How to Dispose of a Hot Tub

Many hot tub owners may become disenchanted with the performance of their spa throughout the duration of ownership. Despite excellent care and up-to-date maintenance, there are chances that older hot tub units may fall into a sad state of disrepair. If you’re looking to get rid of a hot tub (whether or not you plan on replacing it), you have a few options, all with different pros and cons. For a general idea of what to expect, here’s our quick guide that covers how to dispose of a hot tub.

Trade-In

If you’re thinking of getting a new hot tub unit in replacement of the old one, you may want to look into trading in your hot tub at your local dealer. Many dealers have this option and will put the money they owe you towards the cost of a new unit. Many dealers will then refurbish your hot tub and turn around and sell it to someone else.

DON’T be upset if you see your dealer selling your hot tub for significantly more than you were given for it. Odds are it needed a lot of replacement parts and labor to get it up to snuff. They also have to put up money for a warranty—something you don’t have to be concerned with if you were selling it on your own. Trade-in is a good, no fuss way to get rid of your hot tub quickly.

And the bonus of this option is that at the end of the road is a new hot tub, one that is probably a lot more efficient than your previous model.

Sell On Your Own

Selling your hot tub on your own is a good way get the hot tub out of your hair without contributing waste to a landfill. No matter where you live, you should have access to all manner of local classified postings, most of which are free online. If your hot tub is in good enough shape, it’ll be easy to sell if you choose a good price. When you sell something online, you have the option of setting your own terms: whether you will or will not help move the unit, what your price point is, etc. If you don’t mind moving the hot tub to wherever it needs to go, you can charge more.

You can also break down your hot tub, piece by piece, and sell it off that way. While more time consuming, many buyers will pay good money for hot tub parts—even down to the acrylic shell for hot tub enthusiasts who may be building their own. This is likely to take more time and energy, but you may get more money than if you were to sell the unit off as a whole.

Disposal Company

If the hot tub is beyond saving, you might just have to get rid of it. Many junk companies will purchase hot tubs and then recycle the parts or even attempt to remanufacture it into a new unit. The benefit of disposal companies is that other people haul it away—something that can be a major headache if you have to do it yourself.

The typical cost for removal is usually around $150, but will go up depending on the size and how difficult it will be to move it. Since the cost of moving the unit is less if the job is easier, homeowners should do all they can to prepare it for the removal company.

Removal Preparation:

• Disconnect the power, gas, drain of water and let dry completely.
• Clear a path (depending on the season) for the hot tub to be reasonably removed. This includes leaves, snow, and anything else that may be hazardous to the movers.
• If you have a fence that’s in the way, it may be less costly to have a section of that fence removed for a time (if possible) so that you have a clear path. If a crane is necessary during this process, it’s going to cost you more for equipment rental.

DIY Breakdown

This is not recommended for everyone, but you can certainly dispose of a hot tub yourself if you have the know-how and a little time. Through the use of several kinds of saws, you can get it into small enough pieces that can then be thrown into a dumpster.

SAFETY FIRST—be sure you know what you’re doing before you attempt to do this. Gloves and safety goggles should be worn at all times.

Before you start this process, the tub must be disconnected from the water, electrical, and gas lines as well as drained and dried. It is also important to read the manual and understand where any special wiring or gas lines are located in the spa. All possible removable elements should be taken out (lights, jets, etc.) so that you don’t accidentally cut into any wires that may still hold an electrical charge—what should remain should basically be the shell and the frame. Cut the surround and acrylic into small enough pieces that can be reasonably be disposed of at the local dump.

Breaking down the cover is easy. Just remove the foam inside of the vinyl covering and cut into sections.  You can then take it to a local waste disposal site.

No matter which decision you make, there will be costs and there will be benefits. If you’re informed, you will be able to determine the right option and will be able to dispose of a hot tub in no time. And hopefully it’ll soon be replaced with a new one!