Moving a swim spa can be a challenging process, especially if you don’t have access to a crane. The best option would be to rent a trailer with a winch and use it to pull the swim spa onto the trailer.
It helps to have a few people available to assist with the process. For example, two people should be able to lift the spa onto the trailer while a third guides it onto the trailer. It is important that the trailer is secured with straps so that the swim spa is well-secured for transport.
You should also take into account the safety of others on the road and make sure you properly secure the swim spa so that it does not move during transit. Using a tarp to cover the swim spa can also help protect it from wind and inclement weather during transport.
Can you move a swim spa on its side?
Generally, it is not recommended to move a swim spa on its side. The water weight of the swim spa — usually several thousand gallons — can put a tremendous amount of strain on the unit, leading to damage and potential leaks.
Additionally, while many of the components inside the swim spa are designed to be highly durable, they cannot withstand the heavy weight of the water when the swim spa is on its side. The electrical and mechanical components are also vulnerable to damage when a swim spa is moved on its side.
Even if the swim spa is on its side for a short period of time, the damage it can cause is typically not covered by your warranty.
For these reasons, it is highly advisable to hire a professional technician to safely move your swim spa. These technicians usually have the necessary moving equipment, training, and experience to safely transport your swim spa.
They will also be familiar with the best techniques to move the swim spa and minimize the risk of damage.
How much does a swim spa weigh?
The weight of a swim spa can vary drastically depending on the size and model of the spa. On average, a standard-sized swim spa can weigh anywhere from 4,500 to 15,000 lbs when filled, while a larger model can weight up to 20,000 lbs.
In addition, due to their complexity, swim spas typically require professional installation, which may require additional materials such as decking and a reinforced platform to support the spa. Therefore, the final weight of a swim spa can depend on those factors as well.
Be sure to consult the manufacturer’s specifications, as well as checking with the installer to get a better idea of the swim spa’s exact weight.
How much does it cost to move a swim spa?
The cost of moving a swim spa can vary greatly depending on the distance, the size of the spa, the route taken, and any obstacles that must be avoided or removed. When determining the cost, factors such as the number of movers required, the size of the moving truck, and the time needed to load, transport and unload will be included.
Even if the swim spa is located in a residential area, the crane services and other precautions that may need to be taken to ensure the spa is transported safely could affect the overall cost. An average cost for moving a swim spa may range between $500 and $2,000; however, an exact price can be provided by a local mover or spa relocation service.
How far from the house should a swim spa be?
The exact distance that a swim spa should be placed from the house will depend on the size of the swim spa and the dimensions of your yard. As a general rule of thumb, it is best to leave at least three feet between the swim spa and the edge of your property line, as well as any other structures or buildings.
Additionally, you should also leave a distance of at least six to eight feet from the house itself in order to ensure proper drainage and protect any exterior walls from potential water damage. If you’re uncertain about the correct distance from the house to place your swim spa, it’s always best to consult a professional for specific recommendations.
How many people do you need to lift a spa?
It depends on the size of the spa and its weight. Generally, it is recommended to have at least two people lift a spa. If the spa is more than 400 pounds, then you should have four to eight people to lift it safely.
Before you attempt to lift the spa, take into considerations the density of the material and make sure there are no obstructions around it. Make sure every person has a firm grasp and don’t forget a plan of action! A successful lift requires several steps such as: having everyone stand in their designated spot, positioning their arms, legs, and back in such a way to protect them from injuries, ensuring no-one is underneath the spa, keeping your feet shoulder-width apart and having each lifter exert the same amount of pressure.
Don’t forget to also wear safety gloves and use a rope or strap to secure it around the tub. NOTE: You should never attempt to move a spa without the help of another person.
Can I use a car jack to lift a hot tub?
No, it is not advisable to use a car jack to lift a hot tub as it may not provide enough stability or support and could pose a safety risk. Car jacks are designed to lift lighter loads, typically weighing around 3,000 pounds or less.
Hot tubs, on the other hand, typically weigh anywhere from 700-2,500 pounds. As such, a car jack may not be strong enough to support a hot tub’s weight and using a car jack could cause it to break or collapse, leading to potential injury or property damage.
Therefore, it is better to use the right tool for the job, such as a specialized hot tub jack, which can handle the weight of a hot tub safely. This is particularly important for hot tubs which are filled with water, as the additional weight can strain the support of a car jack and make it even less suitable for use.
Can a swim spa be transported on its side?
It is generally not recommended to transport a swim spa on its side, as this can cause damage to the motor and other pool components. Additionally, when a swim spa is transported on its side, water can pool in the corners of the spa, which creates additional weight and affects the handling of the spa during the moving process.
Even if the swim spa has been drained, it is still not recommended to move it on its side as doing so puts stress on seals, pumps, and other components and could damage them when the spa is filled with water again.
