Moving to a new home or giving your backyard a makeover? Relocating your hot tub takes careful planning to ensure your safety and success. It’s a big job, but with the right steps, it can be done safely and efficiently, so you can get to relaxing with your loved ones.
Our team at Take A Break Spas has been helping people just like you move their spas for nearly two decades. This expert step-by-step guide will make the process of moving a hot tub stress-freee and simple. We will cover from lifting a hot tub to transporting it without damage, This expert guide covers everything you need to know about how to move a hot tub.
How To Move a Hot Tub In 10 Easy Steps – Ultimate Guide
1. Choose the New Location for Your Hot Tub
Before you move your hot tub, have a solid game plan for its new placement. A good location should have a level foundation to keep your spa stable and prevent damage over time. If you’re moving your hot tub outdoors, avoid placing it under trees to reduce falling debris and maintenance.
2. Prepare a Solid Foundation
A strong foundation is essential to support your hot tub’s weight. If your spa isn’t going on an existing patio or deck, you’ll need to install a base. Jacuzzi’s guide on how to move a hot tub covers the best options, including:
- Concrete slabs (long-lasting and sturdy)
- Spa pads (easy to install and relocate)
3. Gather Supplies and Helpers
You’ll need a bit of equipment and at least three strong helpers to lift this heavy hot tub. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Two heavy-duty dollies
- A sturdy plywood sheet or pallet
- Thick moving straps
- A large moving truck (if transporting to a new home)
4. Drain Your Hot Tub Completely!!!
Guys… this is absolutely vital. Before you move your hot tub, disconnect it from the power source and drain all the water, EVEN if you’re just moving it across the yard. A full hot tub can weigh over 5,000 LBS, making it nearly impossible to move it safely without it being drained.
For faster draining, use a submersible pump, which can empty your hot tub in about 15 minutes. Compared to the hours it takes without one (Definitely worth the investment in my opinion). Once drained, follow this cleaning guide to remove any leftover debris and give your spa a good cleaning, might as well do it while you’re here.
5. Lift the Hot Tub onto the Dollies
Now that your hot tub is clean and dry, it’s time to move your hot tub. Have your team of people carefully lift up one side of the hot tub that is now clean and dry, this is how to move a hot tub. Have your team of people carefully lift up one side of the hot tub and slide a sturdy plywood sheet or pallet underneath it. Once the plywood sheet is in place, lift the spa one side at a time and roll dollies under each end, and secure the spa. Then you can add your moving straps to prevent it from shifting.
(If you’re only moving your hot tub within your yard, skip to Step 8.)
6. Load the Hot Tub onto the Truck
Wrap the hot tub in protective plastic and moving blankets to prevent damage, then carefully roll it toward the truck. Lifting a hot tub safely requires the right technique and equipment. If you need to fit through a narrow gate, you may have to tilt the hot tub onto its side.
How to safely tilt a hot tub:
- First, tilt one side of the hot tub upward while keeping the base stable
- Slowly guide it onto its side, ensuring the weight is evenly distributed to prevent cracks or damage.
- Once through the tight space, reposition the spa upright and secure it before moving forward.
When figuring out how to move a hot tub, always lift with your legs, not your back, and use a spa dolly or airbag system for larger spas. If you’re unsure, hiring aprofessional hot tub movercan help prevent injury and damage to your spa.
As you roll the spa up the moving ramp, have your helpers positioned on all sides to keep it steady. Once inside, use heavy-duty ratchet straps to secure it, and cover it with moving blankets for extra protection.
7. Unload the Hot Tub at Its New Location
Once you arrive at your new home or wherever you may be putting your spa, carefully remove the moving straps and blankets. Slowly guide the hot tub down the ramp while having at least three people support it on all sides to prevent tipping. Understanding how to move a hot tub safely ensures that you can avoid damaging your spa during the unloading process.
8. Position the Hot Tub on Its Foundation
Move the hot tub onto the new foundation, keeping it level and stable. Once in place, remove the dollies and plywood carefully to ensure proper positioning. If you used protective plastic, remove it before lowering the hot tub completely.
9. Reconnect, Refill, and Clean the Hot Tub
Before refilling, inspect the cabinet and shell for any cracks or damage from the move. Next, clean the shell using ahigh-quality hot tub cleanerto remove dirt and debris.
Reconnect the power source and connect everything properly. Begin filling your spa with a garden hose, preferably with a filter to reduce impurities. As the water fills, check for leaks and tighten loose fittings. Once full, test the water chemistry and adjust pH and alkalinity as needed. Understanding how to move a hot tub properly means not only focusing on the physical relocation but also ensuring everything is in top working condition after the move.
10. Relax and Enjoy Your Hot Tub!
After all your hard work, it’s time to sit back and enjoy your spa. Once the water reaches the right temperature, grab a towel, turn on the jets, and enjoy a well-deserved soak! Now that you know how to move a hot tub, you can enjoy your spa at its new location with peace of mind knowing you’ve done it right.
Need Help Moving a Hot Tub in Utah?
Moving a hot tub is no easy task. If you’d rather leave it to the pros, ourhot tub moving servicescan help!
At Take A Break Spas & Billiards, we’ve helped countless Utah homeowners safely relocate their hot tubs. We even work with crane services for tricky moves.
Want to see how professionals move hot tubs?? Check out our YouTube videoon using a spa trailer for a behind-the-scenes look at how professionals move hot tubs safely.
Whether you’re moving across the yard or across the state, contact us todayfor a stress-free hot tub move!
