Don't start lifting your hot tub before you read through this guide! Hot tubs are expensive, and we don't want you to damage yours by trying to move it by yourself. Here, we're going in-depth into the steps of disconnecting and transporting a hot tub.
Hot Tub vs. Jacuzzi vs. Spa
When you're planning to move a hot tub by yourself, it's helpful to know exactly what kind of equipment you're dealing with. We often use terms like hot tub, jacuzzi, and spa interchangeably. But they're not all the same.
For starters, a hot tub is a large tub or small pool filled with heated water, primarily used for relaxation. In some cases, it's also used for hydrotherapy. These tubs are typically made of wood and usually installed outside. One key factor that differentiates hot tubs from the other two is that they don't usually have jets.
A Jacuzzi, on the other hand, is a brand name that has become synonymous with hot tubs and spas with jet systems. It's like calling a tissue a Kleenex. Technically, a Jacuzzi is a hot tub or spa, but it's specifically one equipped with powerful jets designed for massage, hydrotherapy, or simply relaxation.
Finally, a spa is a broad term that can refer to any jetted, heated, and circulated water tub. Spas can be a part of a larger pool, known as a pool-spa combo or standalone units.
Evaluating the Feasibility of Moving a Hot Tub
If you look at a hot tub, it's quite obvious that moving a hot tub on your own can be quite challenging. These units are not only heavy and bulky but also require careful handling to avoid damage. Anyone who owns one knows how expensive they are!
Then there is the sheer weight of the thing. Depending on their size and build, hot tubs can weigh upwards of 500 pounds! This may make you think, can you move a hot tub in the first place?
Of course, disconnecting and reconnecting the electrical and plumbing connections is no easy feat. Unless you're a certified electrician or plumber, it won't be a wise decision for you to tinker with the connections.
If you're okay with dealing with all of these complexities, you start learning how to move a hot tub. But if you ask us, it's often more practical and safer to hire hot tub moving services. The professionals have the experience, tools, and even a hot tub moving trailer to transport your beloved luxury safely.
Planning and Preparation for a Hot Tub Moving
Now that you've made peace with the risks of moving a hot tub by yourself, it's time to prepare! Although this phase will vary depending on how far you're moving and exactly what model of hot tub you own, we can outline the general steps of preparation for you.
Before anything else, you need a plan. For example, what is the path from your hot tub's current location to the moving truck or trailer? Is there enough space for maneuvering the tub? What about obstacles like gates, steps, or landscaping? You don't want to be stuck in the middle of a move, right?
To avoid this, simply get a measuring tape and measure all the doorways, gates, and the hot tub itself. The idea is simple. You need to make sure there's enough space throughout the path for the tub to pass through.
Then there are supplies. You'll need strong straps for secure lifting and moving, plywood to create a smooth path over uneven surfaces, furniture dollies strong enough to bear the hot tub's weight, and cleaning supplies for pre-move maintenance.
Start by searching online for specific hot tub moving equipment and general moving supplies. You never know what will come in handy.
Once you get the tub out of the house, you'll need the truck ready. Unless you own a moving truck, you'll need a hot tub moving trailer. Thankfully, you can rent one from your local movers.
Of course, you need to make sure that the moving truck or trailer is large enough to store your hot tub. This is where the measuring tape comes in handy once again. The trailer or truck should also have a ramp for easier loading and unloading.
Last but not least, manpower. You don't need to be a genius to understand that moving a hot tub is not a one-person job. You'll need several strong individuals. Feel free to reach out to friends or family who can help.
If you're not confident in your team's ability to safely move the hot tub, consider hiring professional movers who have experience with such large and heavy items. They will have the expertise and equipment to handle the job efficiently and safely.
Disconnecting and Draining the Hot Tub
Now that you have a solid plan in place and you've prepared everything, it's time to get to action. The very first step is disconnecting and draining the tub. But as it's a complex machine, you need to follow a certain flow of tasks.
- Power Off: Of course, you'd want to turn off the hot tub before you do anything else to do it. You don't want to start with an electrical shock, do you? In most cases, you have to turn the tub off at the circuit breaker. Again, if you're not sure what you're doing, consider hiring a hot tub moving company.
