How to Disassemble Your Own Hot Tub
Sadly, hot tubs weren’t designed to last forever. Often being outside and exposed to the elements, hot tubs can face weathering, damage, and even infestations! In these extreme cases, most people would agree that the best option is to get rid of that old jacuzzi. However, finding the right team can be a true challenge, with most companies charging excessive prices. Although we provide hot tub removal ourselves at Johnson Junk Removal, some homeowners choose to handle the disassembly themselves.
Before starting, understand this clearly. Hot tub removal involves electricity, plumbing, heavy materials, and sharp components. If any step feels unsafe or overwhelming, hiring professionals is the safer option.
Before You Start
Disassembling a hot tub creates a large amount of debris. Before touching the tub, make sure you have a disposal plan in place.
You will need one of the following:
- A pickup truck with tie-downs
- A rented dumpster
- A scheduled junk hauling service
What You Need
Before completely understanding how to disassemble your own hot tub, it’s key that you have all the necessary tools and equipment. Here are all the things you need to begin:
- Work gloves
- Safety eyewear (mask)
- Screwdriver
- Sawzall, jigsaw, or other saw
- Tarps, a dumpster, and/or truck for hauling and disposal
Step 1: Disconnect Power, Water, and Gas
Turn off the breaker and disconnect all electrical, water, and gas connections. Skipping this step can result in electric shock, flooding, or gas leaks. Check the manufacturer’s manual for hidden wiring before continuing.
Warning: Never cut into a hot tub before confirming all utilities are disconnected.
Step 2: Drain All Water
Locate the drain spout, attach a garden hose, and drain the water to an area that will not flood your yard. Dry the interior surface to reduce slip risks during removal.
Step 3: Remove the Tub’s Skirt
To properly disassemble your own hot tub, you’ll need a few tools. Use gloves and eye protection. Most skirts are attached with screws, but some may need to be cut free. Work slowly to avoid damaging internal components.
Step 4: Remove Small Accessories and Parts
Take out jets, lights, pipes, motors, and wiring. Many parts twist out by hand or with light tools. Set recyclable items aside.
Step 5: Cut the Tub Shell Into Sections
Hot tub shells are bulky and heavy. Cut them into manageable pieces using a saw. Avoid cutting near nozzles or remaining hardware.
Warning: This is one of the most injury-prone steps due to sharp plastic and fiberglass.
Step 6: Remove The Cover
Remove the foam core from the vinyl cover and cut it into smaller pieces. These materials are often lightweight but awkward to handle.
Step 7: Remove and Dispose of The Debris
Finally, your hot tub is broken down and ready to be disposed of! This is the part where you address your initial plan for getting rid of the debris. If you chose the hauling route, load all the debris onto your truck. If you have an accessible dumpster nearby, dump all the debris there in batches.
When you’re in the disposal process, always remember that much of the debris is recyclable materials! That goes for electrical components, metal parts, and even skirt and bed materials. If you wish to keep things eco-friendly, don’t hesitate to conduct your own research into recycling centers near you to find the right disposal center for your hot tub debris. You can even find some helpful tips on ways to dispose of or reuse your old hot tub!
When Hiring Professionals Makes More Sense
If your hot tub is large, built-in, hard to access, or near other structures, professional removal is often safer and faster.
Johnson Junk Removal handles:
- Full hot tub removal from start to finish
- Hauling and eco-friendly disposal
- Related cleanup, such as construction debris removal
We bring the equipment and experience so you do not have to risk injury or property damage.
Ready to Skip the Hassle?
If disassembling a hot tub feels like more than you want to take on, Johnson Junk Removal is here to help.
Call 651-372-3051 or book online to schedule professional hot tub removal. Our team will handle the lifting, hauling, and disposal so you can reclaim your space safely.