Moving a spa can be a daunting task, especially if you’ve never done it before. There are many factors to consider, such as the size and weight of the spa, as well as the proper way to disconnect and reconnect the electrical components. However, with the right equipment and knowledge, it is possible to move your spa safely and efficiently. Our expert team has compiled a list of tips and tricks to help make the process as easy as possible.
The first thing you should consider when moving a spa is whether or not you need professional help. If you’re not comfortable with handling the weight or don’t have the right equipment, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. However, if you’re up for the challenge, there are several steps you can take to make the move as smooth as possible.
Before you start moving your spa, it’s important to have a plan in place. This includes draining the water and disconnecting the electrical components. You’ll also need to make sure you have the right equipment, such as a trailer or dolly, to transport the spa safely.
Are you ready to move your spa but don’t know where to start? Our expert tips will guide you through the process and ensure that your spa is moved safely and efficiently. Whether you need help with draining the water or disconnecting the electrical components, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn more!
Table of Contents
Get Professional Help
Moving a spa can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be when you have the right team to help. Consider hiring a professional moving company that has experience with moving spas. They have the knowledge and equipment to make the move easier and safer for you and your spa. Plus, their insurance can cover any damage or accidents that may occur during the move.
When choosing a moving company, look for one that specializes in moving spas. They will have the necessary equipment, such as spa dollies, straps, and cranes, to safely and efficiently move your spa. They will also have experience with navigating tight spaces and difficult terrain, making the move as seamless as possible.
Another option is to contact the manufacturer or retailer from whom you purchased the spa. They may offer spa moving services or can recommend a reliable moving company. Additionally, they can provide valuable information on how to properly prepare your spa for the move and answer any questions you may have.
Remember, moving a spa is not a one-person job. It requires a team effort and professional help to ensure that your spa is moved safely and without damage. By hiring professionals who have experience in spa moving, you can rest assured that your spa is in good hands and that the move will be as stress-free as possible.
Hire a Moving Company with Spa Moving Experience
Research: Look for moving companies that specialize in moving spas. Check for reviews and ratings, and ask for references from previous customers.
Get an Estimate: Request an estimate for moving your spa from at least three different moving companies. Compare prices and services offered.
Ask About Insurance: Make sure that the moving company is properly insured to cover any damages that may occur during the move. Get a copy of their insurance certificate and read it carefully.
Prepare Your Spa: Before the moving company arrives, make sure that your spa is drained, cleaned, and disconnected from any electrical or plumbing connections. Remove the spa cover and store it in a safe place.
Remember, hiring a moving company with spa moving experience can save you time, money, and headaches. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and make sure that you feel comfortable with the moving company you choose. A reputable moving company will be happy to answer your questions and provide you with the best possible service.
Ask for Referrals from Your Spa Dealer
If you have recently purchased your spa, your dealer may have recommendations for moving companies with spa moving experience. Ask for referrals from your spa dealer, as they may have connections with reliable movers who have experience in moving spas.
Make sure to ask your dealer about any warranties or guarantees they may offer for spa moving services. Referrals from your spa dealer may also come with discounts or other incentives that can make the moving process more affordable.
Additionally, your spa dealer may have helpful advice on preparing your spa for the move. Consult with your spa dealer before the move to make sure you are taking all the necessary steps to protect your spa during transport.
If you don’t have a current relationship with a spa dealer, consider reaching out to local dealers in your area for recommendations. Asking for referrals from spa dealers can be a great starting point for finding reliable spa moving companies.
Drain the Spa
Turn off the Spa – Before draining the water from the spa, turn off the electricity to the spa by flipping off the circuit breaker. This will prevent any possible accidents and ensure your safety.
Remove the Spa Cover – Remove the spa cover and use a skimmer to remove any debris from the water. This will help prevent clogs in your drainage system.
Drain the Water – You can use a submersible pump or a hose to drain the water from the spa. Make sure to use a good quality hose to avoid any leaks. Drain the water away from your home’s foundation to prevent any damage to your property.
Flush the Spa – Once the water has been drained, flush the spa with a mixture of water and a good quality cleaning solution. Rinse the spa thoroughly and make sure there is no residual cleaning solution left in the spa.
Before draining the spa, make sure to turn off the power at the main breaker or fuse box. This will prevent electrical hazards and damage to the spa components.
Once the power is off, locate the drain valve at the bottom of the spa. Some spas have a hose bib, while others have a threaded cap. Remove the cap or attach a hose to the bib and drain the water.
While the spa is draining, use a wet-dry vacuum to remove any remaining water. This will help prevent leaks and damage during transport. Make sure to vacuum all of the water from the spa and the plumbing system.
