An old hot tub is one of the most awkward things a homeowner can be stuck with. It’s too heavy to move, too big for a dumpster, and no trash service will take it. Most people leave it sitting in the backyard for years before dealing with it.
If you’ve got one taking up space in Apex, Cary, or anywhere in Wake County, here’s what removal actually involves.
Why Hot Tubs Are So Hard to Get Rid Of
A typical six-person hot tub weighs 500 to 900 pounds empty. Filled, it’s several thousand. That weight alone rules out most DIY options, but the real problems are:
- They don’t fit through gates. Most backyard access points are narrower than the tub.
- Curbside pickup won’t take them. Wake County solid waste doesn’t accept hot tubs as bulk pickup.
- They’re not one material. Fiberglass shell, wood or foam skirt, insulation, plumbing, and electrical all have to be handled differently.
- There’s still wiring involved. Most tubs are hardwired to a 220V circuit that needs disconnecting.
The DIY Route (And Why Most People Stop)
It can be done. The rough process:
- Cut power at the breaker and disconnect the wiring — an electrician should handle this unless you know what you’re doing
- Drain the tub completely, which takes hours with a standard hose
- Strip the outer panels and remove insulation
- Cut the shell into sections with a reciprocating saw or circular saw
- Haul each piece out and arrange disposal
The cutting stage is where most people give up. Fiberglass dust is unpleasant and needs a respirator and eye protection, and a full tub takes several hours of sawing. Then you still need a truck and somewhere to take the pieces.
What Affects the Cost
Hot tub removal is priced by the job, not by volume like regular junk removal. The main factors:
| Factor | Impact on price |
|---|---|
| Size of the tub | Larger tubs take longer to break down |
| Access to the backyard | Tight gates or stairs add labor |
| Whether it’s on a deck | Deck removal may be needed |
| Distance from truck | Long carries add time |
| Condition | Rotted skirts and waterlogged foam add weight |
The biggest single factor is access. A tub sitting on a slab next to a wide gate is a straightforward job. A tub built into a second-story deck is a different project entirely.
For how our general pricing works, see our junk removal cost guide. For a hot tub specifically, we’ll want to see photos or walk the property before quoting.
How to Prepare for Removal Day
A few things that make the job faster and cheaper:
- Drain it ahead of time if you can — this saves a couple of hours on site
- Clear a path from the tub to the driveway
- Unlock gates and move vehicles out of the way
- Point out sprinkler heads or anything fragile along the route
- Have the breaker location handy so power can be cut safely
You don’t need to disconnect anything yourself. We handle that as part of the job.
What Happens to the Old Tub
Hot tubs aren’t landfill-friendly, and a good removal service will separate materials rather than dumping the whole thing:
- Metal frames and plumbing go to scrap recycling
- The acrylic and fiberglass shell is broken down for disposal
- Wood skirting can often be recycled
- Pumps and motors have scrap value
We sort what we can and dispose of the rest properly.
Our Hot Tub Removal Service
When you book a hot tub removal with us, we handle everything:
- Safe disconnection from power
- Draining if you haven’t already
- Full breakdown and cutting on site
- Complete haul-away, including all debris
- Cleanup of the area afterward
Most jobs are done in a few hours. You don’t need to be home for the whole thing — just to let us in and point out the tub.
Serving All of Wake County
We remove hot tubs across Wake County, including Apex, Cary, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Morrisville, New Hill, Willow Spring, and Garner.
Get That Backyard Back
If there’s a hot tub you’ve been meaning to deal with, Apex Junk Removal Pros can take it off your hands. Send us a few photos and we’ll give you a firm price. Request a free quote.