Can You Move a Swim Spa?

swim spa being moved by a crane

One of the many advantages of owning a swim spa over a traditional pool is that if you decide to move out of your home, your swim spa can come with you. While it can be moved, a swim spa is a very large, heavy object that takes special care to transport. Here are some key considerations if you need to relocate and want to take your swim spa along. 

Can You Relocate a Swim Spa?

If you have a small yard, swim spas are easier to accommodate in addition to being a more affordable option than installing a swimming pool. These special spas combine the best features of both a swimming pool and a hot tub and can be used all year long. Plus, if you change residences, your swim spa can move with you! If you do decide to move your swim spa, keep in mind it is a bit more involved than just rolling it onto the back of a pickup truck or trailer. 

As with pianos, pool tables, and other large items, moving a swim spa is a complex and challenging task that typically requires professional assistance due to the size and weight of the tub itself, and because specialized equipment, like a crane is usually involved. Attempting to move a swim spa without the right equipment and expertise can lead to damage and safety hazards, so whether you hire the pros or recruit family and friends, it’s important to have a well thought out plan. Moving a swim spa unfortunately is not something that you can easily do on your own. 

A professional company that’s experienced in moving swim spas will use a crane to transfer it onto a flatbed truck or trailer, secure it, transport it to its new location, then safely move and install it in its new location. Before moving, the new location should be prepared properly, which could include leveling the ground, ensuring adequate electrical and plumbing connections, and meeting any local permitting requirements. The process of moving a swim spa can be time-consuming and costly, so it’s important to plan accordingly, and again we highly recommend hiring professionals with experience in spa relocation to ensure the safety of both the spa and your property. 

What’s the Best Way to Move a Swim Spa?

Once you’ve come up with a plan to move your spa, including an unobstructed path from the swim spa out to the street, the first thing you’ll need to do is completely drain your tub. 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. Fortunately, with a swim spa there’s no complicated plumbing to deal with and no disassembly required. 

If you’re orchestrating the move yourself without a forklift or crane, you might need to turn your swim spa 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. Once you reach the transport 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 swim spa to its 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 exercising and relaxing in it. 

We recommend that you contact experienced spa movers who specialize in relocating swim spas, as they will have the necessary equipment and expertise to safely handle the job. Whether you do it yourself or not, if you have any questions about caring for or moving your tub give us a call at 970-879-4390 or contact us here