Hot tub moving: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What hot tub moving is

Hot tub moving drains, disconnects and moves a hot tub with lifting equipment, then resets it at a new spot. The move usually involves electrical and plumbing disconnection and reconnection, which should be done by qualified people, not by the movers alone.

Signs you need it

  • You are moving house and want the hot tub to come with you from its deck, patio or yard
  • The tub has to move to a new spot in the yard, onto a different pad or up a deck
  • The tub is too heavy and awkward for the crew you have to carry it safely
  • The tub's electrical supply and plumbing must be disconnected and reconnected at the new spot
  • The tub needs a new pad, a level base or a cover fitted at the new location

What the pro does

  • Assess the tub, the path to the new site and the equipment needed to lift and slide it
  • Turn off and disconnect power at the source by a qualified electrician before any movement begins
  • Drain the water and disconnect the plumbing and any jets or pumps according to the manufacturer's instructions
  • Lift the tub with lifting equipment or straps, keeping it balanced and supported on the path
  • Set the tub on its new base, level it and check the shell for cracks or damage
  • Reconnect power and water through the qualified trades, then refill and test the system

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Size and weight of the tub, with and without water and the cover
  • Distance and path to the new location, including stairs, gates and tight corners
  • Whether the new spot needs a new pad, a level base or a deck reinforcement
  • Electrical disconnection and reconnection work, which is done by a qualified electrician
  • Plumbing work for drains and water supply at the new spot
  • Whether the move includes refilling, testing and balancing the water chemistry

What a written quote should spell out

  • The path covered and the equipment used to lift and move the tub
  • Whether the electrical disconnection and reconnection is included, and who performs it
  • Whether draining, plumbing disconnection and refilling are part of the job
  • The new base or pad work, if included, and whether a level base is checked
  • What is not included, such as spa electrical upgrades, deck repair or chemical balancing

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Who disconnects the power, and are they a licensed electrician
  • Do you drain and reconnect the plumbing, or do I need a plumber for that
  • What lifting equipment do you use, and how do you keep the tub from cracking
  • Will you check the shell and the jets for damage after the move
  • Do you set up the tub on a level base at the new spot
  • Can you refill it and test the system before you leave

Red flags

  • A crew that offers to disconnect the power themselves with no qualified electrician
  • A tub lifted by hand without equipment or a plan for the path
  • No plan for the base, which often leaves the tub out of level and stressed
  • A quote that leaves out the electrical and plumbing work without saying who does it

What you can do yourself

You can clear the path, remove the cover and the steps and keep pets and children away from the work area. Call a qualified electrician for power disconnection and reconnection, a plumber for water lines, and a professional mover for the lifting, since a hot tub is heavy and the wiring is dangerous.

Licenses and permits

Electrical disconnection and reconnection for a hot tub are commonly licensed work, and plumbing connections are commonly licensed as well. Check with your state or local licensing agency before any electrical or plumbing work, and make sure the people doing it are qualified.

Hot tub moving questions

Can I move a hot tub myself?

Not safely. The weight, the water and the wiring make it a job for a professional team with the right lifting equipment and a licensed electrician for power.

How long does a hot tub need to sit before it is used again?

After the reset, the tub must be refilled, heated and tested. Ask the crew to confirm the water is clean, the jets run and the system is safe before you use it.

Will the move void the warranty?

It can if the work is not done to the manufacturer's instructions. Ask the company to follow those instructions and to keep a record of the work.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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