Removing the old hot tub from your backyard may seem like a mammoth task, and understandably so; spas are large, extremely heavy, often fitted with electrical circuitry, and can often be embedded in the backyard deck of a home. No wonder you’re stressed just thinking about how to get rid of your old spa!
There isn’t just one sure-fire way to dispose of a spa. It isn’t as simple as just leaving it to the curb side; however, there are several options to ease the stress of removal. The right method for you will depend on the condition of your old system, whether it requires dismantling for pick up, or whether it can be rehomed or sold. You can choose to do this yourself if you feel fully equipped, or you can opt to hire a waste removalist service such as Ridly and have the hard work done for you.
If you’re ready to ditch the old tub and find yourself searching ‘how to dispose of old spa’, we’ve got you covered. We’ll answer all your burning questions and hopefully, take the hassle out of removing an old hot tub.
How Do I Get Rid of a Hot Tub?
If that old tub in your backyard is collecting leaves and seldom getting used, it’s likely time to say goodbye. Spa removal doesn’t have to be a challenging and expensive process. There are several methods of disposal that we’ll outline, that will suit different budgets and skill levels.
The easiest way to get rid of the old hot tub is to destroy it. The disposal process is easier and cheaper if you break the tub into small, manageable, bite-sized chunks. You may want to hire an expert to do this for you, or you can DIY.
On the other hand, you might not want to destroy your tub if it remains in good condition. You can trade your hot tub into a spa dealer. Like a used car, a spa will depreciate over time, so expect to earn much less than the original price you paid for it.
Alternatively, you can upload it to an online marketplace. Ensure you list every detail- the condition of the tub, the model, and any problems.
If your tub has seen better days, having a professional waste removalist dispose of your spa, is often your safest and easiest option. With a professional and friendly team such as ours at Ridly, we can provide the right equipment to perform the job efficiently.
Step 1. Draining the Old Tub
As the owner of the hot tub, you’ll likely know how to drain it. However, if you’ve never attempted it before or if you’re feeling a bit rusty, we’ll be happy to give you a few pointers on how to go about draining your old tub.
The first step is to shut off the electricity. Flip the switch it’s connected to on your circuit breaker. As you can imagine, water and electricity don’t mix. Failing to do so could result in a gas leak or an electric shock.
There will be a drainage spout in the base of your tub. If you can’t locate it, refer back to the manual for a diagram. To avoid pooling and flooding in an area of your backyard, you can connect a garden hose to the spout to direct the flow of water. If you have a pool, you can also choose to drain the water into your pool.
Once the bulk of the water has drained, vacuum up the excess water remaining in the basin. You can also soak it up with a few towels. The next step in the process of, ‘how to dispose of old spas & hot tubs’, is so much easier when the tub is completely dry.
Can I Dismantle the Spa Myself?
We know it can be tempting to take a sledgehammer to the old hot tub.
DIY dismantling is the most cost-effective option and is done in your own time. However, before you dive in, familiarise yourself with the potential dangers and the equipment you'll need for the job.
If you feel confident dismantling your old spa or hot tub, we recommend you refer back to the manual and the order in which the spa was assembled. You’ll want to dismantle your spa backward.
Some of the tools you’ll need include:
- Dust mask
- Protective clothing
- Eye protection
- Screwdrivers
- Heavy, work gloves
- A reciprocating saw
- Jigsaw
Removing the Spa Skirt
Most spa skirts, or spa surround, can be removed easily without the use of a saw. Many tub skirts have a tongue-and-groove type of assemblage, which means they can simply be unscrewed. Follow your instruction manual to locate which parts have been screwed in, and remove them accordingly to free the skirt.
On the other hand, if your skirt is attached to the tub, you’ll likely need to saw it apart.
Disassemble the Old Tub
The most labour-intensive and difficult aspect of getting rid of an old spa is removing the outer shell. This is where your protective gear and saw will be required. Before you break out the saw, remove any lights or stainless-steel jets. If you are unable to, avoid hitting them with the saw when you cut into the shell.
When you’re ready to disassemble the tub, ensure you remove any remaining wiring, motors, or pipes before proceeding, and be certain that there is no lingering water before using an electric saw.
A spa shell is generally one solid piece. Proceed to cut the shell into pie-shaped wedges, taking extra care to avoid any lights and jets you could not remove prior.
Don’t rush, be careful, and do not skimp on the safety gear. Improper disassembling could put you at risk of injury or electric shock. You could also damage your property if you do not exercise caution. When it comes to how to dispose of old spa materials safely, carving into the outer shell will result in debris and lots of dust.
Get Rid of the Pieces
When it comes to how to dispose of old spa parts, your last step is to dispose of the individual pieces. You may incur a fine if shards of your old hot tub are found with your general rubbish. So, the safest and most efficient option will likely be, hiring a team of experts.
At Ridly, we’ll take care of the rest, give us a call on 0491 181 130 if you’re ready to get rid of your old spa parts fast!
Alternatively, you can opt to hire a dumpster or drop it off at the landfill yourself. If you have a large vehicle and a few friends to help you out, this will be the most cost-effective option for you.
Can You Remove a Hot Tub In-Tact?
Now that you have a better idea of how to dispose of old spa parts, you’ll see it’s undeniably easier to dismantle your old spa or hot tub into smaller, more manageable pieces. However, it’s not impossible to remove it intact. If your spa remains in good condition and is fit for reselling or rehoming, this is a great way to prevent your tub from winding up in the landfill.
We suggest you consider a few points before doing this yourself.
Firstly, consider the measurements. Ensure there is a clear path to manoeuvre it out of your backyard without causing any damage to yourself, or your property. Depending on the size, you can turn it on its side to carry it through narrower pathways.
Secondly, how heavy is the tub? To prevent injuries, you might require a few helping hands. Enlist some friends to help you out.
A professional waste removal service can do this for you. Ridly has the manpower, the stamina, and the know-how to get rid of your spa in one piece.
How Much to Remove a Hot Tub Cost-Wise?
The cost of removing a hot tub or spa will vary from job to job.
DIY dismantling is likely your cheapest option, so long as you have the tools, safety equipment, and a large truck to drive it all to the landfill. Alternatively, you can rent a skip bin. This is the more expensive option and can put you back $300, on average.
For anyone that assumes professional waste removal services as too expensive: it’s not. If you choose to engage a professional removalist such as Ridly, we’ll provide you with an upfront, inclusive quote, and then take care of the rest for you. We take the heavy lifting out of removing an old spa or hot tub, servicing areas across Sydney; we have the equipment and trucks needed for each job; we clean up after ourselves and offer speedy turnaround times.
Our mission and focus at Ridly is sustainability, so if contributing to landfills is a concern for you, rest assured your old tub will be recycled and donated if possible.
So, when you’re ready to say goodbye to that old spa or hot tub, give us a call on 0491 181 130 to arrange the most convenient time for our friendly, uniformed team to drop by and haul away your rubbish.