Moving a hot tub is very different from carrying a couch or dresser. Most hot tubs weigh between 400 and 900 pounds when empty, and their large size makes them awkward to maneuver through gates, decks, and yards. Without the right tools and team, injuries and damage are likely.
This guide explains the safe way to move a hot tub, the equipment required, and when it makes more sense to call professionals like Ez As Pie Moving.
Safety and Planning First
Before touching the spa, confirm whether a DIY move is realistic. A small, empty hot tub on flat ground with clear access may be manageable with four to six strong adults and proper tools. But stairs, slopes, narrow gates, or second-story decks often require specialized moving equipment and trained movers.
Hot tubs contain plumbing, pumps, and electronic controls that can crack or break if lifted incorrectly. Always plan the route in detail before starting.
Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
The right equipment makes the difference between a smooth move and a dangerous situation. At minimum, you should have:
- Two to four furniture dollies or an appliance dolly
- Moving blankets and stretch wrap for protection
- Pry bars or a small floor jack to lift corners
- Straps or ratchet tie-downs
- Heavy-duty gloves and boots
Professional crews also use PVC pipe rollers, plywood sheets for ground protection, and specialized spa dollies designed for hot tub relocation. Without these, moving a spa over uneven terrain or through tight areas can be nearly impossible.
Measure and Inspect the Route
Measure the hot tub’s length, width, and height, then check every gate, turn, and opening along the path. A typical hot tub is 7 to 8 feet wide—if your gate or doorway is smaller than that, the unit will need to be tilted on its side.
Look for obstacles such as steps, slopes, deck railings, and landscaping features. Lay plywood sheets over grass or gravel to create a solid rolling surface.
Shut Off and Drain the Hot Tub
- Turn off the power at the breaker and disconnect the GFCI. For hard-wired spas, hire a licensed electrician to disconnect safely.
- Drain the tub completely. Use the built-in drain or a submersible pump. A shop vacuum can remove the last gallons from the plumbing lines.
- Remove the cover, cover lifter, and side panels if detachable. Bag all hardware.
- Wrap the shell in moving blankets or shrink wrap, paying special attention to corners and the control panel.
Never attempt to move a spa with water inside. The added weight makes the move dangerous and increases the risk of structural damage.
Lifting and Loading Techniques
Dolly Method
Lift each corner with a pry bar and slide a dolly underneath. Secure the tub with straps and keep it balanced during the move. This method works best on flat, wide paths.
PVC Pipe Rollers
Lay several pipes under the base and roll the tub forward, moving the rear pipes to the front as you go. This spreads weight evenly and reduces friction.
Spa Dolly or Cart
Professional movers often use a dedicated spa cart that straps to the tub and allows easier navigation through gates and up ramps. If your move involves tight spaces, this is the safest option.
Transporting the Hot Tub
Load the tub into a trailer or moving truck with a ramp. Keep it upright when possible. If tilting on its side, pad the surface heavily to avoid cracking the shell.
Center the weight in the truck bed and secure it with ratchet straps in an “X” pattern. Use edge protectors to prevent straps from damaging the acrylic. Check and tighten straps after the first few miles of driving.
Reinstalling and Set-Up
Once the tub is on its new pad:
- Confirm the base is level and capable of supporting the weight.
- Reconnect the electrical supply according to code (use an electrician for hard-wired spas).
- Refill with water, prime the pump, and check all jets and connections for leaks.
- Run the tub for several hours before use to ensure proper function.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to drain fully before moving
- Trying to drag the unit directly across concrete or gravel
- Attempting stairs or steep slopes without ramps
- Using too few people for the lift
- Ignoring clearance measurements
Each of these mistakes risks broken equipment, damaged property, or serious injury.
DIY or Professional Movers?
For many homeowners, hiring professionals is the smarter choice. The average hot tub relocation costs around $500 to $800, depending on access, distance, and size. Most moving companies send four to five movers for a standard spa.
Hire professionals if:
- The tub is on a deck or second story
- The path involves stairs, steep slopes, or very tight turns
- You don’t have enough strong helpers or the right equipment
- It’s a larger swim spa or commercial unit
When hiring, ask movers if they:
- Regularly move hot tubs
- Own spa dollies or spa carts
- Carry insurance and can provide a certificate if needed for apartments or HOAs
Moving a Hot Tub a Few Feet
Sometimes you only need to shift the spa within the same yard or deck. In this case, a full truckload isn’t necessary. Drain it, protect the shell, and use two dollies or PVC pipes to roll it onto the new pad. Even a short reposition can require four or more people for safety.
Seasonal and Weather Considerations
- Winter: Cold acrylic can become brittle. Keep components dry and protect against ice on ramps.
- Rain: Wrap electronics and avoid muddy routes that could bog down dollies.
- Summer: Plan around peak heat; surfaces like pavers and concrete can get slick.
When You Shouldn’t DIY
Skip the DIY approach if:
- The spa is hard-wired, and you’re not licensed to disconnect it
- You have a two-story deck or spiral staircase
- Clearance at any point is less than the hot tub width
- You’re moving a swim spa weighing over 1,000 pounds
These jobs almost always require professional movers.
Hot Tub Moving Services in Upstate SC
At Ez As Pie Moving, we handle hot tub moves throughout Greenville, Mauldin, Spartanburg, Simpsonville, Taylors, and surrounding Upstate South Carolina communities. Our team arrives with the equipment, protection materials, and manpower needed for safe relocation.
Whether you need a spa moved across town or shifted a few feet in your backyard, we can take care of it. We also offer full-service residential moving, furniture relocation, packing, and storage.
Call (864) 428-0527 or request a free online quote today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move a hot tub?
Most standard hot tub moves cost between $500 and $800. Access challenges such as stairs or slopes, increase the price.
How many people are needed to move a hot tub?
At least four to six people are recommended. Professional companies typically send a team of four or five movers.
Can you move a hot tub without draining it?
No. Water dramatically increases weight and makes the move unsafe. Always drain fully.
What’s the easiest way to move a hot tub a short distance?
Use furniture dollies or PVC pipes to roll it across a flat surface after draining and wrapping.
Do I need an electrician to reconnect the spa?
Yes, for any hard-wired spa. Plug-and-play 110v models can be connected to a GFCI outlet, but 220v spas must be wired by a licensed electrician.
Final Thoughts
Moving a hot tub is not like moving standard furniture. With weights exceeding 500 pounds, sensitive plumbing, and electrical connections, it requires planning, strength, and the right tools. For small, simple moves, a DIY approach may work, but for most situations in Upstate South Carolina, hiring trained movers ensures safety and protects your investment.
At Ez As Pie Moving, we provide reliable, insured hot tub moving services so you don’t have to risk injury or damage.