After all the water is drained, remove the spa filter and clean it thoroughly. Let it dry completely before packing it for transport. Remember to also remove any accessories, such as stairs, handrails, or covers, before moving the spa.
Disconnect and Remove Electrical Components
Turn Off the Circuit Breaker – Before disconnecting any electrical components, turn off the circuit breaker to the spa to avoid electrical shocks.
Disconnect Power Cords and Wires – Unplug any power cords and disconnect any wires that connect the electrical components to the spa.
Label Components – As you remove each component, label it clearly with a permanent marker to make it easier to reconnect them later.
Remove the Control Panel – Carefully remove the control panel from the spa by unscrewing it and disconnecting any wires or power cords.
Drain the Heater and Pump – Remove the drain plugs from the heater and pump to allow any remaining water to drain out.
Label and Disconnect Electrical Wires
Turn off the power to the spa and locate the electrical panel. Before removing any wires, it’s important to label them to avoid confusion during reinstallation. Take a picture of the current wiring setup to reference later. Using a screwdriver, remove the electrical panel cover and locate the wires that connect the spa to the power source. Carefully disconnect the wires, making sure to note which wires connect to which terminals.
Once the wires are disconnected, use cable ties or zip ties to secure the wires so that they do not become tangled or damaged during the move. Place the wires and any other electrical components in a secure, labeled container to ensure they do not get misplaced or damaged during the move.
It is also important to inspect the electrical components for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If any components appear to be damaged, they should be replaced before the spa is reinstalled.
If you are unsure about disconnecting and labeling the electrical components, it is best to hire a professional electrician to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.
Remember to keep all electrical components and wires dry and away from any water sources during the move.
Remove the Heater and Pump
Step 1: Turn off the circuit breaker or disconnect the power source to the spa.
Step 2: Locate the heater and pump. Depending on the spa model, they may be located inside a cabinet or underneath the spa.
Step 3: Use a wrench or pliers to disconnect the heater and pump from the spa’s plumbing and electrical connections. Be sure to label the wires and connections for easy reinstallation.
Step 4: Remove the heater and pump from the spa. You may need to lift them out of the cabinet or use a dolly to move them from underneath the spa.
Step 5: Store the heater and pump in a safe, dry place during the move. Be sure to keep them upright to prevent any damage to the internal components.
Removing the heater and pump is an important step in moving your spa safely. These components can be heavy and delicate, so it’s essential to handle them with care. With the right tools and precautions, you can easily disconnect and remove the heater and pump from your spa, ensuring a smooth and successful move.
Secure the Cover and Fasten the Spa
Step 1: Clean the Cover
Before securing the cover, make sure it is clean and free of debris. Use a mild detergent and water to clean the cover, and then rinse it off with a hose.Step 2: Fasten the Cover
Fasten the cover to the spa using the provided straps or clips. Make sure the cover is tight and secure, so it doesn’t come off in windy conditions.Step 3: Fasten the Spa
Finally, use tie-downs or straps to fasten the spa to its base. This will prevent the spa from shifting or tipping over during transport. Double-check that everything is secure before moving the spa.Secure the Cover with Straps or Tie-Downs
Step 1: Place the cover over the spa and ensure it fits securely.
Step 2: Attach the straps or tie-downs to the cover and spa, making sure they are tight and secure.
Step 3: Double-check the cover to ensure it is properly fastened and won’t come loose during transport.
Securing the cover is an essential step in moving a spa. It will help protect the spa from damage during transportation and ensure it stays in place. Remember to check the cover periodically during transport to ensure it hasn’t come loose.
Fasten the Spa to the Trailer or Dolly with Ratchet Straps
Ratchet Straps: Secure the spa to the trailer or dolly with ratchet straps. These straps should be threaded through the spa’s handles or other secure points and tightened with a ratchet.
Positioning: Position the spa in the center of the trailer or dolly to distribute the weight evenly. If the spa is not centered, it could shift during transport and cause damage.
Number of Straps: Use at least four ratchet straps to secure the spa to the trailer or dolly. Two straps should be used at the front of the spa and two at the rear. This will help prevent the spa from shifting or tipping over.
Protect the Corners and Edges with Foam or Blankets
Foam: Cover the corners and edges of the spa with foam padding to prevent damage during transport. Secure the foam padding with tape or zip ties.
Blankets: Wrap the spa with thick blankets to provide extra protection during transport. Use packing tape or shrink wrap to keep the blankets in place.
Extra care: If the spa has fragile or delicate parts, such as jets or control panels, take extra care to protect them with additional foam or padding. Label these areas to ensure they are handled with care during transport.
