How to Move a Hot Tub by Yourself and Why You Shouldn’t

Hot tubs are luxurious backyard upgrades, but when it comes time to move, they become one of the most challenging and expensive items to move and transport.

If you’re relocating and facing the question, “Should I move my hot tub?” then I would say, 9 times out of 10, leave it to the professionals or just leave it.

Generally, it is far too dangerous to you, the tub, and your home to try and move it yourself.

Of course, there are exceptions to that rule, so detailed instructions on how to move it and things to consider can be found in this week’s home moving blog.

Is it Worth Moving a Hot Tub?

Before we get into the process of moving your hot tub, you should first assess whether relocating your hot tub is worth the high cost, extreme effort, and very real risk.

Option 1: Leave It Behind

Many homebuyers consider hot tubs a bonus. Leaving it behind can:

• Add value to your home
• Reduce your moving expenses
• Avoid potential damage
• Make your home move a whole lot easier and cheaper

Tip: Highlight the hot tub in your real estate listing or offer it as part of a negotiation strategy to close the sale faster.

Option 2: Sell the Hot Tub

If your buyers don’t want it, you can list it online:

• Facebook Marketplace
• Craigslist
• OfferUp
• Local classified ads or hot tub enthusiast groups

Option 3: Take It With You

If the hot tub is newer or high-end, moving it might be worth the hassle, but think about this very carefully.

Ask Yourself:

• Is the tub in good working condition?
• Do you have space and infrastructure for it at your new home?
• Is it worth the moving cost?
• Does it make more sense to replace it than risk moving it?

You may also like to read: How to Sell Everything You Own and Move. It is not just your hot tub that you could consider not taking with you. In this guide, we look into selling everything you own for a cheap and easy home move.

DIY vs. Professional Hot Tub Movers

OPTION A: Hire Professional Hot Tub Movers

Pros:

• Efficient and safe
• Insured against damage
• Experienced with permits, logistics, and the hardships of moving a hot tub

Cons:

• Cost: $600–$1,500+, depending on distance, stairs, access, and weight
• During peak moving season, scheduling may delay your move

Recommended for: Large, heavy, or expensive hot tubs; tight spaces; or long-distance moves

OPTION B: DIY Hot Tub Move

Pros:

• Lower upfront cost (equipment rental: $150–$400)
• Full control of timing

Cons:

• Heavy lifting risk (tubs weigh 500–1,000+ lbs. empty)
• Requires 4–6 strong and very reliable people
• High risk of injury or damage
• You may have equal problems unloading it at your new home
• You will need additional insurance if you pack and move it yourself

Warning: Many manufacturers void warranties if the tub is damaged when trying to move it yourself.

Tip: If you already have the transport, then consider hiring moving labor from a reputable company to do the dangerous and hard work for you. That way, you have more control over the timing and cost of your move, whilst it is also safer and less stressful for you.

You may also like to read: Moving Labor. In this guide, we explain all you need to know about hiring professional labor-only services for your home move.

Equipment Needed for a DIY Hot Tub Move

If you have the help and the ability to do a hot tub DIY move, here’s what you’ll need:

Equipment	Purpose	Rental Cost
4-Wheel Furniture Dollies	To roll the tub across flat surfaces	$10–$25 per day
Furniture Lifting Straps	For safer, easier lifting	$10–$20
Appliance/Dolly Ramp	To help load/unload from a truck or trailer	$30–$60
Moving Truck or Trailer	To transport the tub to your new location	$100–$250 per day
Tie-Down Straps	To secure the hot tub during transit	$15–$30
Plywood Sheets	To create a level surface on uneven ground	$20–$50

Pro Tip: Protect the tub shell with moving blankets or padding. Drain and clean it thoroughly beforehand to reduce weight and mess.

Note: If you need a crane to lift it over your home or fence, for example, you will need to budget around $2000 for that.

Whilst the costs of a DIY move are considerably less than hiring professionals, what price do you put on a safer, easier, and less stressful hot tub move?

You may also like to read: Furniture Moving Dolly. A furniture moving dolly is one of the most useful bits of kit on moving day. Find out all you need to know about a moving dolly in this guide.

How to Move a Hot Tub by Yourself

• Drain and disconnect: Shut off the power, disconnect electrical wiring (you may need a qualified electrician for this), and drain the water.
• Clear the path: Remove obstacles from your route to the truck.
• Lift onto dollies: Use lifting straps and dollies under all corners.
• Secure and roll: Carefully guide the tub along plywood or ramps.
• Load: Use a truck with a ramp, which is both safer and easier
• Secure: Using strong tie-down straps, secure the tub to the bulkhead or side of the truck
• Leave the dollies in place, but chock the wheels so that the tub cannot move
• Unload at new location: Reverse the loading process.

You may also like to read: The Risks of a DIY Home Move. In this guide, we look at the obvious and hidden risks of trying to move home by yourself.

Hiring Professional Hot Tub Movers

Average Cost of Professional Hot Tub Movers

Service Type	Cost Estimate
Local move	$400–$800+
Long-distance move	$900–$2,500+
Crane or hoist service	$2,000+ extra

What to Look For in a Mover

• Licensing and insurance
• Specialty in hot tubs or large spas
• Positive reviews
• Transparent pricing (flat rate or hourly?)
• Proper equipment: dollies, straps, padding, truck or crane

Tip: Ask if they handle reconnection or coordinate with electricians.

Important: Ensure that your hot tub is fully insured during the move: Being underinsured is one of the most common home-moving mistakes.

You may also like to read: Home Moving Insurance. Most people wildly underinsure their home move or fail to understand just what little most insurance policies will pay out in the event of a claim. In this guide, we explain all you need to know about moving insurance.

Is Moving a Hot Tub Worth It?

Factor	Move It	Sell It
The new home has compatible space	✅	❌
New home has compatible space	✅	❌
Budget-conscious or uncertain tub condition	❌	✅
Short local move	✅	✅
Complicated logistics (tight space, stairs)	❌	✅

 If your hot tub is relatively new, in great condition, and you can safely manage the move (or pay pros), taking it with you may make sense.

However, selling it or including it in your home sale is often more practical and will certainly be less stressful.

To find out the cost of getting your hot tub moved professionally, give us a call on 1-800-989-8833.

And be sure to visit our home moving blog for more tips on how to make every aspect of your home move easier, cheaper, and safer.