How Much Do Hot Tub Movers Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $300 - $1,200
The moving cost for a hot tub is usually around $600 based on the size and type of hot tub, as well as the price of labor.
The average hot tub movers cost is around $600, with most movers charging between $300 and $1,200. While a hot tub is normally a source of relaxation, moving one can be a stress-inducing project. Since hot tubs are bulky and incredibly heavy, investing in a professional moving service is highly recommended to ensure a safe and damage-free transit. Here’s what your budget could look like for hiring hot tub movers.
- Average
- $600
- Low end
- $200
- high end
- $1,500
Hot Tub Moving Cost Factors
These are the main factors that will impact your hot tub movers cost.
Moving Location
The cost varies significantly based on whether you’re moving your hot tub to another location on your property or a different place entirely.
| Hot Tub Moving Location | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| On-Site | $200–$400 |
| Off-Site | $300–$1,200 |
On-Site
You can expect to pay $200 to $400 to move your hot tub to another spot on your property. While on-site moves require less time, labor, and logistics than moving it off-site, you’ll still need the same professional help and equipment.
Off-Site
Moving your hot tub from one home to another will cost $300 to $1,200, depending on the hot tub size and weight, distance traveling, insurance, and professional labor costs.
Types
The type of move you’re planning for your hot tub, whether it’s across your property or to a new home, has a major impact on the price. A simple move to a new spot on your property costs roughly $200 on average, while moving it to a new home costs an average of $600.
Size
Larger hot tubs will take longer to drain and prepare for transit, and they may require additional movers. The larger your hot tub is, the more this project is likely to cost. For example, a moving service will likely quote more to move an 8-person, 9-foot wide hot tub than a smaller, 4-person hot tub.
Labor
A local moving company will typically charge an hourly rate ranging from $25 to $50 per hour per mover. If you require three movers to balance the weight of the hot tub, the cost rises to approximately $75 to $150 per hour, and for four movers, it increases to around $100 to $200 per hour. Keep in mind that you'll need to hire three to four movers to transport this big-ticket item.
Additional Costs to Consider
Here are a few more costs to consider when moving a hot tub.
Repairs
Most hot tub repairs cost between $170 and $540, but prices can increase if there’s significant damage sustained during the move. If the hot tub requires any repairs during or after the move, you can expect it to involve additional expenses.
Here are some of the common hot tub problems and their repair costs:
Leaking water: $25–$1,500
Jet malfunction: $75–$300
Circuit board malfunction: $200–$700
Frame or cabinet damage: $60–$125
Heater damage: $225–$650
Insurance
Most movers charge around $6 per pound for full-value protection against damage to your hot tub during the move. You may be wondering, is moving insurance worth the cost? While it might be costly, it’s worth considering if you have an especially valuable hot tub. Ask your hot tub movers for a quote for exact pricing.
Tipping
If you’re wondering how much to tip movers, it’s customary to tip around $4 to $10 per hour, $10 for half-day moves and $20 for full-day moves per mover. While not obligatory, tipping the hot tub movers for exceptional service is a gesture of appreciation.
Cost to Move a Hot Tub Yourself
DIY hot tub moving is not recommended due to the equipment required and the potential risk of damage or injury. Even after it’s emptied, a hot tub can still weigh upwards of 500 to 1,000 pounds, so it’s extremely challenging and dangerous to move on your own. Hiring professional movers ensures a safe and efficient move.
However, if you’re confident you can move the hot tub without professional assistance, you’ll need at least two other people to help you lift and relocate it safely. You’ll also need equipment such as a dolly, lifting and tie-down straps, four-by-four lumber boards for base support, and moving blankets to prevent damage during transit.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
The DIY supplies to move a hot tub will likely run you between $200 and $400, along with an additional $50 to $3,500 for moving truck rental, depending on the size of the truck and distance traveling. Comparatively, professional hot tub movers cost anywhere from $300 to $1,200 on average, plus they protect the hot tub from costly damages, so their services are well worth the extra investment.
Cost of Common Hot Tub Moving Add-Ons
While you can hire a moving service just for moving your hot tub, the same professionals can help you move the rest of your belongings to your new home, too. You may also want to enlist specialized services, such as piano movers, for moving heavy and delicate items. Here are the average ranges for these services:
Cost to hire movers: $1,000–$2,600
Piano movers cost: $260–$600
Grandfather clock moving cost: $400–$4,000
Pool table moving cost: $50–$4,000
How You Can Save Money While Moving a Hot Tub
By implementing these cost-saving strategies, you can save money off your hot tub movers cost:
Take on some of the prep work yourself, such as draining the hot tub and disconnecting electrical components, to knock some time off your movers’ hourly cost.
Obtain quotes from multiple hot tub movers and compare their services and prices.
If possible, plan your hot tub move during the off-peak season for movers, such as the winter or mid-week.
Be flexible with your moving schedule—some movers may offer discounts for accommodating their availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Deciding whether it's worth it to move a hot tub depends on several factors. Consider the cost of moving it, the condition of the hot tub, and the personal value. If the hot tub is in working condition, you use it frequently, and the moving cost is reasonable compared to buying a new one, it’s worth relocating it to your new home. However, if it's old, requires extensive repairs, or the moving expenses are extreme, it might be more cost-effective to sell or donate it and invest in a new hot tub at your new home.
Moving a six-person hot tub typically requires at least four to six strong individuals. The exact number of people required depends on the hot tub's weight, dimensions, and any obstacles in the moving path. Additionally, professional movers may have specialized equipment to handle the task more efficiently with fewer people.
On average, it may take around three to five hours to complete the process of moving a hot tub, from disconnecting and draining it to actually moving it. The time required for hot tub moving depends on various factors, including the tub's size, accessibility, and distance to the new location.