At some point, every hot tub reaches the stage where it’s time to say goodbye. Maybe it’s stopped working, maybe you’ve taken on a property with a spa you don’t want, or maybe you’re upgrading and don’t fancy the hassle of selling it. Whatever the reason, getting rid of an old hot tub can feel overwhelming.
They’re heavy, bulky and awkward, and the wrong approach can cause a fair bit of damage.
Let’s walk through the right ways to dispose of a hot tub in the UK, what each option involves and how to stay safe in the process.
Ready to get rid of an old hot tub?
People call us for all sorts of hot tub disposal situations. Some tubs still work perfectly. Others have pumps that have given up, cracked shells or rotting frames. We also see a lot of inherited hot tubs... the ones sitting quietly in a corner of a garden, barely used for years.
Whatever the condition, there’s always a sensible route to move it on without stress.
Your disposal options at a glance
There are three main ways people deal with an old hot tub:
- Professional hot tub disposal
- Breaking the tub up yourself
- Selling or part exchanging
Each has its place, but the differences in effort, mess and safety are bigger than people think.
Professional disposal
This is the simplest and safest route. We collect the tub, load it using specialist equipment and bring it back to our warehouse where it’s stripped down and recycled properly. Anything that can be reused, we reuse. Everything else is broken down into recyclable materials so as little as possible ends up in landfill.
Professional disposal is ideal when:
- The tub no longer works
- The frame or base is rotten
- Access is tricky
- You don’t want the hassle or mess
- You want the most environmentally responsible outcome
Our hot tub disposal service starts from £399, and in some cases we can even offer free disposal if the tub is under 5 years old, fully working and depending on your location.
Breaking the hot tub up yourself
This is the least enjoyable option. It’s labour heavy and incredibly messy.
A few things to consider:
- Hot tubs contain can fibreglass, insulation and sharp components
- Cutting them apart releases dust that isn’t pleasant to breathe
- You’ll need PPE
- Disposal of the waste is your responsibility
- You’ll need a large vehicle or several trips to your local recycling centre
It’s not impossible, but people often underestimate the time, effort and mess. It’s only worth considering if you have no access route for removal and are confident with tools.
Selling or part exchanging
If your spa still works, you may be able to sell it or trade it in. Working tubs under 5 years old are especially appealing, and in some cases we offer free disposal if the tub meets our criteria.
When selling privately:
- Be honest about any faults
- Have the tub filled and running for viewings
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Expect buyers to ask about model age, leaks and pump performance
Just remember that even when selling, you still need a way to move the hot tub safely out of your garden. Buyers often assume the seller will handle the logistics.
When free disposal might apply
We occasionally offer free collection and disposal when:
- Purchasing a hot tub from H2O Hot Tubs, our parent company
- Your hot tub is in great condition and you’re in the East Midlands
It’s always worth checking with us. A few photos and the make, model and age help us confirm quickly.
How professional recycling works
Once we collect your spa, it comes back to our warehouse where we break it down with the right tools and safety gear.
Each material goes into the correct waste stream. It’s controlled, tidy and far kinder to the environment than simply dumping the tub as one large item.
Safety considerations if attempting DIY
If you decide to break up the tub yourself, stay safe.
You’ll need:
- A mask suitable for fibreglass dust
- Gloves
- Eye protection
- A jigsaw or reciprocating saw
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A clear plan for waste removal
This is a dusty, heavy job, so only take it on if you’re confident. We’ve seen people start and then call us halfway through when it becomes more than expected.
Preparing your spa for removal
A little prep makes collection faster:
- Drain the tub fully
- Remove any water or debris inside
- Clear access routes
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Take photos of gates, corners and steps
These small steps help us give accurate advice and ensure the disposal goes smoothly.
How to Get Rid of an Old Hot Tub
Getting rid of an old hot tub is far easier when you know your options. Whether it’s a working spa you no longer want or a broken unit that’s seen better days, there’s a safe and sensible route forward.
Professional disposal keeps things tidy, environmentally responsible and stress free, and in some cases you might even qualify for free removal.
