How Difficult is it to Move a Hot Tub?

Moving a hot tub can seem daunting, but it doesn‘t have to be with the right approach. In this guide, I‘ll provide all the details you need to successfully move a hot tub based on my 10 years of experience. I‘ve helped clients relocate all kinds of hot tubs, so you can trust my advice to make your move smooth and painless.

Hot Tub Sizes and Weights

The first thing to look at when assessing the difficulty of moving your hot tub is the size and weight. Different types of hot tubs can vary quite a bit in their specifications:

Inflatable Hot Tubs

• 2 person models – 110 to 150 lbs empty
• 4 person models – 170 to 220 lbs empty
• 6 person models – 250 to 300 lbs empty

Inflatable tubs are composed of fabric-reinforced PVC, making them the lightest hot tub style. Their compact size when deflated also makes them the simplest to relocate.

Acrylic Portable Hot Tubs

• 2 person oval tubs – 280 to 380 lbs
• 2-3 person square tubs – 300 to 450 lbs
• 5-6 person tubs – 550 to 850 lbs
• 6-7 person tubs – 800 to 1100 lbs
• 7-8 person tubs – 1000 to 1300 lbs

These molded acrylic hot tubs have sturdy fiberglass-reinforced shell construction but are still designed for portability. Their weight capacity can accommodate several adults.

Fiberglass Portable Hot Tubs

• 2 person models – 375 to 425 lbs
• 4 person models – 450 to 650 lbs
• 6 person models – 700 to 950 lbs
• 8 person models – 950 to 1300 lbs

Fiberglass shells are extremely durable, but also lightweight. These portable tubs can hold substantial amounts of water and people while averaging under 1000 lbs.

Custom Built-In Hot Tubs

• Small acrylic or fiberglass – 1100 to 2500 lbs
• Large acrylic or fiberglass – 2500 to 4000 lbs
• Concrete or tile hot tubs – 4000 to 8000 lbs

Built-in hot tubs are designed to integrate seamlessly into decks and patios. But their customized nature makes them far more difficult to remove or relocate.

Filled Hot Tub Weight

Once filled, hot tubs can weigh 3000 to 9000 lbs depending on their capacity. One gallon of water weighs over 8 lbs, so even a 350 gallon hot tub holds over a ton of weight when full!

So in summary, smaller inflatable and portable acrylic or fiberglass hot tubs under 1000 lbs will be the most DIY-friendly to move. Larger integrated or custom-built hot tubs over 1500 lbs may require professional assistance.

How Many People Do You Need to Move a Hot Tub?

The number of people needed to safely lift and relocate a hot tub depends directly on the weight. Through my experience, I would recommend the following:

• Under 300 lbs – 1-2 people
• 300-600 lbs – 2-3 people
• 600-1000 lbs – 3-4 people
• 1000-1500 lbs – 5-6 people
• 1500+ lbs – 6+ people or professionals

More movers allows you to lift slowly, carefully, and minimizes the chance of injury. For hot tubs over 1000 lbs, I would only recommend professionals with the right hydraulic lifting gear. Don‘t take chances trying to DIY move an extremely heavy tub.

Preparing Your Hot Tub for Moving Day

To get your hot tub ready for transportation, there are some important steps I recommend:

Drain the Hot Tub

• Use a submersible sump pump to remove all water
• Open drain valve and remove drain cap
• Use a wet/dry shop vac to vacuum out remaining water

Eliminating the weight of water makes a huge difference in being able to move the empty shell.

Disconnect All Hookups

• Unplug pump, heater, control panel
• Detach plumbing lines, filter hoses
• Disconnect gas lines if applicable

This prevents damage to the delicate internal components during transit.

Remove Accessories and Panels

• Take off exterior hot tub panels if possible
• Remove filter basket, filter lid
• Detach headrests, cover lifter

The more you can break down the tub into manageable pieces, the easier it will be to move.

Clean Interior Surfaces

• Use hot tub surface cleaner
• Vinegar rinse to prevent staining
• Wet/dry shop vac again
• Wipe down with soft cloth

You want to protect the inner shell from dirt buildup and scratches.

Check Route Accessibility

• Measure doorways and passages
• Look for low hanging pipes or wires
• Ensure load bearing capacity if going upstairs
• Make ramps if needed

It‘s vital to ensure the hot tub will actually fit along your planned route!

