November 10, 2025
The excitement of upgrading to a new, state-of-the-art hot tub is undeniable. You can already imagine soaking in the warm, bubbling water as snowflakes gently fall around you. But before the new spa can be delivered and installed, there’s a significant obstacle in the way: the old one. Removing an old, bulky hot tub is a major project, and with Denver’s winter approaching, the window for a smooth and safe removal is closing fast. Tackling this task now ensures your property is ready for a seamless installation, letting you enjoy your new oasis without delay.
Getting rid of an old hot tub isn’t just a matter of lifting and moving. It requires careful planning, the right tools, and a clear understanding of safety protocols, especially concerning electrical and water lines. This guide will walk you through the importance of proper removal and why professional help is often the best path forward for Denver homeowners.
While the do-it-yourself spirit is strong in Colorado, some projects are bigger and more complex than they appear. Hot tub removal is a prime example. These units are deceptively heavy, cumbersome, and integrated into your property’s electrical and plumbing systems. Attempting this job without experience can lead to property damage, personal injury, or improper disposal.
First and foremost, you must safely disconnect the hot tub from its power source. This often involves working with a 220-volt circuit, which is incredibly dangerous without the expertise of a qualified electrician. Improper disconnection can result in severe electric shock. Additionally, you must drain thousands of pounds of water completely, which can be a slow process and requires proper drainage to avoid flooding your yard or damaging your home’s foundation.
Hot tubs can weigh anywhere from 500 to over 1,000 pounds when empty. Moving an object this large and awkward is nearly impossible without a team and specialized equipment. Often, the only practical way to remove it is to cut it into smaller, manageable pieces using tools like a reciprocating saw. This process creates a significant amount of acrylic and fiberglass debris, requiring safety gear like gloves, goggles, and respirators to protect from sharp edges and dust.
Once you’ve broken down the spa, you can’t simply leave the pieces at the curb for regular trash pickup. Most municipal services will not accept this type of debris. You’ll need to rent a truck or trailer large enough to haul the sections to a proper disposal facility, which can be costly and time-consuming. Responsible disposal is key, as many components can be recycled. At Junk Be Gone, we prioritize sustainable recycling solutions to keep bulky items out of landfills.
Understanding the full scope of the job makes the benefits of a professional service clear. When you need to haul away an old hot tub, efficiency and safety are paramount.
| Aspect | DIY Removal | Professional Service (Junk Be Gone) |
|---|---|---|
| Time Commitment | An entire weekend or multiple days. | Typically completed in a few hours. |
| Safety | High risk of injury from electrical shock, heavy lifting, and sharp debris. | Trained, insured professionals handle all hazardous aspects safely. |
| Equipment | Requires renting or purchasing saws, dollies, trailers, and safety gear. | All necessary tools and hauling vehicles are provided. |
| Disposal | Complex logistics involving transportation and landfill/recycling center fees. | Eco-friendly disposal and recycling are included in the service. |
In Denver, preparing for winter is a seasonal ritual. Procrastinating on your hot tub removal can create major headaches once the first snowfall arrives. Icy surfaces, frozen ground, and frigid temperatures make the job significantly more dangerous and difficult for everyone involved. Scheduling your removal in the fall ensures:
Beyond just removing the spa, this is the perfect time for a complete property clean-up. Our team can also help clear away old patio furniture, yard debris, or any other clutter to ensure the entire area is pristine and ready for your new backyard centerpiece.
Don’t let an old, unwanted spa delay your relaxation. The Junk Be Gone team has over a decade of experience providing fast, friendly, and efficient junk removal services throughout Denver. We have the tools and expertise to handle your hot tub removal safely and responsibly.
For your safety and ours, we ask that you have a qualified electrician disconnect the hot tub from its power source and ensure all water has been completely drained from the spa and its plumbing lines before our scheduled arrival.
We are committed to environmentally friendly practices. We transport the dismantled hot tub to a specialized facility where materials like acrylic, fiberglass, metal, and plastic components are separated for recycling, minimizing landfill waste.
Most hot tub removals are completed within 1 to 3 hours, depending on the size of the unit and the complexity of its location on your property. Our team works efficiently to minimize disruption to your day.
While our primary service is removing the hot tub itself, we can often assist with light demolition and debris removal for decking or other structures. Please mention this when you call for an estimate so we can assess the scope of the work and provide an accurate quote for a full construction clean-up.
