Hot tubs are great until they’re not. Maybe the jets stopped working. Maybe the deck is rotting underneath it. Maybe you just haven’t used it in two years and you’re tired of looking at 800 pounds of fiberglass and plumbing taking up half your backyard.
Whatever the reason, getting rid of a hot tub is harder than most people expect. They’re heavy (often 500-800 lbs empty), awkward to access, wired into your home’s electrical system, and connected to plumbing. You can’t just roll it to the curb. And most municipal waste services won’t touch them.
Here’s how to handle it — whether you want to do it yourself or hire someone to make it disappear.
Why People Get Rid of Hot Tubs
The reasons are usually practical:
- It’s broken and not worth fixing. Leaks, dead heaters, and cracked shells get expensive fast. At some point, repair costs exceed the tub’s value.
- You’re upgrading. Newer models are more energy-efficient and have better features. The old one needs to go before the new one can go in.
- You want the space back. That corner of the deck or patio could be a garden, a dining area, or just open space.
- It’s been sitting unused. An unused hot tub still collects leaves, attracts mosquitoes, and costs money to maintain. Easier to remove it.
Preparing for Removal
Disconnect Power and Water
Start at the circuit breaker. Turn off the dedicated circuit for the hot tub, then unplug it if it uses a standard outlet. Next, shut off the water supply, locate the drain valve, attach a garden hose, and direct the water to an appropriate drainage area. The tub needs to be completely empty before anyone moves it.
Gather Your Tools
If you’re going the DIY route, you’ll need:
- Wrench and screwdriver for disconnecting fittings
- Utility knife for cutting insulation
- Reciprocating saw (Sawzall) if you’re cutting the tub into sections
- Dolly or hand truck for moving heavy pieces
- Gloves and safety glasses
Clear the Path
Remove anything between the hot tub and wherever you’re loading it. Patio furniture, plants, garden tools — clear it all out. Measure gates and doorways if the route goes through them. A stuck hot tub halfway through a fence gate is a bad time.
DIY Hot Tub Removal: Step by Step
If you’ve got the tools, the help, and the patience, here’s how to do it yourself:
- Drain the tub completely. Attach a hose to the drain valve and direct water away from your foundation.
- Remove panels and skirting. Take off the outer casing with a screwdriver or wrench. This makes the tub lighter and exposes the plumbing.
- Disconnect all plumbing and electrical. Label connections if you’re unsure what goes where (photos help).
- Cut the tub into sections. Using a reciprocating saw, cut the shell into halves or quarters. Work slowly, watch for wires and pipes, and keep the pieces manageable.
- Haul and dispose. Load the sections into a truck or trailer. Separate recyclable materials (metal frames, pumps, motors) from non-recyclable parts. Check with your local transfer station about drop-off requirements.
Expect the whole project to take most of a day with at least one other person helping.
Hiring a Professional (The Easier Option)
If sawing apart a hot tub doesn’t sound like your idea of a Saturday, professional removal is the way to go.
| Option | What You Get | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| DIY Removal | You drain, cut, haul, and dump everything yourself | $50-$150 (saw rental + dump fees) |
| Professional Removal | Crew handles everything: disconnect, demolition, hauling, cleanup | $300-$600 |
At Junk B Gone, hot tub removal is one of our most common jobs. Our crew handles the disconnection, demolition, hauling, and site cleanup. We show up, we take it apart, we load it up, and your yard is clear. Through our nonprofit Second Spark, recyclable materials like metal frames, pumps, and motors get processed properly instead of going to a landfill.
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Recycling and Repurposing Options
A hot tub is made of more recyclable material than you’d expect:
- Metal frames can be scrapped and melted down
- Plastic shells can be reprocessed at some facilities
- Pumps, motors, and heaters contain copper and aluminum that recyclers want
- Insulation can sometimes be repurposed
If you’re the creative type, hot tub shells make surprisingly good raised garden beds, backyard ponds, or even outdoor storage. The pump can be reused for a water feature. But if repurposing isn’t your thing, a junk removal company that works with recycling facilities (like us) is the next best option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does hot tub removal cost?
Professional removal typically runs $300-$600 depending on the tub’s size, location, and accessibility. At Junk B Gone, we provide free estimates before starting so you know the price upfront. No hidden fees.
Can I just put my hot tub on the curb for trash pickup?
Almost certainly not. Most municipal waste services don’t accept items that large. You’ll need to either take it to a transfer station yourself (in pieces) or hire a removal service.
How long does professional hot tub removal take?
Usually 1-3 hours from arrival to cleanup, depending on the tub’s size and location. If it’s on an elevated deck or in a tight backyard, it takes a bit longer. Our crew has the equipment and experience to work efficiently.
Do I need to drain the hot tub before you arrive?
It helps, but it’s not required. If you can drain it beforehand, great — attach a hose to the drain valve and let it empty overnight. If not, our crew can handle that step on-site.
Is hot tub removal eco-friendly?
It can be, if you choose the right company. At Junk B Gone, we separate recyclable materials from every hot tub we remove. Metal, plastic, and electronic components go to appropriate recycling facilities through Second Spark. About 80% of what we haul avoids the landfill.
Ready to Get Rid of That Hot Tub?
Free estimates, same-day service, and a crew that treats your home like their own.
