Do you get confused when you think of moving your hot tub?
Because of the heavyweights and odd shapes, it can be very difficult to move hot tubs.
Even professional moving companies find it challenging to move, which is why they charge higher to get it done.
If expert movers find it challenging to move a hot tub, you should prepare for worse when you choose to move your hot tub by yourself.
However, our DIY guide will teach you different methods on how to relocate a hot tub without passing through much stress.
While hiring experts is the best option, this guide will go a long way to get the job done for you.
Getting Your Hot Tub Ready for Safe Moving
The process is not difficult, but to drain water from your tub before moving is not all about emptying the shell; you will also have to drain the pipes and pumps.
We recommend recycling your hot tub water; it is usually easy to do.
Drain your appliance with the following steps:
1. Disconnect the power supply
Trace the circuit breaker switch in the circuit box and switch it off. If you are using 110v spa models, just unplug them from the wall. Remember that hot tubs that are wired directly to the power supply will need the intervention of an electrician and/or a spa service representative to perform safe disconnection.
2. Connect a hose for proper draining of the valve
Locate the valve, remove the lid, and then connect one end of your garden hose to the valve and position the other end to the right drainage spot.
3. Release the water by opening the drain valve
You can let the water drain on its own, but the process can be slow. Using a submersible water pump, get it done quickly and drain the water between 10 and 15 minutes. Remember that dumping spa water into a drain that links to the ocean is illegal in some areas and you can be penalized for it.
4. Clear the residual water with a wet-dry vac
Even with the use of a submersible pump, there will still be traces of water underneath the spa and remain in the pumps and pipes.
Remove puddles using the vac and then turn the vac to push mode. Place the vac’s nozzle on the drain valve to push out the residual water through the jets, and then clear the pushed water with the vac.
If you are relocating your hot tub to an area where temperatures are lower than freezing, this step is so much essential. Total draining of your spa is also an important part when winterizing your hot tub.
5. Clean the spa
After all the water is cleared, you might want to use that chance to deeply clean the spa as well as repair any surface scratches before you move it.
How to Move a Hot Tub?
When you have hired the relevant workforce and gotten the necessary equipment and supplies you need, your arrangement of activity for the hot tub move should feature these steps:
Step 1: Be sure you have the necessary and relevant supplies. You will need 2 furniture dollies, two 2x4s, and moving straps. Remember the tools and supplies needed to disconnect, drain, and clean the hot tub. Source all the supplies listed above.
Step 2: Rent a moving truck size that will fit your specific hot tub as they come in different sizes and shapes. Measure your tub on all dimensions to make sure it will fit in your selected truck.
Step 3: Clear out the pathway from and to the moving truck. When you are moving a heavy and large object like this, it is very crucial to take the straightforward route. It is also important to clear out clutters on the way. Remember the oath from the truck to the hot tub’s new room, too.
Step 4: Disconnect power: Switch off the circuit breaker to the hot tub. If you own the plug-in type, unplug the power cord. If you have a hardwired model, contact an electrician to disconnect it safely.
Step 5: Drain the hot tub by connecting a garden hose to the drain valve and open the valve to let it drain. If you are rushing try using a submersible pump instead.
Step 6: Remove the leftover water – pick up any remaining puddles in the hot tub with the use of a wet-dry vac. Switch the tub to push mode to dry out the pipes, then clean up any water that releases from the jets.
Step 7: Clean the hot tub – even though not required, this is the right time to scrub your hot tub and repair any noticeable dings or scratches
Step 8: Pack the supplies – pack any item that you can easily detach from the hot tub. This might include a pump, heater, and other accessories, based on the model.
Step 9: Gather your helpers – with a well-crafted plan in place and the hot tub prepared for the move, you can now gather the workforce. You will need a minimum of 2 to 3 strong friends to assist you in moving the hot tub.
Step 10: Position 2×4 for leverage – work with your helpers to tilt the hot tub to a side, and place one 2×4 below it. Repeat this for the other side.
Step 11: Position furniture dollies – gently slip one dolly in between the 2x4s on the sides of the hot tub, and secure the hot tub to the dollies using moving straps. Make sure you set and secure the ramp on the moving truck.
