How to Move a Hot Tub Safely in St. George

Moving a hot tub isn’t your average home project. Hot tubs are heavy, awkward, and require careful planning to avoid costly damage or injury. Whether you’re upgrading your backyard, relocating across St. George, or moving to a new home with residential moving services in St. George, handling your spa the right way ensures a stress-free setup and long-lasting enjoyment. Handling your spa the right way ensures a stress-free setup and long-lasting enjoyment. As St. George’s trusted moving pros, Little Man Moves shares step-by-step instructions, must-have tools, and local insights for a smooth hot tub move.

Why Moving a Hot Tub Is Different

Unlike most furniture, hot tubs often weigh between 500 and 1,000 pounds when empty, with complex shapes that make lifting and maneuvering tricky. The size and fragility mean mishandling can cause cracks, electrical issues, or expensive repairs. In St. George, with its hot summers and unique landscapes, proper planning and expertise are even more important for a successful spa move.

What You Need Before Moving a Hot Tub

Gathering the right supplies before moving day protects your spa and everyone involved. Essential equipment includes:

Furniture dollies rated for heavy loads
Plywood sheets to create smooth paths across uneven ground
Moving straps or ratchet tie-downs
Thick moving blankets or furniture pads for protection
Tools for disconnecting power and plumbing
A safe, roomy moving truck or trailer

Always bring a dependable team of at least three to four strong helpers, hot tubs aren’t meant for solo lifting.

Step 1: Assess and Plan Your Path

Start by measuring your hot tub and the exit route. Clear obstacles, check for tight corners, and make sure you have enough space for both lifting and rolling. In St. George, backyard layouts and desert landscaping can mean soft or uneven ground, so plan for plywood pathways where necessary. Check the weather and avoid moving during rain or extreme heat.

Step 2: Power Down and Drain the Tub

Cut all power to the hot tub by flipping breakers and unplugging cords. Let the tub cool, then connect a hose to the drain spout and empty the water away from your house and neighbor’s yard. Avoid flooding soft soil, St. George clay can get slick or waterlogged quickly. Disconnect all plumbing, cover jets securely, and allow parts to dry out.

Step 3: Prep and Protect the Hot Tub

Remove the cover, steps, and any accessories. Wrap the body of the hot tub with moving blankets and use tape or straps to keep pads secure. Detach any removable panels, lights, or fragile components and pack them separately for extra safety.

Step 4: Slip Plywood Underneath

With your team, carefully lift one edge of the hot tub a few inches off the ground, just enough to slide sturdy plywood underneath each end. This creates a rigid base, making it easier to roll onto dollies without the risk of cracking the shell, especially when crossing the rocky soil common in St. George yards.

Step 5: Position and Secure Dollies

Lift and slide furniture dollies under the plywood. Use ratchet straps to secure the hot tub tightly to the dollies. Confirm everything is stable and your path is clear before moving. Communication among your helpers matters, go slow, coordinate every turn, and protect your back.

Step 6: Move and Load Carefully

Slowly wheel the spa over the plywood path, pausing if the surface gets uneven. Need to use a ramp or liftgate? Roll the hot tub up carefully, maintaining balance. Once the tub is in your moving vehicle or trailer, strap it in crosswise and pad all sides to prevent shifting during transit.

Step 7: Unloading and Reinstallation

Set a clear unloading plan at your destination, survey for new obstacles, slopes, or narrow entryways. Gently reverse the dollies, move the hot tub into place, and remove all straps and protective pads. Reconnect electrical and plumbing lines according to manufacturer directions. Before filling with water, inspect for damage and leaks, then power on and test all jets and features.

Hot Tub Moving Tips for St. George Residents

Planning to move your hot tub beyond St. George? Little Man Moves also provides long-distance moving solutions to ensure your spa and household items arrive safely wherever you’re headed.

Schedule moves for morning or cooler evenings to beat the desert heat.
Beware of red sand and pebbles, use extra protection to avoid scratches.
If relocating within an HOA, check for time or access restrictions.
Little Man Moves knows St. George neighborhoods and can help with permit or parking questions.

Why Hire Professionals Like Little Man Moves?

Moving a hot tub safely requires muscle, tools, and experience. Professional movers know how to protect your spa, your property, and all helpers. Little Man Moves also offers specialty moving services like piano and hot tub transport, ensuring even your heaviest or most delicate items are handled with precision. Little Man Moves is fully licensed and insured in St. George, trained in the best methods for local landscapes, and ready to help with every detail, from careful packing to secure transport and setup.

FAQs: How to Move a Hot Tub

How many people does it take to move a hot tub safely?
It typically takes at least three or four strong adults to safely move a hot tub, given their weight and size. Professionals bring additional equipment to make the process safer and more efficient, making the move smoother and lowering injury risk for everyone involved.

Can you move a hot tub without special equipment?
While moving a hot tub without specialized equipment is possible, it’s not recommended for most homeowners. You’ll need heavy-duty dollies, plywood, straps, and protective pads to ensure safety. DIY moves without proper tools can lead to damage or injury, always consult movers if unsure.

How do I prepare a hot tub for moving?
Preparation includes draining all water, disconnecting power, and letting electrical components dry. Remove accessories, wrap the spa in moving blankets, and secure all loose parts. Planning your route and prepping protective pathways ensures your hot tub stays undamaged from removal to reinstallation.

Ready to move your spa or need help with any part of the process? Call Little Man Moves at (435) 218-7870 or email littlemanmoves@gmail.com for St. George’s trusted and professional hot tub moving service!

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