- Disconnect: Once the power is off, disconnect the hot tub from its electrical source. This step is going to vary from model to model. Some are simple plug-and-play models, while others may require you to consult the owner's manual.
- Drain the Tub: Every single hot tub or spa on the market comes with a drain valve. Locate the one in your hot tub. You can consult the manual if you're not sure where it is. In most cases, you can get away with attaching a garden hose to it and directing the water to an appropriate drainage area. Finally, open the valve and allow the tub to drain completely. This might take some time, depending on the size of your hot tub. Take a snack break, as you might already be sweating!
- Remove Remaining Water: After the initial draining, some residual water will likely be in the jets and pipes. You can either use a wet-dry vacuum to suck out this water or simply use repurposed clothes. This is critical because you don't want your tub to grow mold.
- Clean and Dry: Last but not least, wipe down the interior of the hot tub to remove any lingering moisture. This step helps prevent any damage during transit and keeps your hot tub in good condition by eliminating water spots during dry transport.
- Secure Loose Parts: If your hot tub has any removable parts like filters, covers, or accessories, secure them separately. This prevents loss or damage during the move.
The Easiest Way to Move a Hot Tub
Well, we're already going for the best way to move a hot tub. And the best way to move such a behemoth is often the easiest way as well. Here are the steps you should follow.
- Disconnect and Drain the Tub: You already know the whole fiasco about disconnecting and draining the tub. Just follow those steps, and you're ready for the move.
- Lift and Position Plywood or 4x4s: Call your homies and ask them to lift the tub from one side. Then, slide pieces of plywood or 4x4 wooden beams under one side of the hot tub. Carefully lift the other side and do the same. The goal is to stabilize the hot tub with even support.
- Push the Tub onto a Furniture Dolly: With the hot tub now on a solid, movable base, push it onto a heavy-duty furniture dolly. If you don't own one, you can get one at your local home depot. Make sure the hot tub is centered and stable on the dolly to prevent tipping or damage during transport.
- Move the Dolly to the Vehicle: Carefully guide the dolly, with the hot tub on it, toward your moving truck or trailer. If you've been following our guide, your path should already be clear of obstacles. For uneven surfaces, use plywood so that the wheels of the dolly can roll smoothly.
- Load onto the Truck/Trailer Using the Ramp: When you reach the vehicle, use the ramp to load the hot tub onto the truck or trailer. This step might require extra manpower due to the weight of the hot tub. Ideally, you should strap the tub and have people on the truck so they can pull when other people push at the same time.
- Secure the Tub with Straps: Congratulations! You now have your hot tub on a moving truck! Once the hot tub is in the vehicle, use strong straps to secure it in place. This is crucial to prevent any movement during transit as it can damage the tub or the vehicle (it's over 500 pounds, remember?).
Professional Hot Tub Moving Services
By now, the sheer intensity of the hot tub moving should get to you. This is why we believe hiring professional hot tub moving services often proves to be a more sensible option.
While it might seem costlier upfront, the expertise and efficiency they offer often outweigh the apparent savings of moving it yourself. Don't forget that you're spending on supplies as well. And as a good friend, you owe the helping hands a treat as well.
A hot tub moving company, on the other hand, is equipped with the right tools and experience to handle the weight and intricacies of a hot tub. If anything, it reduces the risk of damage.
The cost of any potential repairs from a self-move could easily surpass the expense of hiring experts. Most importantly, professional movers carry insurance, which means you get an extra layer of security for your assets.
Lastly, the professionals' skill in safely disconnecting, transporting, and reinstalling hot tubs provides peace of mind that is well worth the investment.
Reinstallation at the New Location
If you played the cards right, you've reached the new location with your hot tub. From here, you need to follow the reverse flow of steps to get the tub into place. When it comes to installation, we highly recommend that you hire professionals. You don't want the newly installed tub to leak everywhere or, even worse, not work at all!
Conclusion
So, now you know how to move a hot tub. It's surely daunting but doable. Our goal behind this guide is to help you understand the process. We still recommend hiring professional assistance to make the whole thing manageable.
