How to Move a Hot Tub: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re fortunate enough to own a hot tub, you probably spend much of your free time enjoying the luxuries of the warm water. Maybe you like taking a relaxing soak to unwind from a stressful work day, loosening your muscles in the tub after a long run, or inviting your friends for a dip after dinner.

There are many perks to owning a hot tub, that is, until you decide you need to move it. After all, depending on the make and model, an empty hot tub can easily weigh 500 pounds or more. Hot tubs can be extremely heavy, but they’re also awfully cumbersome, making it challenging to transport them.

The good news is that it’s certainly not impossible to move your hot tub, and we’re here to help. Our guide on how to move a hot tub provides you with all the best tips to make the move go smoothly.

Why Proper Planning is Essential

It’s important to make a game plan to figure out how to move your hot tub., which includes mapping out the path you want to take, reading the owner’s manual, gathering all the appropriate moving equipment, and ensuring you have enough manpower.

Following these steps can help prevent any issues, from dents and dings to strained muscles and injuries.

1. Take Measurements

The first step in our guide on how to move a hot tub by yourself involves taking measurements. Grab your tape measurer and measure your hot tub’s length, width, and height. Then, measure any doorways, passageways, and vehicles you plan to use during your move. This will help you determine if your hot tub can fit through the path you plan to take.

You will need to remap your exit plan if the numbers don’t add up.

2. Clear a Pathway

Once you’ve decided the path to move your hot tub, clear it of any obstacles. This means items or furniture you could trip on or bump into along the way, which could lead to major injuries or property damage. Also, put any pets in another room so they don’t get under your feet.

3. Read the Owner’s Manual

Next, locate your hot tub owner’s manual and read up on how to prepare it for a move. It should provide instructions on how to properly unplug it, close off the water supply, and drain it of water. Once you’ve completed those steps and let the water out, give your tub plenty of time to dry before moving it.

4. Get the Right Equipment

Now, it’s time to ensure you have the proper moving equipment to help you transport your hot tub. We recommend getting a few furniture dollies, 4×4 boards, and moving straps to assist with the move.

When it comes to figuring out how to lift the hot tub, it’s best to lift it up and place 4×4 boards underneath it, making it easier to push it onto your dollies.

5. Call in Back-up

No matter how strong you are or how much equipment you have on hand, it’s not a good idea to go at it alone. Ask your family members, friends, or even neighbors to come over and help you with the move. The more manpower you can get, the easier it’ll be.

Just remember to properly communicate with everyone involved and encourage them to lift with their legs to help avoid injuries.

6. Rent a Moving Truck

If you’re wondering how much does it cost to move a hot tub, the price may depend on a few factors. For example, if you hire a moving truck, then you’ll have to calculate those costs into the move.

Hiring a moving truck is an essential for those who don’t have vehicles that are spacious enough to fit the hot tub. If you plan to go this route, make arrangements before moving day to ensure a truck is available for rent.

7. Consider Hiring Help

Just because you now know how to move a hot tub by yourself doesn’t mean you have to. Moving something this large can be a big endeavor; sometimes, it’s easier to leave it to the professionals. There’s no shame in hiring a moving company to do the heavy lifting for you.

Learn More About Stor-It

Here at Stor-It, we offer all the best moving and storing advice. We’re also the oldest and largest storage facility in Idaho, with more than 15 convenient locations throughout Treasure Valley, from Boise to Nampa and beyond.

Contact us today to find out more!