The suburban landscape has seen a surge in hot tub installations over the past few years, with hot tub sales increasing by about 140% between June of 2019 and 2020 during the pandemic. However, what goes up must eventually come down, and many suburban homeowners now face the challenging task of hot tub removal. Whether you’re upgrading to a newer model, dealing with costly repairs, or simply reclaiming your outdoor space, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the complex process of hot tub removal in suburban areas efficiently and safely.
Understanding the Scale of Hot Tub Removal Challenge
Americans own approximately 7.3 million hot tubs, and with consumers keeping their hot tubs for an average of seven and a half years, and nearly 40% of all newly purchased hot tubs are sold secondhand or given away, the need for efficient removal services has never been greater. The suburban setting presents unique challenges that urban or rural removals don’t typically encounter.
Why Hot Tub Removal Is More Complex Than It Appears
The average hot tub weighs more than 500 pounds, making it a formidable challenge even when completely drained. These units can weigh up to 1,000 pounds when drained, require electrical disconnection, and often need to be cut into pieces for safe removal. This substantial weight is just the beginning of the removal complexity.
Hot tubs contain various materials including insulation foam that takes up a lot of space in landfills and isn’t exactly eco-friendly, electrical components that can contain hazardous materials and need careful disposal, acrylic or fiberglass shell that’s recyclable but requires proper processing, and metal frames or panels that are also recyclable but must be properly separated.
The Suburban-Specific Challenges
Access and Space Limitations
Suburban properties often present unique access challenges. Many installations are on second-story decks, basement installations, and the challenging corner lots common throughout suburban areas. DIY hot tub removals often encounter challenges in tight spaces, as gardens and patios may have limited access, making it difficult to manoeuvre the hot tub out smoothly, and navigating through narrow gates or between structures requires meticulous planning and sometimes creative disassembly strategies.
Neighborhood Regulations and HOA Considerations
Suburban areas typically have stricter regulations regarding large item removal and disposal. Many states enact their own safety and permit requirements for both pools and hot tubs, and these regulations extend to removal as well. Most dumps and landfills classify hot tubs as bulky waste or even special waste, meaning you must follow local rules and may need special permits or fees, and if you do not prepare the hot tub properly by draining and disassembling it, you could face extra charges or even fines.
Cost Analysis: What to Expect
Understanding the financial implications of hot tub removal helps in planning and budgeting. Removing a hot tub costs anywhere from $150 to $800, but the average homeowner spends $400 for this work. However, the cost for hot tub removal can vary depending on the size, where it’s located and how it’s built, and generally hot tub removal ranges from $400 to $700.
Several factors influence the final cost:
Size and Accessibility Factors
Hot tubs are large and heavy, so the cost and method of removal depend on their size and weight, and some hot tub movers charge by the hour with the simple math being that a jumbo tub requires more time. The more complicated the removal, the higher the cost, and many movers tack on extra “stairs” fees totaling $100 to $125 per job.
Labor and Professional Services
Most junk removal companies will include labor in a flat-fee rate for hot tub removal, but hot tub moving companies often charge by the hour for labor, costing $100 to $200 per hour, and removal may take several hours.
Professional vs. DIY Removal: Making the Right Choice
When to Choose Professional Removal
Professional removal services offer several advantages, particularly in suburban settings where access and regulations can be complex. Professional services save time and effort, ensure safe and proper disposal, and professionals handle all heavy lifting and logistics.
Engaging a professional removal company ensures that the hot tub is dismantled and disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner, as these companies have the expertise to handle the electrical and plumbing components safely, and they often recycle parts to minimize environmental impact, while also helping you avoid the physical strain and potential injuries associated with moving heavy items.
DIY Considerations and Safety
One of the biggest challenges is the sheer size and weight of a hot tub, as a typical hot tub can weigh hundreds of pounds, even when empty, making it difficult to move without help. Unless you are an expert in hot tub removals or don’t care if you put yourself at serious risk for injury, you should never attempt to lift a hot tub by yourself, as even when it’s completely drained and disconnected, the average weight of a hot tub is a whopping 500 pounds.
For those considering DIY removal, DIY hot tub removal can save money for hands-on homeowners but requires careful planning, the right tools, and safety gear, and after disconnecting power and plumbing, removing panels and components, then cutting the shell into manageable pieces, you must always wear protective gear, use safe lifting techniques with 3 to 4 helpers, and dispose of materials at a transfer station, scrap yard, or through local bulk pickup events.
Step-by-Step Removal Process
Phase 1: Preparation and Safety
Before beginning any removal process, proper preparation is essential:
- Power Disconnection: Disconnect the power supply and ensure all electrical connections are safely terminated.
- Water Drainage: Drain all of the water from the tub using the built-in drain valve or a submersible pump.
- Component Disassembly: Disassemble all of the spa’s parts, such as pumps, heaters, power, and plumbing.
- Path Clearing: Clear a path wide enough to fit the tub through.
Phase 2: Dismantling and Transport
Professional crews use specialized cutting tools to break down hot tubs into manageable sections while protecting surrounding property, and the demolition process minimizes dust and debris, with protective coverings always laid on lawns, driveways, and walkways, while the systematic approach ensures clean, efficient removal without property damage.
