Moving a hot tub is rarely fun. You have an awkward shape, a huge weight and an economically lethal price tag. Most people leave that to the experts, and honestly, that’s usually the wisest decision. If you are hiring a moving company, let them know in advance. They should bring suitable tools for the job.
But if you’re determined to save money and do it yourself, you can. This is not a job you can do alone. The room needs at least 2-3 strong bodies. There are no solo heroes here.
Here we show you how to safely move your hot tub using basic tools you probably already have.
Collect equipment
No need for a crane. You need leverage and stability. Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
- 2-by-4 pieces of wood
- Heavy-duty straps
- Two furniture dollies
That’s it. Keep it simple.
Preparation is everything
Before you even think about tilting, you need to remove the tub first.
First, pack all accessories separately. This includes heaters, blower, electrical equipment, pumps and plumbing components. Wrap them up. Label them. If you lose the pump during the trip, troubleshooting later is inconvenient.
Next, drain the water. A full hot tub is very heavy. Draining it significantly reduces the load and prevents messes.
The Lifting Process
Now comes the physical work. you need your help.
Carefully tilt the tub to the side. Lying on its side makes it easier to move, but you can’t do this alone. At least two people are needed to control the weight.
Once it’s tilted, lift one side of the Tub. Place the 2×4 directly under it. This acts as a pivot point and a support.
Tilt the other side. Place another 2×4 under this side as well.
The hot tub is horizontal with two 2×4’s off the ground. This raises it about 2 inches (5 cm) off the ground. This gap is very important. There is enough space to slide the dolly under without crushing the dolly or the tub.
Loading the Dollies
Bring two furniture dollies. Make sure you are using a flat side and not the wheel side. Place a dolly under each 2×4 and slide it between the wooden supports.
Attach the tub to the dolly. Use sturdy straps. You don’t want this to slide out when you mid-push.
Slowly push the dolly to your destination. Don’t rush. Control your weight.
When loading into a van or truck, don’t let your dollyegiver leave. You need help loading and unloading. Gravity doesn’t dollye about your plans. The group should stay close until the tub is placed in a safe place.
