison of DIY vs. professional movers to move your hot tub.
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When to hire pros: Tight access, multiple stairs, long carries, or if you can’t assemble a strong enough team. If you’re comparing options, start with our best moving companies and get a few quotes.
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FAQs and quick tips
Can I move a hot tub by myself?
Realistically, no. Most tubs exceed 800–1,000 pounds and are bulky, which makes balance and visibility tough for one person. Plan for at least four strong helpers (six for stairs), plus rated dollies and straps. If you’re short on manpower, hire local loading help for an hour or two to handle tilts, ramps, and tight corners safely.
How do I move a hot tub across grass or gravel?
Create a solid runway. Lay down sheets of 3/4-inch plywood or thick planks in overlapping “tracks” to spread weight and keep wheels from sinking. Use sliders at transitions (like grass-to-deck) and add a rope or winch on slopes for extra control. If the ground is wet, wait a day because traction and stability matter more than speed.
What’s the best trailer or vehicle for hauling a hot tub?
A flatbed or utility trailer with a sturdy ramp and multiple tie-down points is typically best. Box trucks work too, but check the ramp angle and bed height. Whatever you choose, confirm the payload capacity exceeds the tub, pallets, and gear, and plan a four-strap “X” pattern to keep the shell from shifting in transit.
Do I need to fully drain and disconnect power before moving?
Yes. Always shut off power at the breaker, unplug, and have a licensed electrician disconnect hardwired units. Drain completely to avoid leaks, added weight, and internal ice in cold weather. Dry the shell and plumbing as much as possible — leftover water makes surfaces slick and increases the chance of damage.
When is it worth hiring professional movers?
If you have tight access, stairs, long carries, or a high-end or oversized tub, hiring pros is usually the safer, faster choice. Specialty teams bring high-capacity dollies, ramps, and experience navigating tough routes. Get two to three quotes and compare them to your DIY costs — if they’re close, let the pros take the risk.
Hot tub moving checklist
Use this checklist to stay organized and avoid last-minute surprises:
- Measure everything: Record the tub, doorways, gates, stair widths, and the full route.
- Gather gear: Dollies, straps, blankets, plywood, sliders, and a suitable truck or trailer.
- Build your team: Line up 4–6 helpers and assign roles and commands.
- Power down and drain: Shut off at the breaker, disconnect, and dry out the tub.
- Protect components: Remove panels, pad corners, and secure loose parts.
- Stage paths/ramps: Lay plywood over grass, gravel, or thresholds.
- Load with control: Guide up the ramp, set on pallets, and strap at four points.
- Unload carefully: Reverse steps, manage slopes, and keep spotters in place.
- Reconnect and test: Restore power, refill, purge air, and verify operation before heating.
Soak up the success
Moving a hot tub isn’t easy, but a strong plan, the right tools, and a coordinated crew make it very doable. Whether you go DIY or bring in a specialty team, prioritize safety, communication, and smart routing.
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