Use a Trailer or a Dolly to Transport the Spa
Transporting a spa can be a challenging task, and using a trailer or dolly is the safest and most efficient method. It is important to make sure that the trailer or dolly is suitable for the size and weight of your spa.
When using a trailer, make sure it is equipped with proper tie-downs, safety chains, and lights. If using a dolly, ensure that it has sturdy wheels and a strong frame. Both the trailer and dolly should have enough clearance and be able to support the weight of the spa.
It is also important to follow all local and state regulations when transporting a spa. This may include obtaining permits, following specific routes, and adhering to weight restrictions. It is important to plan ahead and be prepared to follow all regulations.
Choose a Trailer or Dolly with Sufficient Capacity
Before transporting your spa, it’s important to choose a trailer or dolly that has sufficient capacity to handle the weight and size of your spa. Check the owner’s manual to determine the weight and dimensions of the spa, and then choose a trailer or dolly that is rated to handle that amount of weight.
Make sure that the trailer or dolly has a sturdy frame and reliable suspension system. A high-quality suspension system will help to absorb bumps and vibrations during transport, which can help to prevent damage to your spa.
If you’re renting a trailer or dolly, make sure to inform the rental company about the weight and dimensions of your spa so that they can recommend an appropriate trailer or dolly for your needs.
Use a Trailer with Ramps to Load the Spa Safely
When loading your spa onto a trailer, it’s important to use a trailer with ramps to safely load the spa. A ramp will allow you to roll the spa up onto the trailer without lifting it, reducing the risk of injury and damage to the spa. Ensure that the ramps are securely attached to the trailer and are rated for the weight of the spa.
Before loading the spa, position the trailer on a level surface and chock the wheels to prevent the trailer from moving. Make sure that the trailer is rated for the weight of the spa and that the hitch is securely attached to the towing vehicle.
When positioning the ramps, make sure that they are wide enough to accommodate the width of the spa and that they have a non-slip surface. Place the ramps at a shallow angle to make it easier to roll the spa up onto the trailer. Once the spa is loaded onto the trailer, secure it with straps or tie-downs to prevent it from shifting during transport.
Reconnect Electrical Components and Fill the Spa with Water
Step 1: Reconnect Electrical Components
After transporting your spa, you need to reconnect the electrical components. Check the connections of the pump, heater, and control panel. Ensure the wiring is intact and the connections are secure. Turn on the power and verify that everything is working properly.Step 2: Fill the Spa with Water
Before filling the spa, ensure that the drain plug is secured and that the jets are closed. Fill the spa with a garden hose to the recommended water level. It’s important to use a filter during the filling process to avoid debris getting into the spa. Once the spa is filled, turn on the power and let the water circulate for a few hours.Step 3: Test the Water
After the water has circulated for a few hours, test the water with a water testing kit. The kit will help you determine the pH, total alkalinity, and sanitizer levels. If necessary, adjust the chemical levels to the recommended range. Once the chemical levels are adjusted, wait for a few more hours before using the spa to allow the chemicals to circulate evenly throughout the water.Reinstall the Heater and Pump
Step 1: Carefully place the heater and pump back into their designated spots, ensuring they are properly aligned.
Step 2: Reattach any mounting brackets or screws that were removed during the disassembly process.
Step 3: Connect the electrical wires and plumbing hoses to their respective locations on the heater and pump.
Step 4: Tighten all connections and fasteners with the appropriate tools to ensure a secure fit.
Step 5: Double-check that everything is connected and secured properly before turning on the power and water supply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different methods to move a spa?
Moving a spa can be done through various methods such as using a trailer, dolly, or professional movers. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right one based on your needs and resources.
What tools and equipment are needed to move a spa?
To move a spa, you’ll need a trailer or dolly, ratchet straps, foam or blankets, and a few basic hand tools like wrenches and screwdrivers. You may also need a crane or forklift if the spa is particularly large or heavy.
What safety precautions should be taken when moving a spa?
Moving a spa can be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken. Before moving, make sure to turn off the power, drain the water, and secure the cover. You should also wear protective gear such as gloves and sturdy shoes, and use caution when lifting and carrying the spa.
How can you prepare the spa for transport?
To prepare the spa for transport, you should drain the water, disconnect the electrical components, and remove any loose or detachable parts. You should also secure the cover and protect the corners and edges with foam or blankets to prevent damage during transport.
Can a spa be moved without professional help?
While it is possible to move a spa without professional help, it can be difficult and dangerous. You’ll need the right tools and equipment, as well as a team of people to help with lifting and carrying. It’s often best to hire professional movers who have experience with spa moving.
How much does it cost to move a spa?
The cost to move a spa can vary depending on factors such as the distance of the move, the size and weight of the spa, and the method of transport. On average, moving a spa can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.