Have you ever thought of moving your hot tub on your own? Well, you should also think about how impossible to do it. Hot tubs are generally huge, bulky, sometimes oddly shaped, and very heavy.
In fact, an unfilled hot tub weighs between 500 and 1,000 pounds. It’s probably better to leave the job to the experts. But what if I tell you that you can jack up your hot tub in just 8 easy steps?
So, whether you’re installing a cover lifter, moving to a new location, or needing to get to the space under your hot tub for maintenance, make sure to read this article until the end to learn about the steps to jack up your hot tub.
What To Prepare When Jacking Up A Hot Tub?
To proceed with the steps listed below, you must ensure that you have all these materials ready first.
Even though transferring a hot tub doesn’t need a lot of supplies, you must have a few things if you want the process to go as smoothly as possible.
- A moving truck that is right for the size of your hot tub
- Wood pieces are the appropriate size using two 2-by-4 pieces or a PVC pipe.
- Two furniture dollies that can withstand the weight of your hot tub.
- Adjusting straps
- Garden hose
- Wet-dry vac
- Three strong friends to help you out
8 Easy Steps To Jack Up A Hot Tub
Once you have all the materials secured, it is time to start the process. One important thing to remember is that you should not attempt to move it on your own. Doing so would only increase the likelihood of damage to your hot tub and safety.
Always start with a clear and detailed plan, like the following.
Step 1. Make Way For The Truck And Move Any Barriers
Using the shortest path available is crucial when transporting something as big and heavy as a hot tub. Getting barriers out of the path is extremely important as well.
You don’t want to create destruction when transporting the equipment. Additionally, when you carry the hot tub into the new house, don’t forget to make a walkway for ease of transfer.
Step 2. Turn Off The Main Power
Next is to turn off the hot tub’s electrical breaker. The power cord should be removed if your hot tub is a plug-in model. However, if it is hardwired, you’ll need an expert like an electrician to help you securely detach the wire from the hot tub.
Step 3. Drain Your Hot Tub’s Water
To enable it to drain, connect a garden hose to the drain valve, then open it. Use a submersible pump if you need to get something done quickly. Use a wet-dry vac to remove any remaining puddle of water in the hot tub even after you’ve emptied it.
To clear the pipes, put them in push mode, and afterward, use the vacuum to take any water that leaks out of the jets.
Step 4. Remove and Pack All Detachable Hot Tub Accessories
Everything that can be easily detached from the tub should be packed separately. Depending on the model, this could include the hot tub heater, pumps, and other items.
Step 5. Assemble The People Who Will Be Helping You
It’s time to assemble the team now that your plan is complete and the hot tub is prepared to move. You’ll need at least two or three strong companions to relocate the hot tub.
Step 6. Put Some Leverage And Use The Furniture Dollies
Move your hot tub to one side while working in a group, then set 2-by-4 wooden pieces beneath it. For the other side, repeat the process. Put one furniture dolly between each pair of 2-by-4s on either side of the hot tub once it has been placed wood pieces.
Step 7. Securing The Hot Tub
After that, you have to make sure that your hot tub is fastened to hot tub dollies. For this step, you must use a movable strap to keep the hot tub in place. Also, ensure that the moving truck’s ramp is securely fastened.
Step 8. Time To Move The Hot Tub
Once more, move as a team to delicately load the hot tub onto the vehicle. Furniture blankets should be used to wrap it and keep it secured inside the truck. To empty the hot tub at your new house, repeat this procedure reverse.
2 Methods To Jack Up A Hot Tub
We have to put up additional methods you can choose from if you do not opt for the abovementioned steps. These methods are equally easy to take and would need the help of a few items.
Use A Flat Pry Bar To Lift The Hot Tub
Many hot tub owners are looking for ways to install a cover lifter when they have to jack up their spa. These functions by securing the cover lifter in position by the weight of the hot tub by slipping flat plates underneath the spa on either side.
- Using a flat pry bar, slide it under one corner of the spa to lift it high enough to slip the plate under.
- Then repeat the process on the opposite side.
Any flat pry bar will still do, but a pro bar with a long handle, such as the Open Angle Heavy Duty Pro Bar, can be less stressful on your back.
Use A Hydraulic Car Jack To Lift A Hot Tub
Another way to raise your hot tub is by employing one or more hydraulic jacks, often used for lifting cars. The issue is that you need something to place the jack under that is more than just plain hot tub side paneling.
- Look for a ledge or lip of any type on one of the sides. You may very well be able to use a low-profile hydraulic jack if your hot tub does have a ledge.
- Next, place the jack beneath the ledge and lift the spa by pumping the handle until it is raised enough for your cover lifter plate to slide under. You will need several jack stands to elevate your spa if you need to do more than lift the cover.
- Move on to the next corner after lifting the first.
- Continue until the spa’s desired sides are completely lifted.
What To Avoid When Jacking Up A Hot Tub
What you shouldn’t do when transporting a hot tub can be just as crucial as what you should. Avoid doing the following to reduce the chance of injury, damage to equipment, and destruction of property:
- Moving the hot tub alone
- Putting the hot tub’s entire weight on the control panel.
- Moving a full hot tub can weigh up to 6,000 pounds.
- Before attempting to move the spa, drain it; spas are already heavy enough when empty; you do not want to add weight to the water.
- Avoid attempting to remove your spa from the cladding by itself, as this could damage it, as the wood cabinet is not made to support the complete weight of the spa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions on how to jack up a hot tub.
How Do You Lift A Hot Tub With One Person?
No. You probably won’t be able to lift a hot tub unless you are the Hulk. It wouldn’t be worth the effort and potential risk of back damage. It is best to ask for help from friends, hot tub movers, or a professional moving company.
Can A Hot Tub Be Lifted Over A House?
Hot tubs are frequently portable and can be brought in through the back gates, along the side of the house, or on dollies. However, there are some situations where it isn’t possible to perform these things, and you’ll need to enlist the assistance of certain heavy-lifting tools.
What’s The Weight Of A Hot Tub?
Small two- or three-person hot tubs typically weigh 500 pounds unfilled and 3,000 pounds full of water. Normally, a six-person model weighs around 1,000 pounds when empty and 6,000 pounds when filled.
Conclusion
You certainly can’t move a hot tub on your own, and if your budget allows, you can hire hot tub movers, but a DIY hot tub move is possible when you have strong people to help you out and you have the necessary tools that will allow you to jack up your hot tub. While it can be difficult and dangerous, if you follow the steps above carefully, you can certainly do a good job!