Environmental Considerations and Recycling
The Importance of Proper Disposal
Proper hot tub disposal is crucial for environmental and safety reasons, as old hot tubs contain materials like fiberglass, plastics, and metals that can be harmful if not disposed of correctly, with these components taking decades to decompose, potentially leaching toxic substances into the soil and water, and additionally, improper disposal can lead to fines and legal issues due to non-compliance with local waste management regulations.
Recycling Opportunities
For eco-conscious homeowners, recycling an old hot tub is a responsible way to reduce waste, as up to 80% of the materials can often be reused, but it requires time, effort, and possibly special tools or transport to multiple locations, though the environmental benefits make it worth it.
Wood and plastic cabinets can be recycled, PVC fittings, valves and pipes can also be recycled, the spa shell can be cut up into smaller pieces using a reciprocating saw with a 9″ blade, while acrylic spa shells are not recyclable, rotomolded (thermoplastic) spa shells can be recycled, and spa covers can also be recycled separately into their components – vinyl, foam, steel, nylon.
Alternatives to Complete Removal
Donation and Repurposing Options
If your hot tub still works and is under 10 years old, donating it can be a rewarding option, as community centers, rehab programs, and veterans’ groups may accept it if it’s in good condition with all safety features intact.
Creative Repurposing Ideas
Rather than complete removal, consider repurposing options. The spa shell can be placed into the ground, covered with a vinyl or rubber pond membrane, and surrounded by rocks to create an attractive garden feature.
Regulatory Compliance in Suburban Areas
Permit Requirements
Understanding permit requirements is crucial for suburban hot tub removal. A permit may be required to remove your hot tub—check to ensure you’re following all necessary regulations. When demolition of an in-ground swimming pool is necessary, a Village Permit is required, as the concern is that an abandoned pool will act as a bowl and unregulated back-fill may create an area of super-saturated soil which could prove to be a hazard to the public’s safety, and the other consideration is that there may be a future building on the site and the uncompacted fill would not be adequate to sustain the loading and the new structure would likely suffer structural damage.
Safety Regulations
Safety is paramount, and you should always use protective gear (gloves, goggles, masks) when handling or cutting hot tub materials. Always wear safety gear when disassembling, as cutting materials like fiberglass can release harmful dust, and double-check local regulations before starting, as failure to comply may lead to fines.
Choosing the Right Removal Service
What to Look for in Professional Services
Choosing the right hot tub removal service involves balancing cost, convenience, and environmental responsibility, so look for companies that offer free estimates, handle all the heavy lifting, and dispose of the tub in an eco-friendly way, with some even recycling or donating usable tubs to reduce waste.
Service Process and Timeline
Professional hot tub removal eliminates safety risks and disposal headaches while ensuring environmentally responsible spa disposal, with removal companies typically completing the job in 2-4 hours depending on access challenges and dismantling requirements.
Planning for Special Situations
Deck-Mounted Hot Tubs
Built-in deck hot tubs are harder to remove due to limited access and the need to temporarily dismantle parts of the deck, often requiring specialized tools, potentially leading to extra repair work, and typically costing 30 to 50 percent more than standard removals.
Indoor Installations
Indoor hot tub removal requires careful planning due to tight spaces and potential moisture issues, making professional services particularly valuable in these situations.
Property Value Considerations
Impact on Home Value
Hot tub removal can have both positive and negative impacts on property value. Removing an old or unused hot tub can be an eyesore, and removing it and landscaping the area can significantly enhance your home’s curb appeal, while removing an energy-hungry hot tub can make your home appear more energy-efficient, which is increasingly important to modern buyers.
However, in some cases, removing a hot tub could potentially decrease your home’s value, particularly in high-end properties where luxury amenities are expected, in areas with cooler climates where a hot tub might be seen as a desirable feature for year-round outdoor enjoyment, if the hot tub is new, well-maintained, and matches the overall aesthetic of the home, or for homes marketed as great for entertaining where a hot tub could be a selling point.
Cost-Effective Strategies
Timing Your Removal
Understanding the value of your time, many companies offer flexible scheduling, including same-day and next-day services, with efficient teams arriving on time, ready to handle your junk removal or demolition needs swiftly and effectively, ensuring your space is cleared without delay.
Bundling Services
A junk removal service can also take other unwanted items when they pick up your hot tub, as these companies often charge by the load, so it can be cost-effective to add other items to the truck for disposal at the same time.
Conclusion
Hot tub removal in suburban areas requires careful planning, understanding of local regulations, and consideration of various factors including cost, environmental impact, and safety. With nearly 40% of all newly purchased hot tubs sold secondhand or given away, millions of homeowners face this exact disposal challenge regularly, and whether your spa removal is driven by costly repairs, energy efficiency concerns, or wanting that deck space back for summer entertaining, the process doesn’t require a construction crew or massive expense.
Whether you choose professional removal services or attempt a DIY approach, the key is thorough preparation, safety consciousness, and environmental responsibility. By following the guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide, suburban homeowners can efficiently handle hot tub removal while minimizing costs, ensuring safety, and contributing to environmental sustainability.
Remember that recycling and proper hot tub disposal is prioritized, so you don’t have to worry about it taking up space in the landfill when working with reputable removal services. The investment in proper removal not only clears your space but also contributes to responsible waste management practices that benefit the entire community.
