How to Move a Hot Tub

Whether you are planning to move a hot tub across the yard or pack it up to move across the country, the basic steps remain about the same. However, the bulky shape and heavy weight can make transporting a hot tub difficult to manage without appropriate safety measures, so it’s not surprising that DIYers often wonder how do you transport a hot tub safely.

Learning how to move a hot tub by yourself is certainly possible with the right equipment and a respectable level of caution about the weight and size of the tub. It’s generally easier, however, to gather a small group of three or four people who can work together to safely maneuver the hot tub. Not only does this make the job go faster, but it also reduces the risk of injury. This guide will help you get a Jacuzzi from Point A to Point B without injury.

Tools & Materials

Bobvila.com may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

• Lifting straps
• 4×4 lumber boards
• Furniture dolly

• Moving blankets
• Tie-down straps

Before You Begin

While physically moving the hot tub is the biggest part of the process, there are important steps you will need to take before you start this project.

Consider whether it would be better to hire a crew of professionals to complete the move. 

• Prepare the new location where the hot tub will be installed, choosing an appealing spot and taking the time to ensure the ground is level.

• Determine how far you will be moving the hot tub to help figure out the best mode of transportation.

• Check the proximity to the nearest compatible electrical outlet at the new installation location. Plan the potential wire run so that you can avoid the risk of tripping over the cord while you’re entering or exiting the hot tub.

• Estimate the number of people you will need to help move the hot tub based on the size and weight of the empty tub, as well as the distance it will need to be moved.

• Determine if you have the necessary people and equipment to handle the job.

Guide to Moving a Hot Tub

Learning how to transport a Jacuzzi is relatively straightforward, though the effort involved with the move depends on the number of people, the distance the hot tub will need to be moved, and the equipment you are using to complete the move. Follow these steps to determine how to move a Jacuzzi safely. 

Step 1: Disconnect and drain the hot tub.

The first step in moving a hot tub is to disconnect the power and drain the water from the tub. This should be relatively easy because draining and cleaning the hot tub is a common maintenance task you should be completing every 3 to 4 months. Ideally, you should drain the hot tub a few days before the move to allow the tub enough time to fully dry.

1. Disconnect the hot tub and remove the power cord. 
2. Remove the hot tub cover and store it safely nearby or on the moving truck.
3. Run the drainage hose to a suitable location that can handle the excess water.
4. Drain the water through the drainage valve or with a submersible pump.

Step 2: Dry the hot tub.

If you have enough time and the weather is good, you can simply let the hot tub air-dry, but if you need to move the hot tub shortly after draining it, then it’s important to dry the hot tub by hand before the move. After draining the hot tub, use several towels to completely soak up any remaining water and dry the inside of the tub. You can also use a wet/dry shop vac to remove excess water, especially from the jets and bottom of the tub.

Step 3: Lift the hot tub onto a furniture dolly.

Depending on the size and weight of the tub, it’s a good idea to have two to four people to help lift, balance, and maneuver the hot tub during the moving process. (Note that you may need two dollies, depending on the relative dimensions of the hot tub and dolly.)

1. Working together, lift half of the hot tub enough so that you can slide a 4×4 piece of lumber underneath the tub.
2. Repeat the process with the other side to prop the hot tub up off the ground, giving you enough space to slide the furniture dolly (or dollies) under the hot tub.
3. Take the time to position the dolly properly under the hot tub, ensuring that the hot tub is entirely supported. 
4. With the dolly in place, lift the sides of the hot tub to remove the 4×4 boards. Helpers should use lifting straps to better hold and balance the weight of the hot tub. 

You can flip the hot tub on the side to move it, but before deciding to move a hot tub on its side, there are a few things to keep in mind: First, avoid tipping the hot tub onto the side with the control panel because the weight of the tub will damage the controls. Also, the hot tub will be more difficult to balance when on its side, so you need to ensure there is always someone nearby to prevent it from falling. Finally, you need a plan for lowering the hot tub back down to the ground once it’s in position, keeping in mind that even an empty tub can weigh more than 500 pounds.

Step 4: Move the hot tub to its new location or onto the moving truck.

With the hot tub resting comfortably on the dolly, your team can wheel the hot tub to the new location in the yard or to the moving truck. 

If you are just moving the tub across the yard, follow these steps.