Step 12: Move the hot tub – work again with your team of helpers and carefully roll the hot tub onto the moving truck. Wrap the hot tub with furniture blankets and secure it in the moving truck. Repeat this process reversely to unload the hot tub at your new residence.
Equipment/Supplies You Need to Move a Hot Tub
There are not many supplies needed to move a hot tub, but you still need few essential ones. Below is what you need to get:
Blankets: While moving the hot tub, there is a possibility that the hot tub gets scratched or even broken some of its fragile parts while in transit.
To prevent any of this, we suggest that you apply as many blankets as you can get to serve as cushions on the hot tub.
These blankets will bridge the contacts between the hot tub and other external objects or surfaces that may rub on it while in transit.
Moving truck rental companies also offer blankets for rental, you may need at least 4 sheets to wrap your hot tub properly for this move.
Moving straps: It is important to make sure that your hot tub doesn’t move while loaded in the moving truck. This can be done by getting moving straps and using them to hold the hot tub in place inside the moving truck.
Strapping the tub will save it from sliding around and possibly colliding with any surface that may damage some of its parts. You don’t want to get to your destination and start picking pieces of your cherished hot tub. You can also get straps rental from moving truck rental providers.
4-wheel furniture dolly: This makes it easier to roll the hot tub to the moving truck, instead of carrying it to the truck and taking chances against the accident of dropping it and damaging the fragile parts or causing bodily injury to the people carrying it. Dollies are available for rental or purchase at your nearest home improvement stores.
4 x 4 lumber boards (A pair): To slide the dolly around easily under the hot tub, you need to rest it on the lumber to make enough space under it for the dolly. Without the lumber’s help, you will have to stress yourself by sliding the dolly below the hot tub while still holding it. This risk is not necessary and can be avoided. You can buy lumber boards at local home improvement stores.
Hand truck: This truck is often referred to as an appliance dolly. You will need it to move your hot tub if it is currently installed upstairs and the action requires moving it through a flight of stairs on its way down.
It is great for sliding down any object down the stairs, unlike 4-wheel dolly, which only works effectively on level ground. The hand truck is available for rental at the neatest home improvement stores or from a truck rental provider.
A truck: This is highly important if you are moving the hot tub to another location and not just to another section of your home. Renting a moving truck big enough to fit the hot tub is important. Measure the hot tub before you rent a truck.
This measurement will make sure you rent a moving truck that can contain your hot tub properly and save it from crashing out of the moving truck onto the road.
Things to Avoid When Moving a Hot Tub
When relocating a hot tub, your inaction can be just as important as your action.
So to avoid bodily injury to yourself and your helper or damaging your precious hot tub, do not try the following:
- Moving the hot tub alone
- Letting the hot tub rest completely on its control panel
- Moving a full hot tub, which can weigh up to 6,000 pounds
Is Moving a Hot Tub Hard?
Moving a hot tub yourself is a tough task that should be done only if you don’t have any other options. There are many risks and dangers in doing so.
If you seriously need to move one of the most difficult household items without the help of a professional, then we suggest you assess the risks and dangers perfectly before you venture into it without the pros.
Try to Hire a Professional to Move Your Hot Tub
If your budget can accommodate it, look into hiring professionals to move your hot tub instead. A DIY hot tub move increases the risk of bodily injury and damage to the hot tub.
Professional hot tub movers have the right skill, equipment, and experience required to move your spa safely and efficiently.
Also, if you still have a warranty on your hot tub, professional long distance movers may be needed to keep the warranty valid.
Understand that not all moving companies have experience in moving hot tubs, so make sure you specify this in your discussion with the companies you are looking to hire and go for the one that specializes in it.
Final Words
Obtain price estimates from a few highly rated specialty moving companies before you make your selection and risk your hard-earned money, precious time, and also your health.
You may even discover that the price charged by experienced hot tub movers is not as high as you have imagined. Contact Adams Van Lines for more info if you are moving locally or long distance and moving your appliances with you.