Once you‘ve completed these preparations, your hot tub will be ready to transport safely.

Equipment to Move Hot Tubs

Having the proper equipment makes moving a hot tub much easier. Here are some of my top recommendations:

Hand Trucks and Dollies

• Appliance dolly or hand truck for lightweight tubs under 500 lbs
• Furniture dolly for larger portable acrylic or fiberglass hot tubs
• Panel cart with straps for disassembled sections

Wheels simplify rolling the hot tub short distances across flat terrain.

Patient Lifts or Hoyers

• Electric patient lifts can be rented
• Hoyer lift has powered boom arm to hoist heavier portable tubs
• Allows carefully raising and lowering instead of manual lifting

Very useful for maneuvering hot tubs up or down staircases.

Lifting Straps

• Nylon lifting straps provide secure hand holds
• Allows even weight distribution when lifting
• Should have rated weight capacity on label

Much safer grip option than trying to bear hug a large hot tub!

Ramps or Steel Plates

• Used for rolling hot tub into truck or trailer
• Smooth wooden ramps prevent jarring
• Steel plates bridge gaps between surfaces

Essential for getting the hot tub into or out of a vehicle.

Trailers and Liftgate Trucks

• Pickup truck or trailer for local short moves
• Covered hot tub trailers for long distance
• Liftgate truck has powered gate to load heavy tubs

Ideal transportation for larger hot tubs over long distances.

Having the right equipment for the size of your hot tub makes a world of difference for safe transportation.

Protecting Your Hot Tub During the Move

Relocating a hot tub risks scratches, cracks, or even structural damage if proper precautions aren‘t taken:

• Wrap hot tub in moving blankets or furniture pads
• Use cardboard or foam on vulnerable corners
• Bubble wrap protects protruding jets or fittings
• Cargo netting/ratchet straps keeps padding secured
• Foam tubing cushions strapping pressure points

It‘s worth investing in quality padding to prevent costly damage.

Avoid dragging or bumping the hot tub during transport – lift it fully when moving. Be extra cautious navigating corners, ramps, and tight spaces.

Also be sure to secure the load properly so the hot tub can‘t shift or bounce around during transit. Take it slow over bumps and turns.

With some protective measures, you can keep your hot tub looking pristine through the moving process.

Setting Up Your Hot Tub in the New Location

You did it – you moved your hot tub! But it‘s not ready for soaking just yet. Proper setup and installation are crucial:

• Level and reinforce the foundation
• Reassemble any disassembled components
• Reconnect plumbing and electrical hookups
• Refill hot tub according to instructions
• Power on and test pumps, jets, lights
• Balance water chemistry (chlorine, pH, etc)
• Have electrician inspect new hookup

Taking these steps ensures your hot tub is safe and ready for action in its new home.

Rushing through setup risks damage from leaks, electrical shorts, or contaminated water. So take your time and take care during installation.

Moving Costs: DIY vs Professional Hot Tub Movers

For smaller portable hot tubs under 500 lbs, moving it yourself with some friends is very feasible. The only costs may be rental equipment like dollies or ramps to borrow.

However, for larger hot tubs, the specialized equipment and experience of professional movers is often worth the expense.

On average, professional hot tub moving costs are:

• Short local move (under 50 miles) – $750 – $1000
• Long distance move (over 50+ miles) – $1500 – $5000

I recommend getting quotes from at least 3 reputable local moving companies before choosing one. They should thoroughly assess your hot tub model and move details to provide an accurate price.

While DIY moving can save money, the risk of damaging an expensive hot tub may outweigh those savings. Professionals can prevent common issues like:

• Cracked or punctured shells from impacts
• Twisting or warping the hot tub frame
• Damaging internal components like pumps or heaters
• Injuries from improper lifting

Paying for professionals ultimately gives you peace of mind. But assess the size of your hot tub realistically – smaller portable tubs can be DIY moved with sufficient care.

Moving a hot tub requires considering the size, weight, transportation distance, and access challenges. With deliberate preparation and equipment selection, even very heavy hot tubs can be relocated safely. Taking steps to protect the tub and using proper lifting techniques prevents injuries or damage. With strategic planning guided by knowing your hot tub model‘s specifications, you can expect a smooth hassle-free hot tub moving process.

Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to share my professional insight on hot tub moving best practices.