What To Do With An Old Hot Tub (Do This!)
Having a hot tub in your yard is a wonderful way to relax and unwind after a long day. Not only is a hot tub great for soothing sore muscles, but it is the perfect place for friends and family to hang out and reconnect. But, if your hot tub is old and out of date, you may be looking to get rid of your hot tub. What options are there for you when it comes time to dispose of an old hot tub?
Landfills and recycling centers will not take old hot tubs. The best options for removal include hiring a professional team, selling your hot tub second-hand, or using your hot tub as a trade-in when purchasing a new hot tub.
Several factors will determine both the resale value and the trade-in value of your hot tub. Your hot tub’s size, age, condition, and features can significantly impact the overall value. Generally, hot tubs that are deeper seat more people and are made of fiberglass tend to fetch a higher resale price.
Further, hot tubs in good condition and have a nice cabinetry feature to hide the pumps will hold their value far better than others. It may be possible to recycle parts of your hot tub cover, but you’ll have to do a little work to expose the recyclable materials in the cover.
Do You a Need Pool, Spa, or Hot Tub Contractor?
Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.
How Do I Dispose of an Old Hot Tub?
Getting rid of an old hot tub is a big job with few options for homeowners. It is basically impossible to move your hot tub to the trash simply, and hot tubs are usually not accepted at recycling centers or local landfills. That means that there are only a few options when it comes to hot tub removal. The best ways to dispose of your hot tub include:
- Selling it second hand
- Trading in your hot tub for a new hot tub
- Hiring a professional junk removal company to remove and dispose of it
Depending on the make, model, and size of your hot tub, one of these options may be better than others. Be sure to do your homework and research ahead of time to find the best use for your old hot tub.
How Much Can I Sell My Old Hot Tub For?
Selling your old hot tub by yourself may be a great way to recoup some of the cost of owning a hot tub. Determining how much to sell your hot tub for will depend on several factors, including:
- Size – The size of your hot tub will largely determine how much you’ll be able to sell it for. Usually, deeper tubs or tubs that can seat more people will have more value on the second-hand market.
- Material – The material that the tub’s shell is made of will largely influence the sale price. Usually, either acrylic or fiberglass is used. Acrylic shells hold their value, but fiberglass tubs generally tend to hold value a little longer.
- Appearance – Everyone wants to have a hot tub that looks great sitting on their deck or in their yard. Top sales prices are usually attached to tubs with a nice cabinet surrounding the tub that works to conceal the mechanical equipment. Selling your hot tub with the cover to keep it protected can also make the sales price higher. Plus, having a shell made with a neutral color is attractive for a potential sale, driving the price upward.
- Damage – Obviously, the most significant factor when selling your used hot tub is how much damage the tub has. The more damage, the more the price will drop when it comes to a second-party sale.
Can I Trade In My Old Hot Tub?
If you are looking to replace your old hot tub with a new version, it may be possible to trade it in for value to put toward a new tub. The hot tub market will vary significantly between regions, and stores may offer different values depending on their current inventory or hot tub market.
Before determining if a trade is right for you, the first step is to confirm how much your old hot tub is worth. Having the specific serial number and model can make this process much more manageable. Certain features and hot tub brands hold their value longer. A professional at the hot tub store will be able to help you determine if a trade-in makes sense or if you are better disposing of your hot tub with a professional company.
For future purchases, some companies even have a regular trade-in program that will allow you to upgrade your hot tub every few years to a newer and more energy-efficient model.
How Much Does it Cost to Dispose of a Hot Tub?
Getting rid of an old hot tub is a big job, and often people will just choose to have professionals move the hot tub. It will cost about $150 for a professional disposal team to come and remove your hot tub.
Keep in mind that this price can increase if the job is a particularly difficult task or you have an extremely large hot tub. It can help reduce the removal cost if the homeowner does some disassembly work ahead of time, like removing plumbing and pumps and creating a wide path for the workers to move the tub through.
How Do I Move An Old Hot Tub?
Remember that getting rid of an old hot tub requires moving it, which is no small task. Moving a hot tub is the job for multiple people with special equipment. To move a hot tub, you’ll need to first:
Step 1: Disconnect the Power Supply
Depending on how your hot tub is powered, you’ll need to cut the electric or gas supply. Be sure to turn the dedicated electric breaker off before working on any of the tub’s electricals.
Step 2: Drain the Tub
You need to remove all the water from your hot tub before you attempt to move it. Although a traditional siphon will work, it can be slow going. Using a submersible pump may be faster.
Step 3: Disassemble the Parts
Take apart all the accessories to the hot tub, including the power, plumbing, heaters, and pumps. Pack these parts separately. They may be sold or recycled depending on the part.
Step 4: Clear a Path
Hot tubs are big and bulky, so be sure to clear a wide path and have a plan for how you are moving the tub. To remove the tub from your deck or yard, you may want dollies on hand to help move the tub. It may also be necessary to tip the hot tub on its side to navigate tight corners and turns.
Do You a Need Pool, Spa, or Hot Tub Contractor?
Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.
Related Questions
Can hot tub covers be recycled?
If possible, it is always best to recycle what you can from your hot tub, including the cover. It is possible to recycle a hot tub cover, but there is some disassembly required. Depending on your recycling center, you may have to take your hot tub cover apart and remove any mold, mildew, or dirt that has accumulated over time. Depending on your type of hot tub cover, you may need some special tools to get through the thick material, cutting the cover off.
How much does it cost to run an old hot tub?
Usually, old hot tubs are not quite as efficient as newer hot tub technology. A new energy-efficient version will cost about $1 per day to run, leaving you with almost a $30 increase on your electric bill every month. Comparatively, an old hot tub can cost up to $50 per month to run.
Related Guides
We are a team of passionate homeowners, home improvement pros, and DIY enthusiasts who enjoy sharing home improvement, housekeeping, decorating, and more with other homeowners! Whether you're looking for a step-by-step guide on fixing an appliance or the cost of installing a fence, we've here to help.
More by Upgraded Home Team
![How To Reset A Whirlpool Cabrio Washer [In 5 Easy Steps!]](https://cdn-fastly.upgradedhome.com/media/2023/07/31/9076531/how-to-reset-a-whirlpool-cabrio-washer-in-5-easy-steps.jpg?size=350x220)
