A Step By Step Guide to Moving A Hot Tub

But before you try to lift with your knees remember that getting it wrong can lead to permanent damage or serious injury.

Before we dive into the steps to take to move your hot tub, we have to mention that the best way to make sure your hot tub is moved safely is to hire professional movers. 

If you’re just moving your hot tub, then consider checking out one of our options for companies that will move single items. 

All that being said, this is how you can pack and move a hot tub.

Before you or your hired help can move a hot tub, there are a handful of steps to follow in preparation. These are crucial to the success of your move, so don’t skip them!

Make sure your plan is finalized, moving supplies are available, and the moving crew is ready first.

Make a Plan

All great feats start with a good plan, and you’ve probably already noticed that moving your behemoth of a hot tub won’t be easy. Most hot tubs weigh 500 to 1,000 pounds! So it’ll take more than sheer determination to get it from point A to point B.

The first decision you’ll need to make is if you plan to DIY move the hot tub or if you’ll hire someone to do it.

If you want someone else to do the heavy lifting for you, labor-only hiring companies like HireAHelper will help you find your dream team. They’ll have all the experience and supplies necessary to make your move a success.

You can choose to hire hot tub movers. If you’re moving your hot tub along with the rest of your home, then you have the option of hiring a professional moving company to move one item.

If hiring help isn’t in your moving budget, you can do it yourself. Just make sure you have the following secured:

• A moving truck or trailer large enough to fit your hot tub
• A clear path from the hot tub’s location and the moving truck
• All the tools and people necessary

Gather Your Supplies

If you’re going to move a hot tub yourself, make sure you have each of these tools in your arsenal. You may think you can do without certain ones, but we can promise you that they’ll make this task much easier! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 4×4 wood beams

<li<2 furniture dollies (if your route is flat)

• 1 appliance dolly (if your route includes stairs)
• Moving straps
• Moving blankets

Ask for Help

Next, make sure you have enough people to move your hot tub. If you’re hiring help, they should have a team ready to go that has experience with this type of move.

If you’re doing it yourself, ask your strong friends and family members to help you out. You’ll need three people + You. (Did we mention that hot tubs are extremely heavy?) In return for their help, you can treat them to dinner or drinks!

Cut the Power

The last two steps for moving a jacuzzi apply to both those hiring help and those enlisting the help of friends.

Hot tubs are typically full of water, but you can’t move them like that. You need to cut off the water supply. To start, unplug your hot tub and put away the power cord and other pieces that may dangle and be a safety hazard.

Some brands have an internal storage space, but if it doesn’t, place them in a bag in a safe place until after your move.

Drain the Water

Next, remove the drain cap and drain the water according to the manufacturer’s directions. It isn’t as easy as dumping the water into your yard, and besides, it can flood your yard!

First, remove the hot tub cover. You may need a screwdriver to do this. This will prevent the cover from getting damaged mid-move.

Then, attach a garden hose to the drain valve, and open the valve. It may be best to place the other end of the hose in your street’s gutter while it drains. If you want to speed up the moving process, use a submersible pump.

Use a towel or shop-vac to take care of the remaining water. While it’s empty, you might as well clean it with an all-purpose cleaner.

Alright, with all the preparations done, you’re ready for the hard part. Unless you’re paying someone else to move your hot tub, that is. (Your effort is done!)

If you’re moving it yourself, now’s the time to put your plan into action. If you’re careful, you’ll have a stress-free moving experience.

1. Use the Wooden Boards to Slide the Hot Tub

One great hot tub moving tip is to use pieces of wood to slide the hot tub. With the help of your friends, lift one side of the hot tub and place a 4×4 wooden beam underneath it. Do the same with the opposite side. This will leave a several-inch gap between the hot tub and the ground.

2. Use a Dolly To Load The Tub

Next, roll the furniture dolly or hand truck under the hot tub on the two sides without wooden beams. Carefully remove the beams so the hot tub sits on the dollies, and secure it with moving straps.

If you’re using an appliance dolly, gather your team to tip the hot tub onto one side on the dolly. Make sure you aren’t tipping it onto any access panels or electrical sources as it can damage them. Then, secure the hot tub with moving straps.

3. Move It Carefully

When moving a hot tub, whether to a new house or just across the yard, remember to take it slow. Position a member of your team on each side of the hot tub to keep it in place. Your path should already be clear, but stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

When you get to the moving truck, have one team member go up the loading ramp beforehand and help pull it into the trailer. This takes a lot of strength, so remember to work together!

4. Protect It from Damage

Once inside the trailer the trailer or rental truck, lay the hot tub on a flat surface or propped up on its side. It’s a good idea to place against one of the sides of the truck. You should only transport it on its side if the trailer isn’t large enough to lay it flat.

Then, cover the hot tub with moving blankets and tie it down with moving straps to prevent damage during transportation. As with any other move, careful driving will help tremendously.

Once you arrive at your destination, you’ll essentially follow the steps for moving a hot tub in reverse. You’ll roll your hot tub out of the moving truck and to its intended location, set it on the wooden beams, and roll the dollies out from underneath it.

Once you remove the wooden beams, refill the hot tub with water. Use the manufacturer-recommended chemicals, plug it in, and you’re ready to relax after all your hard work.

Reward Your Effort with a Relaxing Soak

What better way to end your move than to reward yourself with a soak in your newly-installed home spa? You worked hard, so you deserve it!

It takes a lot of work, but you can learn how to move a hot tub yourself. However, there’s nothing wrong with hiring professionals. As long as everyone works carefully, your hot tub will make it to its new location in one piece.