If a swim spa must be transported on its side, experts suggest adding bracing and pool foam to the interior of the spa and applying caution during the moving process.
Can you carry a hot tub on its side?
No, you should not carry a hot tub on its side, as this could cause damage to the hot tub and its components. If you need to move the hot tub, it is best to have a qualified hot tub technician help you transport it.
Not only will they have the right tools and equipment to do the job safely and properly, they will also be able to identify any potential problems that may need to be addressed before you can use your hot tub.
Additionally, sometimes it is necessary to completely drain a hot tub before it can be moved, which is something a technician can also help you with.
What is the easiest way to move a spa?
The easiest way to move a spa depends on its size and weight. If the spa is small and lightweight, it can likely be disassembled and moved by two people. If the spa is large and heavy, professional moving services are needed.
Make sure to have the proper safety gear and assistance when moving a spa.
If the spa is not too large, it is possible to move it one piece with a few people. If a truck or trailer is needed, make sure to properly secure the spa and use proper moving straps and wheel dollies.
It is also important to cover the spa with a tarp to protect it from damage during transport.
Before moving a spa, make sure to drain it and leave it uncovered for a few days. This allows the shell to dry properly and reduces the risk of cracking. If the spa is being moved far distances, it is important to use a stable container, such as a pallet, and fill any voids between the spa and the container with foam or other padding.
It is possible to successfully move a spa without professional services. Just make sure to do thorough research and plan the move in advance to avoid any damage or unnecessary stress.
Can you dig a swim spa into the ground?
Yes, you can dig a swim spa into the ground. The process is the same as digging a pool. The main difference is that the swim spa typically requires less labour and excavated dirt since only the top portion of the unit is visible.
To start, you will need to identify the exact size and shape for the swim spa as well as the location for optimal drainage and aesthetics. Next, excavation needs to start. For this, you will need to rent a mini excavator or small tractor with a backhoe.
Once excavation is complete, the walls of the swim spa need to be backfilled and tamped down. Finally, the swim spa unit is lowered into the excavated hole. The unit is then stabilized and leveled with gravel, and backfill mud or concrete blocks to support the sides of the swim spa.
After that, the plumbing, electrical, and filter systems are connected and the swim spa can be filled and ready to enjoy.
Does a swim spa need to be on concrete?
No, a swim spa does not necessarily need to be on concrete. It can be installed on top of a range of other surfaces such as a deck, grass, or sand. However, if the swim spa is installed on these surfaces, it is important to make sure they are level and flat.
Additionally, it is also important to consider the weight of the swim spa when selecting the surface as some surfaces may not support the heavy weight. It is also recommend to use a sub-base of concrete or gravel to prevent water migration underneath and to give the swim spa more stability.
Ultimately, concrete is the most structurally sound and strongest surface for a swim spa and will provide the safest and most secure installation.
Can you partially bury a swim spa?
Yes, you can partially bury a swim spa. The best way to do this is to dig out a hole that’s slightly larger than the swim spa, so that the spa can sink into the hole as far as it will go. Then, use stone, bricks, or other masonry to create walls that support the sides of the swim spa.
The walls will keep moisture away from the swim spa and also retain warmth, adding to the spa’s enjoyment factor. You’ll also want to consider any nearby trees or roots so that water doesn’t seep into their roots and cause damage.
It’s also important to make sure that the swim spa is securely held in place. Lastly, use sand or crushed stone to fill in the area around the sides of the swim spa to ensure that it is stable and safe.
Do swim spas increase home value?
Swim spas can potentially increase the value of a home. They are considered investments, as you can use them for both recreational and therapeutic purposes. Adding a swim spa to your home can make it more desirable to potential buyers, as it adds luxury and recreational amenities.
Many buyers are willing to pay a premium for a home that offers a private pool and spa. A swim spa also adds a sense of security and privacy to the property, as it takes up less space than a traditional pool and can be enclosed with a fence or gate.
Swim spas also require less maintenance and are more energy efficient than traditional pools, making them a more cost-effective way to relax and enjoy your outdoor living space. In some cases, adding a swim spa to your home may even further increase your home’s value depending on where you live and the local market.
How heavy is an empty hot tub?
The weight of an empty hot tub varies depending on its size and construction. On average, an empty hot tub holds about 350 gallons of water, and a small acrylic hot tub can weigh up to 700 pounds when empty.
A larger steel-framed or PVC-lined hot tub can be much heavier, weighing up to 1,000 pounds or even more. It is important to consider the weight of the hot tub before purchasing it, since you will need to account for the extra weight of the water when you are filling it.
Additionally, you should also take into consideration the construction and size of the hot tub to be sure you can safely install and use it.