What to Know Before Hiring Hot Tub Movers

When moving into a new home, most people want to take the items they enjoy with them, such as a hot tub. While many people leave hot tubs at their old house because they are difficult to move, moving companies can move them for you.
Of course, you’ll need to ask the long-distance or local movers you’re considering if they have experience, what additional costs will be involved and if the hot tub will be covered by the moving insurance, but there are things that you should know before you contact movers.
What is the Cost of Moving a Hot Tub?
Moving companies offer several optional services, such as moving bulky and heavy items like a hot tub. Moving a hot tub will be an additional charge because it is not an ordinary household item. They weigh approximately 500 pounds for a smaller hot tub and 1,000 lbs. for one that seats six people.
To get an accurate idea of how much your moving expenses will be, you can use a good quality moving cost calculator to add all the charges to get the total. In this case, you would add the cost of moving the hot tub to the rate for the local movers.
There are many variables to consider when pricing the move of a hot tub. Are there stairs in the home? Where is it in your old home and where is it going in the new house? Where you live and having easy access to the hot tub are also variables to consider.
The average price for moving a hot tub runs from $200 to $400. However, in areas like New York City the prices are much higher. Moving services in NYC, for example, may charge $750 to $1,000 to move a hot tub.
Preparing to Move the Hot Tub
The first task that owners need to do in order to prepare a hot tub for moving is to drain out the water. There are two techniques to choose from when draining the hot tub. The first technique is to use a garden hose to remove the water by attaching it to the hot tubs water valve, and the second involves using a submersible pump. The submersible pump will do the job faster than a garden hose, which takes about two hours to drain.
Draining and Cleaning the Plumbing Lines
Preparing a hot tub for moving doesn't mean just draining the water from its shell, but also draining water from the pumps and pipes. The pipes get dirt, biofilm, and grime in them, so homeowners should clean them whenever draining the hot tub. The first step is to turn the power off to the hot tub by unplugging it or turning off its circuit breaker.
After the power is off, remove the hot tubs filters and turn the jet pumps on to full pressure. Pour a cleaning solution into the filter housing and turn on the jets, letting them run for 15 to 20 minutes. Doing this will help remove any bacteria in the pipes. After allowing 15 to 20 minutes, turn off the hot tub and get ready to drain the shell.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you prepare a hot tub for moving?
The best way to prepare a hot tub for moving day is to remove all the water. Drain the shell, pump, and pipes. Clean the pipes to remove bacteria from them and allow everything to dry before the movers load it into a truck.
How much do hot tubs weigh?
The weight of a hot tub depends on its size. A smaller hot tub that seats up to four people can weigh 500 pounds. A larger tub that sits up to six can easily weigh 1,000 lbs.
What is the cost of moving a hot tub?
Variables such as where you live, the size of the hot tub, and the ease of the move can affect moving costs. Most moving companies charge between $200 and $400 for moving a hot tub. However, in larger cities like New York City, the price can be between $750 to $1,000.
How long does it take to drain a hot tub?
Depending on how you do it, it can take up to two hours to completely drain a hot tub. A garden hose will drain the water from the tub or you can drain it faster by using a submersible pump and not just gravity to get all the water out.
What do movers need to know about moving your hot tub?
Inform the movers if there are stairs they will need to deal with at your old or new home. Let them know if there is direct access to the hot tub and where it is going, such as on a deck or patio. If you have pets, make sure they don't interfere with the movers and cause an accident or get out of the yard when the movers are dealing with the hot tub.
Taking the Hot Tub with You
If you're worried that you won't be able to have your hot tub moved, rest assured that most movers can remove and load them in their trucks. There are usually extra charges for moving items like hot tubs, so add the charge to your moving budget to keep track of expenses.
Prepare for the move by draining and cleaning it, so as soon as it's in place at your new home, you can turn it on and have a drink as the warm water eases your tired muscles.