Spa Guide: Everything you need to know before moving a  hot tub

Portable hot tubs have a significant benefit because life is full of twists and turns, but at least you can bring your spa with you.

Is moving a hot tub hard? You bet it is! Between the sheer weight and awkward shapes, you can count on it being a challenging adventure. So, whether you find yourself moving to a new home or you are purchasing a pre-owned hot tub, here are some considerations to keep in mind before moving your favorite place to relax. 

1. Moving requires some big muscles and a lot of tow capacity.

Hot tubs are heavy, and moving them is no walk in the park. An average spa weighs about 1200-1500 pounds without water. It takes some serious muscle to lift, position and deliver these units. There are also special dollies and trailers that professionals use to make the process go smoothly.

If you plan on moving a hot tub by yourself, then it is time to call in some favors with friends and family who can provide you plenty of hands.

Pro tip: Make sure you place the hot tub on its right or left side during transportation, not on the front or back, as this is generally where your equipment will be placed.

2. You have to check clearance and access before you begin moving.

Transporting a hot tub is more difficult than just loading it onto a truck and driving it down the road. Before you get too far into the process, make sure both properties have sufficient access to the back yard. If you don’t have a wide enough gate (or a gate at all), then how do you plan to get your spa into the backyard?  You will need to make sure that you have plenty of gate, fence and patio clearance to maneuver the hot tub into position.

3. Determine if you have the right electrical requirements at the new location.

It is imperative you always hire a certified electrician to provide you the right electrical requirements for the spa. Any mistake in the process of installing an outdoor GFCI outlet will result in an electrical hazard.

Make sure you have plenty (5’-10’ of extra wire from the center of the spa’s new location) to connect to the electrical box on the spa.  Most spa moving teams are unable to move your breaker or existing wire because those items are tied to electricity in your home, and only a licensed electrician should connect or disconnect those items.

4. Be ready to conduct the prep work.

Before you can start the move, you will need to completely drain the hot tub. It could take several hours with the drain plug, or 30 minutes to an hour if you use a sump pump or siphon. You will also need to dry it out and complete any repairs. Then, you need to completely disconnect it from any electrical hookups or water lines.

Secure any pieces of the unit to prep it for the move, and make sure it is sturdy enough to be turned on to its right or left side.

5. Rumbling and rolling down the road is not kind to the spa.  

Before moving a hot tub, you should always check to make sure that motors and other equipment are bolted properly to the cabinet.  

Rusty screws can break over time, wooden cabinets can deteriorate in places, plumbing can shift, wires can pull away and many other issues can potentially arise from moving a spa.  Generally, if the spa is well kept and in good shape, moving them is generally not hazardous to the spa.  

However, if you have an old spa that has been neglected (especially if it hasn’t had water for a long time) you should conduct repairs before hitting the road.

6. It will cost time or money (most likely both)

Of course, you want a hot tub at your new abode, but is it worth the move? If you move the spa by yourself, then there will be a lot of time spent on prepping for the big day. If you hire a company, then you have to expect to compensate the team for the work. Either option will cost a little bit of both money and time.

Paying for movers can cost between $200 and $700, and it doesn’t include the cost of hiring an electrician or any other special accommodations needed to complete the project. If you are moving it yourself, you might have to rent a truck or special dollies. Either way, conduct a cost analysis to determine what is best for your budget.

Is moving a hot tub the right decision? If so, let the experts take care of your asset. Give us a call at (405) 799-7745 to schedule a consultation and a moving date.