Let me tell you, moving a hot tub is no joke. I did it last summer, and it was quite an adventure. You’ll need serious planning to avoid damaging your spa or throwing out your back. Lots of folks call house packing services for this job – and after struggling with mine, I understand why! These beasts are awkward and insanely heavy.
Whether you’re just relocating it to a different spot in your yard or taking it to your new home, you need a solid game plan for disconnecting, draining, lifting, and moving that tub. Need to know what tools to grab or what mistakes to avoid? I’ve learned the hard way, so you don’t have to.
Preparing for the Move
First things first – gather your equipment. You absolutely need a heavy-duty appliance dolly, strong moving straps, furniture sliders, and good wrenches. Trust me, trying to wing it without proper gear will end badly. Grab some plywood sheets or thick cardboard too – your floors will thank you.
Take five minutes to measure every doorway and passage along your route. My neighbor didn’t do this and ended up dismantling part of his deck when his tub wouldn’t fit through the gate. And please, call some friends. I tried moving mine with just my brother-in-law at first, and we nearly dropped it. You want at least four strong people for this job.
Disconnecting the Hot Tub
Kill the power at your breaker panel before touching anything. Don’t skip this step! Find that electrical disconnect box (usually a GFCI breaker near the tub) and switch it off. Then, shut off all water connections to the tub. When you’re taking apart the electrical stuff, be methodical.
I used masking tape to mark each wire – saved me hours of confusion during reinstallation. Got a gas-heated model? Don’t forget to shut off the gas line too. One of my buddies forgot this step and gave himself quite a scare.
Draining the Hot Tub
The drain valve sits at the bottom of your tub. Getting all that water out is more complex than it sounds:
- Turn off Power: Unplug everything first – water and electricity make terrible partners.
- Attach Hose: Hook up a garden hose and run it somewhere that won’t flood your yard or your neighbor’s property.
- Open Valve Carefully: Turn it slowly – I opened mine too fast once and soaked my shoes completely.
- Monitor Progress: Stick around while it drains. You might need to adjust things as the water level drops.
Lifting and Moving Techniques
Get those lifting straps positioned under the tub so weight spreads evenly. Give them a good yank to check they’re tight – a shifting hot tub can crush fingers or toes in a heartbeat. When you’re ready to lift, get everyone on the same page. Knees bent, backs straight.
My back still reminds me of the time I didn’t lift properly. Talk constantly – simple commands like “hold up” or “down on my side” prevent disasters. Move slowly and watch your footing. One guy tripping on a garden hose can send everyone to the emergency room.
Transporting the Hot Tub
Once you’ve wrestled it onto your trailer, center that sucker carefully:
- Secure the Hot Tub: Use ratchet straps – lots of them. I thought four was enough until I hit a bump and watched my tub shift sideways.
- Protect the Hot Tub: Cover it with a tarp – road debris can scratch the finish, and a sudden downpour will soak any internal components you couldn’t remove.
- Check the Route: Plan your driving path beforehand. Low-hanging branches, tight turns, and steep driveways can all cause problems.
- Drive Cautiously: Take it slow. Every bump feels ten times worse with a hot tub on board.
Had enough just thinking about this? I don’t blame you. After moving mine, I swore I’d hire professionals next time. Either follow these steps carefully or save yourself the weekend of pain and call someone who moves these things regularly. Your back, friends, and hot tub will all be better for it.
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