Every now and again, someone looks at their hot tub and thinks, we could probably move that ourselves. You know what? On the surface it feels like a money saver. A group of mates, a trolley from the garage and a bit of muscle... how hard can it be?
The truth is that DIY hot tub moving comes with a mix of challenges that only become obvious halfway through the job. Let’s look at what’s really involved so you can decide with clear expectations.
Thinking about moving a hot tub yourself?
We get why people consider it. You might be moving house, changing the layout of your garden or collecting a second-hand spa. Hiring professionals feels like an extra cost, and if you’re handy, it’s tempting to give it a go.
The catch is that hot tubs are heavy, awkward and built in a way that doesn’t forgive the wrong angle or lifting point. Most weigh between 200 and 450 kilos when empty. They also carry their weight unevenly, so they behave nothing like a fridge or wardrobe. If the base twists or the shell flexes, you can end up with cracks or internal pipe damage, even if you didn’t notice at the time.
That’s the part people rarely think about.
What a DIY move actually involves
It sounds simple until you lay it out step by step.
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Draining the spa safely
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Removing access panels if needed
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Lifting and supporting the tub while it’s tilted
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Controlling the weight so it doesn’t snap back
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Carrying it across different surfaces
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Loading it into a vehicle without stressing the shell
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Strapping it properly so it doesn’t shift in transit
You also need proper lifting kit. A regular garden trolley won’t do much with a 2.2m acrylic tub. Even four strong adults struggle because there’s nothing decent to grip and the tub wants to rotate.
The main risks of moving a hot tub yourself
Let’s be honest. This is where DIY usually falls apart.
Injury risks
Hot tubs are bulky. They tilt unexpectedly, catch you off balance and put strain on your back, wrists and shoulders. Even padded gloves don’t help when 300 kilos starts to shift.
Damage to the spa
A hot tub doesn’t need to fall to be damaged.
Cracked frames, stressed shells, broken skirt panels and crushed plumbing can happen quietly during a DIY move. The problem is that leaks often show up weeks later.
Damage to your home or garden
A tight turn or small slip can leave scuffs, scrapes or gouges across walls, decking and paving.
No insurance
If something goes wrong, there’s no cover. Professional relocation teams are insured for the spa, your property and the lifting process.
When DIY might be possible
To be fair, there are a few cases where moving a hot tub yourself might be doable.
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Lightweight 13A plug-and-play spas under 150 kilos
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Wide, straight access with no slopes or steps
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Hard ground all the way to the transport point
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Several helpers who can manage the weight safely
Even then, it’s worth knowing that the risk sits squarely on your shoulders.
When DIY becomes a bad idea fast
These situations almost always require trained engineers and specialist kit:
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Tight side paths or narrow gates
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Two or more steps
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Wet grass or uneven ground
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Large spas (2.1m to 2.4m)
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Sloping gardens
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Situations where the tub must be turned on its end in a tight space
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When the tub is close to fences, sheds or walls
In these cases, the risk of damage or injury jumps sharply. That’s exactly why we use equipment like our Spa Dolly, Spa Sledge and Spa Wedge, each designed to make the move safe and controlled.
How professionals reduce risk
A trained hot tub relocation company doesn’t just bring strength. They bring experience and equipment that makes the whole move predictable.
We use:
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The Spa Sledge, ideal for low clearances and surfaces like decking, concrete or gravel
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The Spa Wedge, which lifts your tub to its balance point without strain
Everything is controlled. Nothing is forced. Nothing relies on guesswork. And it’s all covered by insurance.
The false economy of DIY vs professional relocation
Plenty of people try DIY to save money... then call us afterwards because something went wrong. A cracked cabinet or damaged pump can easily cost more than a professional relocation, and most DIY damage isn’t repairable without stripping the spa down.
Our relocation service starts from £250. For many homeowners, that’s worth it for peace of mind alone.
Moving a Hot Tub Yourself
Moving a hot tub yourself might feel tempting, but once you understand the weight, the equipment and the risk, the picture changes.
A professional team keeps the process safe, controlled and predictable, and your spa arrives ready for use without stress, surprises or hidden costs.
