How to Move a Hot Tub

Before you start moving a hot tub, take time to consider the best way to move a hot tub. When planning to transport the hot tub from one spot to another, think about the hot tub's size, shape and weight before you make your moving plan. Think about:

• How far is the move?
• What is the path? Will you be moving the hot tub on grass? Will you need to maneuver around obstacles like landscaping or carry it down stairs?
• Measure the width throughout your pathway to determine your route. Do you need to disassemble a fence or remove any patio doors to get the hot tub out of its current location?
  Will you need to figure out how to move a hot tub on its side? Or are you able to wheel it out as-is?
• How much does your hot tub weigh? A small unfilled hot tub that seats two to three people can weigh about 500 lbs. Larger, unfilled hot tubs, fitting up to 6 people, can weigh about 1,000 lbs.
• How big is your hot tub? Measure your hot tub's dimensions from from lip to lip, or the outside of the acrylic interior. Be sure to add an additional 1/2 inch to the measurement to allow for the hot tub cover.

Once you figure out how to move a tub by yourself, you can begin to gather your moving supplies right away. Reserve your truck and line up your helpers for the day of the move. Here are the moving supplies you will need in order to safely and properly move the hot tub.

• Dolly (four-wheeled furniture dollies work best on flat surfaces while appliance dollies are recommended for stairs)
• Hand-truck
• Moving blankets
• 4 x 4 lumber boards (these aren't necessary but are recommended to help loading and unloading)
• Lifting straps
• Tie-down straps
• Moving truck. Reserve your moving truck based on the size of your tub. Most hot tub moves will need a moving truck large enough to hold at least five to nine feet in width and height.

You'll also need at least four friends or helpers to move the hot tub. Consider that each side will need a lifter and one person will need to slide the hot tub onto the dolly.

Tip: If you prefer to rent tools rather than buy for a quick move, we have all all the tools you need for your project with our tool rental. Plus, you can rent a truck too.

About 24 hours before moving day, you will want to drain the hot tub of all water.

• Begin by unplugging the hot tub from the power source. Then gather the power cord. If your cord doesn't detach from the hot tub, secure it with a tie so it doesn't move or get caught on anything during the move. If it does disconnect, store it in a safe place during the move.
• Using a screwdriver, open the drain panel and attach your garden hose to the hot tub's drainage spout. Place the other end of the hose wherever you'd like the water to drain. Turn the valve and drain the water.
• Remove the hose and close the access panel.

Tip: Always check your hot tub's manual for specific drainage instructions.

Once the hot tub has been drained:

• Remove your hot tub cover and move it separately. This will ensure that the cover doesn't get damaged during the move.
• Use a dry towel and wipe away any excess water remaining in the tub.

Check your instruction manual to determine how to remove the hot tub cover. Some require you to remove screws from the hinges. You will want to set aside any screws in a safe place with your cover.

Now it's time to start moving and loading the hot tub.

How to move a hot tub on flat surfaces like a deck:

• With one person on each side of the hot tub, lift the tub off the ground.
• Place the 4 x 4 boards, or furniture sliders, underneath it.
• Place dollies at the front and back of the tub and slide the boards out from underneath the tub.
• Place the tub flat on the dollies.
• Secure the hot tub to the dollies with tie-down straps so the tub won't move.

As you are rolling the hot tub to the moving truck, be sure that there is a helper on each side.

How to move a hot tub on its side:

This method is often used when moving a hot tub down the stairs.

• Place two of your helpers on each side of the hot tub.
• The helpers on the side of the tub without access panels or electrical sources, should start by lifting and pushing.
• Have the two other helpers guide the tub as you slide your appliance dolly under the base of the tub.
• Secure the tub by wrapping the tie-down straps around it.
• Have your helpers lift the dolly (with the tub) back toward you to force the weight of the tub onto the wheels.
• Make sure the side of the dolly that has the hot tub heads down the stairs first.
• Take the stairs one at a time. Proceed carefully to the truck with two helpers wheeling the dolly and the other two guiding the hot tub.
• Load the tub onto the truck ramp. Make sure the wheels are lined up with the ramp. Keep a helper on each side so the tub stays secure.
• Using your moving blankets, cover the hot tub and move it to the back wall of the moving truck.
• Tie the hot tub to the inside of the truck, using your moving straps. You can leave furniture dollies under the tub during the move, but should be cautious with appliance dollies.

Make sure you have opened all the fences and doors. Clear any obstacles out of the way before beginning the move.

To unload the hot tub:

• Start by undoing the straps and removing the moving blankets.
• With a helper on each side, roll the hot tub down the truck's ramp.
  
• Navigate your way to the hot tub's new location slowly and carefully.
• If you are moving the hot tub up stairs, remember to take each step one at a time with your helpers. Make sure the side of the dolly with the handle goes up the stairwell first.
  
• Place your 4 x 4 boards where you plan to place the hot tub. Lifting the tub from the corners, have a helper slide the dollies out from under the tub and lower the tub onto the boards.
  
• Once the hot tub is where you want it, slide the boards out from each side of the tub.
  

Now that your tub has made its way to its new home, you can begin reinstalling the tub.

• Start by cleaning the hot tub.
• Refill it with water.
• Sanitize it with the right cleaners before plugging it back in.
  

Moving a hot tub can be done in different ways or across a few different terrains. Here are a some tips about how to jack up a hot tub to move it, how to move a hot tub on grass and how to move a hot tub on a trailer or pickup truck:

Jacking up a hot tub:

• If you choose this method, get a few helpers. Begin by lifting one end of the hot tub using a car jack. Next, slide 4 x 4 boards or fence posts under the tub. Do the same on the other side. Push the hot tub onto a dolly and roll it to your truck.

Moving a hot tub on grass:

• When moving a hot tub across grass, use plywood boards to slide under the hot tub. This will prevent damaging the grass or the hot tub.

Moving a hot tub with a trailer vs. a pickup truck:

• When moving a hot tub using a trailer, strap the tub down. Be sure to tie it around as well as underneath the trailer. Always make sure it is balanced to prevent any damage.

Moving a hot tub using a pickup truck:

• You will need to load the hot tub on its edge. With the truck backed up, load the tub onto the truck bed, using your dolly and two helpers on each end. Once it's in the truck bed, use tie-down straps to secure it. Cover with moving blankets to prevent damage. Take care to drive slowly.