No one knows how to safely and efficiently move a hot tub like technicians from your local dealer. Not only will they move your tub to your new home, but they’ll also install it and ensure that it works properly. If you’re set on moving it yourself, here are some tips to set you up for success. 

Hot Tub Weight and Placement 

While there’s no single standard hot tub weight, a small two or three person tub generally weighs around 500 pounds empty and 3,000 pounds when filled with water. A larger six person model typically weighs approximately 1,000 pounds empty and 6,000 pounds full. The weight of the tub will also vary depending on the materials that it’s made of. One thing’s for sure, hot tubs are heavy! 

Because hot tubs are so heavy, you will need some type of support for it to sit on so that it doesn’t sink into the ground or damage a foundation that’s not strong enough to support it. A thick concrete slab is an excellent and popular choice to support the weight of a tub. Other options include pavers bricks, sand, pea gravel or crushed rock and very low to the ground decking. 

You’ll also want to look at local ordinances that may have guidelines such as how far you can set your tub from your property line, whether or not you need safety measures like barriers or fences and if there are any restrictions that would prohibit you from easily draining it for cleaning purposes. After you pick the spot, you’ll want to carefully plan out how you intend to move your tub there, too. 

The Best Way to Safely Move a Hot Tub

The first thing you’ll need to do is completely drain your hot tub including the pumps and pipes. Disconnect the power supply, use a submersible water pump to speed the drainage and then a wet-dry vac to clear the remaining water. Then clean and inspect your tub for any damage. For the move, you’ll need helpers, 4-wheeled furniture dollies, an appliance dolly, 4×4 wood, moving straps, a truck or trailer and a well thought out route on both ends of the move.

You might need to turn your hot tub on its side (not the control panel side) to maneuver it. Doing so is perfectly safe and the tub can stay on its side for the transport as well. With your helpers at the edges, lift the tub high enough to slide the wood under, set it down, then slide the dollies under. Remove the lumber once you’ve rolled the dollies under and secured your tub with straps. If you need to travel down stairs, use an appliance dolly. 

Whether you’re transporting your hot tub with a truck or trailer, make sure that it’s secure and won’t get jostled around. Once you get to your new location, you can use the same equipment and reverse the steps to get your tub to its perfect final resting spot. Then it’s just a matter of getting it hooked up and filled before you’ll be able to get back to relaxing in it. 

Whether you do it yourself or hire out, if you have any questions about caring for or moving your hot tub give us a call at 970-879-4390 or contact us here.