How To Move Your Hot Tub To Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver, Canada is well known for its cold and even freezing temperatures in the winter months. In December, the coldest month of the year, the average low is 2.2 degrees Celsius!
If you’re planning to relocate to Vancouver and already own a hot tub, it might have occurred to you to bring it with you. You’re probably envisioning weathering the cold months in its hot relaxing water while the country is covered in snow. While we agree that it’s a great way to stay warm and enjoy yourself despite the cold, it’s worth asking: how are you planning to move your tub?
Don’t worry. This guide will tell you all you need to know so that you can transport your hot tub and continue enjoying it in Vancouver, Canada, or anywhere in the Lower Mainland for that matter.
Moving a Hot Tub to a New House
Although it’s possible to move a hot tub yourself, it isn’t always the easiest task. You’ll need some help and the right equipment, which is why many people choose to hire a professional moving company.
If you want to DIY it, you’ll need some preparation beforehand. Here’s what you should do:
Drain the Tub
Drain your hot tub so it won't leak during the trip. You also need to make sure it’s clean and dry so it’s easier to uninstall.
- Make sure the pump is off. If the pump is on, it will circulate the water and make it more difficult to drain.
- Open the drain valve. This will allow the water to flow out more quickly.
- Finally, use a garden hose to help drain it. Point the hose at the drain valve and turn it on high. This will create a powerful stream of water that will help drain the tub quickly.
Disconnect the Tub
When disconnecting your hot tub, the first thing you'll want to do is find the shut-off valve. This is usually a black or silver cylinder-like object. Switch it to the off position and wait a few minutes for the water to stop flowing.
Once the water has stopped flowing, locate the breaker box for your hot tub. It will be in the garage, basement, or in an outdoor shed. Find the breaker that corresponds to your hot tub, and switch it off.
Assess Your Home Surroundings
Check your home surroundings in relation to your tub's location. Is it in a tight spot? Can you move it from the bathroom? Do you have to move it downstairs or is it surrounded by landscaping or difficult terrain?
You need to check how much room you need to maneuver or pivot the tub, and whether any part of your home could be damaged while moving. This will help you create a moving plan that ensures your home and tub won’t sustain any damage.
Plan Your Route
When moving a hot tub, you need to plan your route. Consider the number of people you need, and if there are obstacles you need to maneuver around such as doorways that are too small, stairs, and even small spaces. Planning your route will help make the move easier and more efficient.
Put Plywood Under the Hot Tub
If you want to move a hot tub easily and quickly, consider placing pieces of plywood under it. This will make it easier to move and will also give the tub more stability as you move it.
Use Furniture Dollies to Move the Hot Tub
If the moving truck has enough space, you don't have to turn the hot tub on its side. However, if your moving truck is narrow, you might need to prop it up sideways. If you need to do this, you can use furniture dollies to make sure that the tub doesn’t fall and keep it stable throughout the journey.
Find Movers For Your Hot Tub
If, after reading these steps, you think moving your hot tub is more trouble than it’s worth, you can always hire a moving company. Hiring professional movers can better ensure that the hot tub is quickly uninstalled, transported, and safely secured with less risk of damaging the tub, your furniture, or parts of your home. It also means that you won’t have to enlist friends and family to help you move it.
Not all moving companies are created equal though. How do you find the right one? A-1 Auto Transport provides reliable and safe hot tub moving services. Visit https://www.a1autotransport.com/long-distance-movers/ to learn more.
How Much Does It Cost To Move a Tub?
The cost of moving a tub varies since it depends on the distance covered, the size of the tub, and other details. Make sure you have the following information about your tub when asking for a quote:
- Brand
- Dimensions
- Weight
- Material
- Location of the tub
- Equipment needed to move it
- The type of hot tub you have
You should also inform movers whether your tub is sunken or not since this may require additional effort, equipment, and manpower. Provide all the relevant details you can so movers can give you an accurate estimate.
Is Moving My Hot Tub Worth It?
Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring professionals, moving a tub means that you’ll have to coordinate and be responsible for extracting it from its current location and ensuring that it arrives in Vancouver safely.
If you’re beginning to wonder if all that effort is worth it, your tub’s age and make are factors you should consider. If your tub is old and has seen better days, it might be better to buy a new one instead of moving it. This may also be the case if your tub doesn’t match the aesthetics of your new home.
Hot Tub Dilemma
Moving is difficult even under the best circumstances. One of the challenges of moving is knowing which items to bring with you and which ones to leave behind. You might have spent many blissful hours in your hot tub but are intimidated by the process of moving it. If you’re facing doubts, it might be best to call professional movers like A-1 Auto Transport. However, if you’re an experienced DIY-er who feels comfortable moving furniture around and/or have helped friends move bulky items like these in the past, this might be a good project for you.
In the end, it all comes down to your comfort level and skill. Whatever you decide, we hope that guide has helped you decide the best course of action for your hot tub and yourself.