The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make When Moving Hot Tubs (And How to Dodge Them)

Reid Bailey • May 29, 2025

Most people believe that moving a hot tub is just about strength. Grab a few buddies, rent a truck, and you're good to go, right?

Wrong.

Every year, thousands of homeowners damage their hot tubs, injure themselves, or rack up expensive repairs trying to move these beasts without help.

If you have a move coming up, this article is for you. We'll walk through the five most common mistakes homeowners make when moving hot tubs and show you how to avoid them.

By the end, you'll know how to protect your hot tub, your home, and your back — and why hot tub moving services might be the smartest call you can make.

1. Underestimating the Weight and Size

Hot tubs look manageable when they’re sitting pretty in your backyard. But when it's time to move them, reality hits.

Even an empty hot tub can weigh between 500 and 1,000 pounds. A swim spa can weigh much more. Moving something this heavy without a plan can lead to accidents that cause serious injuries or property damage.

Homeowners often underestimate how big and awkward hot tubs really are.

They might think four strong friends can lift it like a couch. But a hot tub isn't just heavy. It's bulky, unbalanced, and filled with sensitive parts like pumps and heaters. Imagine trying to carry a fridge while making sure the fridge never tilts, bumps, or scrapes anything. Now double that.

How to Dodge It:

Measure doorways, gates, and pathways before you even think about moving day.
Check the manufacturer's weight specs online or in your owner’s manual.
Plan for professional-grade moving equipment like spa dollies, moving blankets, and heavy-duty straps.
Always overestimate the number of helpers you might need, not underestimate.

Hiring experts in hot tub moving services near Buford means your move will be handled with the right equipment and experience.

2. Not Draining the Hot Tub Properly

This mistake happens more often than you'd think.

You can't just drain a hot tub halfway and move it. Even a small amount of leftover water can add hundreds of pounds, and moving a wet tub risks cracking the acrylic shell.

Also, draining water improperly can damage your lawn, flood your patio, or create icy patches in winter.

How to Dodge It:

Turn off the power supply completely.
Use a sump pump or the tub's built-in drain.
Direct the drained water away from your house foundation and neighboring properties.
Avoid draining water into storm drains because many localities prohibit it.
Wipe down the shell, plumbing lines, and jets with dry towels.
Check if your city offers eco-friendly water disposal sites.

Taking an extra thirty minutes to drain and dry your tub properly can save you thousands in repairs.

3. Forgetting About the Power and Plumbing

Hot tubs are wired directly into your home's electrical system. Some homeowners get excited about the physical move and forget about the "invisible" connections.

Trying to pull a hot tub that’s still wired can damage your home’s electrical systems or even cause a fire hazard. Exposed wires and water do not mix.

How to Dodge It:

Disconnect power completely at the breaker box to avoid live wires.
Take pictures of your electrical setup before you unplug anything.
Coil and tape wires securely to prevent snags during the move.
If your spa has gas or water hookups, cap them off properly.
If hardwired, hire a licensed electrician to handle the disconnect safely.

Skipping this step can turn a hot tub move into a dangerous and expensive mistake.

4. Using the Wrong Equipment

You can't "brute force" a hot tub across a lawn or driveway.

Without the right tools, you risk dragging it unevenly, scratching the shell, or even flipping the tub. Hot tubs are not designed to be pulled across rough surfaces without protection.

Specialty dollies, lifting straps, moving sleds, and hot tub trailers exist for a reason. Professional movers use them because they spread the tub's weight evenly and protect delicate parts.

How to Dodge It:

Rent or buy high-quality moving equipment from a trusted supplier.
Use moving straps with ratchets designed to carry heavy loads.
Cover every surface of the hot tub with moving blankets.
Place a plywood pathway if moving over grass, gravel, or mulch.
Avoid plastic tarps underneath. They can become slippery and dangerous.

Pro Tip: Proper tools also protect your driveway, deck, or lawn from gouges or scratches.

5. Not Planning the Route

Last-minute moves almost always hit roadblocks — literally.

You can't just "eyeball" a path from the backyard to the street.

Tight gates, uneven ground, steep slopes, fences, tree branches — these all become major hazards when you're carrying 800 pounds of delicate spa equipment.

How to Dodge It:

Walk the full path from the hot tub to the loading vehicle.
Measure doorways, fence openings, and any tight turns.
Trim overhanging branches and bushes ahead of time.
Clear away furniture, grills, garden hoses, and kids' toys.
Mark slippery or unstable spots with cones or signs.
Make backup plans if you discover last-minute obstacles.

Bonus: Plan for where the hot tub will land at the new site, too. Make sure the foundation is level and strong. Check the weight rating if placing it on a deck.