--- title: How to Move a Hot Tub: Drain, Disconnect, Lift url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-hot-tub/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving guides](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/) - How hot tubs are moved # How hot tubs are moved A hot tub is drained, disconnected from power by a qualified electrician, cleaned, dried and lifted onto a trailer by a crew with the right equipment. The preparation takes a day or two, and the lift itself takes a team. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) A hot tub combines water, electricity, plumbing and a heavy shell, and each needs its own step. Moving one is a set of small jobs done in the right order. Planning the access, the power and the new pad ahead of time decides whether moving day is calm or slow. ## Drain and clean before the crew arrives Turn off the power at the breaker, then drain the tub fully. A submersible pump or the drain valve gets most of the water out, and a shop vacuum clears the rest from the footwell and the equipment bay. Wipe the shell dry and remove filters. Water left inside pipes can freeze in winter and crack fittings, which matters in the Sierra. - Switch off the breaker and confirm the power is off. - Drain the tub with the drain valve or a pump. - Dry the footwell and the equipment bay with a shop vacuum. - Remove the filters, cover and loose accessories. - Measure the tub and every gate, door and turn on the path. ## Disconnect the electricity safely Hot tubs run on a dedicated circuit. A licensed electrician should disconnect the wiring and cap it, and reconnect it at the new site. This is not a do-it-yourself job. Ask the electrician about the new location, since a hot tub needs a proper pad, a disconnect near the tub and a ground-fault protected circuit. ## Lifting and loading A hot tub shell is heavy even when empty. The crew tips it on its side or lifts it with straps and dollies, protects the corners with pads and ties it to the truck wall. Covers, steps and loose covers travel separately. Mention the path at your in-home estimate. A gate that is too narrow, a fence in the way or a steep slope changes how the lift is planned. ## The new pad and the first fill Place the tub on a level, firm pad that is rated for its weight when filled. Water is heavy, and an uneven surface strains the shell. Fill with fresh water, restore the power with your electrician, and run the pumps and heater before using it. Check the manufacturer's instructions for startup and water care. ## Related guides O'Brien's [hot tub moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/specialty-moving/hot-tubs/) covers the move itself. For other outdoor items that go with it, read [how to pack patio furniture](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-patio-furniture/), and for another heavy lift, [how pool tables are moved](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-pool-table/). ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [FMCSA, Protect Your Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move) - [eCFR, 49 CFR Part 375, Transportation of Household Goods](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [Hot tub moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/specialty-moving/hot-tubs/) - [How to pack patio and outdoor furniture](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-patio-furniture/) - [How pool tables are moved](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-pool-table/) Moving guides ## Read next - [How to move a refrigerator](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-refrigerator/) - [How to move a washer and dryer](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-washer-and-dryer/) - [How to move a grandfather clock](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-grandfather-clock/) - [How to move a chandelier](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-chandelier/) - [Moving antiques safely](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-antiques/) - [How gun safes are moved (and what to ask)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-gun-safe/) - [Shipping a car when you move](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/shipping-a-car-when-you-move/) - [Moving a wine collection](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-wine/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### Do I have to drain the tub? Yes. Water adds a great deal of weight and can damage the equipment during transit. ### Who disconnects the power? A licensed electrician. The wiring is part of a dedicated circuit and should be handled by someone qualified. ### Can a hot tub be moved in winter? It can, with care. Drain thoroughly and keep the tub from freezing, since water left in lines can crack fittings. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) G Greg S. January 22, 2025 3 O'Brien movers came down from Reno to South Lake Tahoe to assist our company moving a lot of big furniture out of a large warehouse. They showed up on-time, were friendly, and were professional and got the job done quickly and diligently. Will definitely use them again. ### Owner's reply Thanks for the great review Greg! We really appreciate you taking the time to do that for us. We look forward to working with you again! B Bruce E. December 25, 2024 My family moved exclusively with Bekins when I was young and O'Brien's made it a pleasure to return to this fine local company. I would be pleased to have any members of O'Brien's as friends and highly recommend O'Brien's to anyone needing the services they provide! ### Owner's reply Bruce thank you so much for taking the time to review our company. It was an extreme pleasure to work for you, please do not hesitate to call us for any help you need in the future. L Leticia H. November 1, 2024 O'Brien's Moving and Storage packing crew were great!! They were fast, friendly and most importantly, very professional. Thank you guys. ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070