How much does it cost to move a hot tub?

Whether you’re moving the hot tub from one part of the house or yard to another or driving it across town, professional hot tub movers will save your back from aching and your hot tub from being damaged by improper handling. These pros have the proper equipment, trucks, people power and experience to safely move your hot tub from one location to the next, or transport a newly purchased hot tub to your home or commercial property from the dealer.

Let’s explore what affects the cost of moving a hot tub, how to save money and why you should consider hiring professional hot moving services to do the job for you.

Some professional hot tub movers may charge you by the hour to move your hot tub. The average hourly rate for professional hot tub moving is $200/hour. However, some pros charge $100/hour for their services.

The size of the hot tub, how far the tub is being moved, whether it’s being moved on one level or must go up or down stairs and whether any additional services are needed such as disposing of an old hot tub or installing new wiring all impact the cost of moving a hot tub.

From small two-seaters to party-size spas that fit 10 people and more, no job is too big or small — pro movers can even handle hauling your hot tub upstairs if required.

Movers can dispose of non-operational hot tubs, saving you the hassle of removal and dumping. Other services include leveling and balancing the hot tub in position and choosing the right placement.

If you’re ready to move your hot tub or spa, here are the cost factors to consider.

On-property flat hot tub moves

Many hot tub owners want to relocate their spa within their property to accommodate new landscaping, a home remodel, a patio addition or other updates.

Moving the hot tub from one flat location to another will cost less than moving it upstairs or up onto other elevated locations such as a deck. It usually takes fewer people and less equipment to move the hot tub on a flat surface.

Here is one example of flat-surface moving from Steve Rider of Hot Tub Rehab in Austin, Texas:

• On-property, flat-surface moving: $185
• Typical time to complete the job: Under an hour

On-property elevated hot tub moves

Moving a hot tub up a set of stairs or onto any type of elevated surface can increase your cost. Lifting the tub to a raised platform or upstairs requires more effort, more equipment and typically more people on the part of the moving company.

For example, Rider with Hot Tub Rehab says that for moves that involve stairs, his company uses a ramp and an additional employee to ensure the safety of the workers and the client’s hot tub.

Here is one example of how stairs impact cost from Hot Tub Rehab in Austin, Texas:

• $100: Additional fee for stairs
• $285: Total cost for an on-property move when the $100 fee for stairs is added to the $185 flat-surface moving fee
• 1.5 hours: Typical time required for moves involving stairs

New location hot tub moves

Moving a hot tub from the spa dealer to your home or from one location to another will cost more than moving the hot tub within your current property. The higher fee will account for the added time, transportation costs and labor associated with the move.

Some companies may have set fees for transporting hot tubs, while other companies may charge based on mileage, hot tub size or other variables.

Here is one example of a set fee from Hot Tub Rehab in Austin, Texas:

• $350 fee for crosstown move, which includes:
  • Use of the Spa Dolly, a specialized trailer built just for moving hot tubs, which attaches to the back of their truck and safely secures the hot tub on its balance point
  • Disconnecting the electrical wiring at the original location and reconnecting it in the new location
  • Standard spa wiring must be prepared for an installation in the new location
• $85  hourly rate for additional wiring work, such as installing a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)

It costs about approximately $150 for hot tub removal. If your hot tub isn’t functional or you’re looking to replace it with a newer model, hot tub movers can remove and dispose of your hot tub for a flat rate.

There are a few steps you can take to aid in your decision-making and ensure that you hire hot tub movers who are right for the job:

• Determine your budget: Figure out how much you have to spend on hot tub movers. Knowing your budget will help determine whether you can afford to have your hot tub professionally moved.
• Check out multiple companies: Not all moving companies are created equally. It’s a smart move to work with a company that specializes in moving hot tubs, as they will have the proper tools and moving trucks for the job.
• Read reviews: Read the companies' reviews to make sure you’re choosing the right pro for the job. Hot tubs are pricey investments, so protect your investment by working with a trustworthy hot tub moving company. You’ll thank yourself in the long run.

For more tips on smart hiring, see Thumbtack's safety page.

Hiring a professional hot tub moving service doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some ways to save money on the cost of moving a hot tub:

Prep the hot tub. Turn off, drain and clean the hot tub before the moving company arrives. Some companies charge extra for this service, so save some cash and do it yourself.

Pack some things yourself. Remove and pack all accessories and parts separately. Things like the heater, electrical units, pumps, plumbing or other motors can usually be removed to prevent being bumped around. Be sure to label where they go, or take photos for reassembly.

Moving a hot tub is extremely difficult, even for a group of well-meaning friends and some furniture dollies (let alone one person). Attempting to move a hot tub by yourself puts you at risk for personal injury as well as an injury for those you ask to help. Is DIY-ing it really worth a week on the couch with a back injury?

In addition to endangering yourself or others helping to move, the hot tub (whether it's brand-new hot tub or not) is also at risk for damage. If something should go wrong and the whole thing topples, you could risk puncturing the watertight seal, damaging a jet or heating element, or something more serious.

Although cost may deter you from hiring professionals to move your hot tub, there are many benefits to hiring help. First, a professional hot tub moving company will have enough manpower to physically maneuver the spa. They are also equipped with movers who have experience in this field. They will come prepared with moving pads, stretch wrap and floor coverings to protect everything involved.

Often, hot tubs will require special disassembly or have specific packing instructions, and professional spa movers have experience with most of these requirements. Also, if an accident causes damage to either the hot tub or your home, hot tub moving companies generally carry full liability and movers’ insurance to cover the cost.

If nothing else, hiring a professional will give you peace of mind that the job is done correctly, safely and with minimal to no damage to the hot tub or your home.

It's easy to locate and hire a pro. Start your search on Thumbtack, and start getting free estimates from the best hot tub movers near you.