How To Remove An Inground Hot Tub

When you first got your hot tub, you may have envisioned warming up on chilly evenings and relaxing day after day. However, the reality of a hot tub can be far different, with many people finding that the ongoing maintenance involved is simply not worth the benefits it provides. And if you’ve recently purchased a home that came equipped with an inground hot tub, you may have never wanted one in the first place. If you have decided to remove a hot tub or spa from your backyard, you might be wondering how to remove an inground hot tub and if it is a job you can do on your own.

7 Steps To Removing An Inground Hot Tub

The first thing you should know is that the task is not quite as easy as it looks. You will be dealing with a hot tub or spa that contains several hundred gallons of water and electrical hookups. It may also be embedded in a deck, which makes the job even more complicated.

Consider Whether You Need To Save The Hot Tub

There are other factors that may influence the complexity as well. For example, you may want to move the hot tub while it is still intact, whether you are placing it elsewhere on your property or selling it to someone. In other cases, you may not mind destroying it in the process because it might be broken, or you intend to get a new one anyway.

If you are removing your hot tub because you want to take it with you, for example, the best course of action is to hire a professional. Removing all of the water from the unit and properly disassembling it can be tricky, and if you ruin the spa’s mechanical parts, skirt or shell, you will have to replace it.

However, if you don’t mind destroying your old tub, the work will be a bit easier. In fact, there is no reason to leave it intact because that will only require you to find a suitable place to dispose of it. It is far easier to dispose of your hot tub when it has been broken down into more manageable pieces.

While it may be tempting to start breaking it apart with abandon, it is important to make sure you do not do anything that could cause damage to the deck or foundation, particularly if you plan to place a new spa in the same site.

Drain The Hot Tub

First, you will need to drain your hot tub. If you have done this before, you will use the same procedure as usual. If, however, you have never drained your tub before, here is a quick rundown.

First, you need to turn off the electrical switch that goes to the tub and flip the circuit breaker to be absolutely certain that the electricity is off. Look on the bottom of the hot tub for a drainage spout. Experts recommend attaching a garden hose to this spout to stop the yard from being flooded. You can use the hose to direct water flow to a part of the yard that can handle it.

Once you have removed most of the water from the hot tub, get a wet/dry vacuum to remove any puddles remaining in the bottom. It is important that your hot tub is as dry as possible before you move on to the next steps in the process.

At this point, if you plan to take the hot tub apart so you can move it, it is a good idea to read the manual. There may not be specific instructions about disassembling it, but you can look at the assembly steps and work backward. If you do not have the manual, check the manufacturer’s website. This will provide valuable information about the location of electrical wiring and tubes and the best way to remove the skirt and tub.

Remove The Spa Skirt

If the outside of your spa was made using tongue-and-groove parts, they should be relatively easy to remove without a saw. Check the instruction manual to find where the parts making up the spa skirt have been screwed in so they can be removed more easily.

Disassemble The Hot Tub

The shell is the most difficult part to remove from the yard as it is typically comprised of just one piece full of stainless steel jets. The best course of action is to cut the shell into pieces, but it is essential to take care that you do not hit the jets while doing so.

Avoid the temptation to cut directly down the middle; many times it is necessary to cut it into wedges in order to steer clear of the jets and tubing. This will require using a saw and protective gear to protect yourself from flying debris. This is why having the tub as dry as possible is essential as using saws will introduce electricity into the mix.

Dispose Of The Hot Tub Pieces

When it comes to disposing of the hot tub’s pieces, you may want to rent a dumpster or hire a dumpster service. If you have a truck or know someone who does, the least expensive option is bringing the pieces to the dump yourself.

Remove The Foundation

If you do not plan to replace your spa with a new one and you want to use this area of the yard for another purpose, you might remove the concrete foundation with a sledgehammer, making sure to use protective gear.

Enlist the Help of Professionals

If you are concerned that you cannot carry out this process properly and safely, it is best to enlist the help of professionals. A pool removal contractor has the tools and know-how to safely remove an inground hot tub from your property. They can also keep it intact if you are saving it for future use.

Reach Out To The Pool Removal Team At Dirt Connections

For help removing an inground hot tub or swimming pool, get in touch with the experienced team at Dirt Connections. We offer full-service pool and hot tub removal services in Northern Virginia, including filling and compacting.