Hot Tub Removal Cost

Do you have a hot tub that is no longer suitable for your backyard? Maybe it’s old and in need of replacement, or perhaps your lifestyle and priorities changed. There are many reasons for removing a hot tub, but there’s good news regardless: Removing a hot tub is much more affordable than you think. Your total price comes down to the location of the hot tub and the effort it will take to remove the fixture from your backyard.

Basic Understanding of Hot Tub Removal

Removing a hot tub is a relatively simple job, but it does require a great deal of muscle. Hot tubs can be massive, seating up to 12 people (or more!), but even the smaller ones that are suitable for two can be extremely heavy. That’s one of the reasons it’s so difficult to remove a hot tub yourself. Turning to a contractor who has the means to lift and move the hot tub makes the process much easier.

Some remove their hot tubs to simply move them to another place that is more suitable for their needs. This might be as simple as moving the tub across the yard. But others want the hot tub gone and their reasons are as varied as their lives are.

For example, a couple might want to remove their hot tub for safety reasons as they expand their family and worry that it could become a drowning hazard for children. Some might be tired of paying for the extra electricity and maintenance the tub requires, especially if they rarely use it. Still others might be at a new phase of their lives and want to remove the hot tub because it’s something they and their family have outgrown.

No matter the reason, understanding the costs of hot tub removal can help you make an informed decision on when and how to remove it.

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How Much Does Hot Tub Removal Cost?

Here is a general idea of how much you can expect to pay to have your hot tub removed from its current spot on your property.

Hot Tub Removal Labor Costs

The cost of labor will depend upon your geographical location, where the tub is located in your backyard or within your home, how easy it is to access the tub, how large the tub is, and how long the process takes.

Some movers charge by the hour for the project while others charge by weight. Look into which option might be best for you. If the charge is based on hourly rates, expect to pay between $100 and $200 per hour.

Typical labor costs for removing a hot tub run between $150 and $650. Relocating the tub on the property runs between $100 and $200 in addition to the removal fee. Keep in mind that relocating typically doesn’t include the cost of leveling and balancing the hot tub in its new location; you might need a different professional to handle that for you.

Hot Tub Disposal Fees

Hiring someone to haul the tub away and dispose of it can range from $300 to $600. This is assuming that you simply want the tub gone and have no further use for it on your property. The cost of disposal varies widely depending upon your location.

Additional Costs for Hot Tub Removal

There might be additional costs for your hot tub removal. There could be costs to repair the area after the hot tub is moved; this can range from less than $100 for grass seed to repair the area where a freestanding tub was placed to several thousand dollars for repairs after removing a tub that was installed in concrete.

If the movers must maneuver the hot tub down a flight of stairs (or two!) they will likely charge extra. Professional movers typically charge between $100 and $150 for a removal that requires them to go up or down a flight of stairs.

Depending upon the complexity of the job, permits might be required. Look into your local laws to determine if you need a permit to do any work on your hot tub, including removing it.

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Factors Affecting Hot Tub Removal Cost

Here are some of the factors that affect the cost of your hot tub removal.

Installation Location

As you might imagine, removing an above-ground hot tub is much easier than removing one that is installed in-ground. In most cases, an above-ground hot tub requires removing the surround that protects the tub and disconnecting all the electrical and plumbing connections. An in-ground tub is a totally different story and might require make excavation to get the tub out of the way and restore the backyard space.

The costs of hot tub removal also depend upon any obstructions that must be handled, the presence of stairs (for a hot tub that is on something other than ground level), the weight of the tub, and even the condition. For instance, if a hot tub breaks into pieces as its being removed, that could wind up costing more to then gather the pieces and tuck them into the truck that will take the tub away from your property.

If your hot tub is built into a deck or even inside the house, removing it becomes much more of a construction project. The averages for hot tub removal don’t really apply in this case, as each situation has varying complexities. Speak with a contractor about your particular situation and how much it will cost to handle these unique circumstances.