1. Guide the furniture dolly to the new location where the hot tub will be installed.
2. Lift the hot tub to slide the 4×4 boards back underneath.
3. With the boards supporting the hot tub, remove the dolly. 
4. Lift one side of the hot tub to remove one of the 4×4 boards. 
5. Lift the other side of the hot tub to remove the other 4×4 board.
6. Lower the hot tub to the ground.

If you are loading the hot tub into a moving truck, the process is a bit more complicated.

1. Have one person pull the dolly up the furniture loading ramp while a second person pushes the hot tub from below.
2. A third person should stand at the side of the ramp to help balance the hot tub, especially if you are moving the tub on its side.
3. If there is a fourth person available, they should take the other side of the ramp so the hot tub is supported on all four sides.
4. Move the hot tub toward the back of the truck and cover it with moving blankets to protect the tub while in transit. 
5. Use tie-down straps to keep the hot tub secure and prevent it from moving or shifting.

Step 5: Unload and set up the hot tub in the new location.

Park the moving truck in a suitable location and prepare to unload the hot tub and any other items you’re transporting.

1. Open the back of the truck and pull out the ramp while checking to make sure you have enough space to remove the hot tub without running into the garage door, a wall, or any other obstruction.
2. Disconnect the tie-down straps and remove the moving blankets before maneuvering the hot tub to the top of the ramp.
3. One person will need to hold the hot tub from inside the truck while another helps support the hot tub as it comes down the ramp.
4. The third and fourth person in the group should stand on opposite sides of the ramp to help slow and balance the tub as it comes down the ramp.
5. Wheel the hot tub to the new location.
6. Lift up each side of the hot tub to slide the 4×4 boards underneath, one at a time, so you can remove the furniture dolly.
7. Lift the tub and remove each of the 4×4 boards, one at a time, so that the hot tub sits on the ground in the desired location.

Step 6: Refill and reconnect the hot tub.

Once the hot tub is in the new location, take the opportunity to clean it out and inspect the tub to make sure no damage occurred during the move. Refill the hot tub and connect it to an available power source. 

Don’t forget to add the appropriate chemicals to help keep the water free of algae. Always put the cover on the hot tub when it’s not in use to prevent dust, dirt, leaves, sticks, insects, and other debris from falling into the water.

Should You Hire Movers to Relocate Your Hot Tub?

Figuring out how to move a Jacuzzi hot tub is only part of the problem. You also need to have the proper equipment, physical capabilities, and available helpers to be able to manage the weight and bulky size of the tub. In some circumstances, it may not be possible to complete this job on your own—for instance, if you need to maneuver around significant obstacles or navigate stairs, or if you simply don’t have the physical ability to handle the size and weight of the hot tub.

When faced with this situation, it’s common to wonder how much does it cost to move a hot tub if you’re looking to hire the job out? On average, you can expect to pay movers $300 to $1,200 to move a tub for you. Not only is this the easiest way to move a hot tub, but it can also save you a lot of time and personal effort while ensuring that the hot tub will be moved by trained professionals who are less likely to get injured or cause damage to the tub during the move. 

Tips for Moving a Hot Tub

Moving a hot tub can be awkward and dangerous, so it’s important to take proper precautions and plan the move carefully to ensure you can complete the job without issues. Follow these tips to make your hot tub move a success.

• Consider selling the hot tub with the house if you are moving a long distance away or don’t use the hot tub frequently. This will save you a lot of time and could increase the value of the home.
• Depending on the weight and size of the tub, you may want to increase the number of helpers. Ideally, you should have four people to move an average-size hot tub, but for smaller models, you may be able to complete the job with only one or two people.
• Even if you are only trying to figure out how to move a hot tub a short distance, it’s still a good idea to have at least two people to handle the bulky size and weight of the tub.
• Two people can work together to lift one side of the tub at a time, while a third person slides 4×4 boards or a furniture dolly underneath the tub.
• When maneuvering a hot tub onto a moving truck, have one person pull the hot tub, a second person push the hot tub, and a third person balance it. A fourth can also help to balance the hot tub from the opposite side, especially if the tub is on its side.
• Don’t tip a hot tub up onto the side where the controls are located, as the weight of the tub can damage the controls.
• If a hot tub is on its side, have two or more people slowly lower the hot tub to the ground to reduce the risk of it slipping or crashing down while it’s being put into place.
• If you don’t have a crew to help move the hot tub, hire a moving company to get the job done safely.

 

Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners

We’ll help you set up your first garden—whether that’s a few pots on your patio, a raised bed, or an in-ground plot out back—and select the right plants for your soil and region.

GET STARTED