Size and Type of Hot Tub

Portable hot tubs are very easy to move. In fact, you might be able to move it yourself with a few helping hands. But for most hot tubs, the size of the tub is enough to make it tough to do it yourself.

The materials matter as well, as some are much heavier than others. A thin acrylic shell for a hot tub on the budget end of the scale will likely be much lighter than a hot tub with an insulated shell or one made of fiberglass. And as mentioned earlier, an in-ground or indoor hot tub is a much different beast than the outdoor version, and might require more steps to remove the hot tub safely.

Condition and Age

Some hot tub materials become very brittle over time, leading to cracks and breaks in the shell. This can sometimes affect the hot tub removal. Professional movers might charge more for any hot tub that appears to be a danger to remove or those that they must remove by hand rather than by using heavy equipment.

This is also something to consider if you want your hot tub moved to a new location. The age of the tub could mean that the removal and moving process damages your investment. Be prepared for that possibility and have a backup plan, just in case.

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DIY vs. Professional Removal

It is possible to remove a hot tub by yourself. This might be surprisingly easy if it’s a portable hot tub built for only a few people. However, the larger the hot tub is, the heavier it is — most tubs run between 400 and 900 pounds when empty, but larger models can weigh much more.

In some cases, heavy equipment might be required to remove the hot tub. You might also face the issue of hot tubs that are buried in the ground or built into a concrete structure in the backyard. These can require serious labor to remove and should be left to the professionals.

If you do choose the DIY route, understand that you might wind up with damage to your home, which would then require much more to fix.

Hiring a professional might run you between $100 and $200 per hour in labor costs, or it might be based on the size and weight of your hot tub. Simply renting the heavy equipment could cost more than that. If you are ever in doubt of your abilities in removing a hot tub, err on the side of caution and hire a professional.

Saving on Hot Tub Removal Costs

There are some ways to reduce the costs of hot tub removal. If you are selling the tub, the proceeds can offset what it costs to remove it from your property. You can also donate the tub if it is in good condition; the original manufacturer might have options for refurbishing old tubs or you might find a contractor who is willing to pay you to take the tub off your hands.

Look into local recycling options that might pay you a small amount for the tub. This can also help ensure that such a large item doesn’t wind up in a construction landfill.

Finally, remember that trying to do it yourself can eventually lead to higher costs than what you would have paid if you chose to go the professional route. Carefully weigh your DIY aspirations to determine if this is a project you can take on with confidence.

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Preparing for Hot Tub Removal

To prepare for hot tub removal, keep this list of necessities in mind. As a bonus, doing these things before the movers show up can help keep your costs low.

• Disconnect the Electricity: Make sure the electricity to the outlet is off. Turn the breaker or pull the fuse to ensure this is the case before you mess with any electrical components. To be doubly sure, use a voltage tester.
• Drain the Hot Tub: Some hot tubs can be easily drained through a built-in drain option; others might need to be drained with a hose or other method. Whatever worked when you changed or treated the water should work for draining the tub.
• Pack up All Loose Parts: Carefully pack all the loose parts that the hot tub needs to operate, including heaters, pumps, plumbing pieces, and any electrical units that can be disconnected from the tub. (Keep in mind that if you are trashing the tub itself, the additional components might come in handy for someone else; you could post them on a local marketplace to see if there are any takers.)
• Clean the Tub: If you will simply be disposing of the tub, this part doesn’t matter. But if you will be selling it or otherwise rehoming it, clean the tub as best you can.
• Clear the Path for the Movers: Make it easy for the movers to get their equipment into the work area. Move any vehicles that might be in the way and pick up things in the yard that might hinder their work. If you must remove a gate or other obstruction, do it before the workers get there.
• Consider Donation Services: If you donate the hot tub, many donation services will take it off your hands free of charge. You might still need movers to help you with getting it out of the current space but you won’t have to pay a disposal fee.

When you’ve made the decision for hot tub removal, carefully weigh your options for doing it yourself or hiring a professional. In most cases, you’ll find that hiring a professional to get the job done will save you plenty of time and maybe even a good amount of money.

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