1-800‑GOT‑JUNK Hot Tub Removal Cost and What Is Involved
A hot‑tub pickup from 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK usually falls into the medium‑load tier, priced between $396 and $600. If the franchise treats the tub as a single‑item removal, the range shrinks to $70‑$400 depending on bulk and weight.
Below is everything you need to know to decide whether to call the crew, combine the tub with other junk, or use a cheaper alternative.
Quick Answer – How Much Does a Hot Tub Cost to Remove?
Pricing ranges (single‑item vs. volume)
| Pricing method | Typical cost range for a hot tub | What drives the number |
|---|---|---|
| Medium‑load (volume‑based) | $396 – $600 | Truck space used (≈5 ft × 5 ft × 8 ft) |
| Single‑item removal | $70 – $400 | Bulk, weight, and local landfill fees |
| Average 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK job (all items) | ≈ $240 | Mix of small and medium loads |
Why the spread? 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK prices each job by the amount of truck space it occupies. A standard residential hot tub (about 6‑7 ft long, 4 ft wide, 3 ft high) usually requires a medium‑load slot, but a very compact or lightweight model could be squeezed into a small‑load or even a single‑item quote. Local landfill tipping fees and labor rates also shift the final number, which is why the on‑site estimate is the only way to lock in a price.
How 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK Calculates the Cost
Volume‑based truck loads
The company measures its trucks in 1/8‑truck increments:
| Load size | Dimensions (L × H × W) | Approx. volume | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum (1/8) | 1.25 ft × 5 ft × 8 ft | 0.5 cu yd | $100‑$150 |
| Small | up to 2 8‑loads | – | $107‑$396 |
| Medium | 5 ft × 5 ft × 8 ft | ~5 cu yd | $396‑$600 |
| Large | up to 3/4 truck | – | $600‑$1,099 |
| Half truck | 5 ft × 5 ft × 8 ft | – | $400‑$600 |
| Full truck | 10 ft × 5 ft × 8 ft | ~18 cu yd | $600‑$1,000 |
A hot tub that occupies roughly 5 cu yd sits squarely in the medium tier. If you add a few extra items (e.g., a broken lawn mower, a mattress) the same truckload can stay within the same price band, effectively lowering the per‑item cost.
What’s included in the quote
- All labor – crew loads the tub from wherever it sits on your property; you don’t have to push it to the curb.
- Hauling and disposal – tipping fees, recycling charges, and any required permits are covered.
- Cleanup – the crew sweeps the area after removal.
- Licensing & insurance – the crew is fully insured, protecting you from accidental damage.
Booking process and on‑site estimate
- Request a free estimate online or by calling 1‑800‑468‑5865.
- A local franchise schedules a 20‑minute on‑site visit (no credit card required).
- The crew arrives 25‑30 minutes before the agreed time, confirms the load size, and gives you a final price.
- If you agree, they load and haul the tub the same day (same‑day service is common).
Note: 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK does not provide a price over the phone or on its website; the on‑site estimate is the only official quote.
Preparing Your Hot Tub for Pickup
Clear the path
- Remove obstacles (planters, toys, furniture) at least 3 ft wide on each side of the tub’s travel route.
- If the tub sits on a concrete slab, make sure there’s a ramp or sturdy boards for the crew to slide it onto the truck.
Drain and disconnect
- Turn off the power at the breaker.
- Shut off the water supply and open the drain valve.
- Remove any hoses, filters, and the control panel.
Leaving the tub fully drained prevents water damage to the truck and speeds up loading.
Safety tips
- Wear gloves and safety glasses.
- Keep children and pets away from the work area.
- If the tub is bolted to a deck, locate the bolts and have a screwdriver ready; the crew can handle the rest.
When Adding a Hot Tub to a Bigger Load Saves Money
Combining items
Because 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK charges by truck volume, adding other junk can keep the price at the medium‑load ceiling while lowering the effective cost per item. For example, a $500 medium‑load that includes a hot tub plus a mattress and a broken sofa spreads the $500 across three items instead of paying a separate $150 for the hot tub alone.
Worked example
Medium‑load quote: $480 (mid‑range of $396‑$600)
Items: Hot tub, 1 mattress, 1 sofa
| Item | Approx. volume (cu yd) | Share of truck space | Cost allocated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot tub | 5.0 | 55 % | $264 |
| Mattress | 0.5 | 5 % | $24 |
| Sofa | 1.5 | 15 % | $72 |
| Total | 7.0 | 75 % | $480 |
Result: The hot tub’s effective price drops from a possible $400‑$600 solo charge to $264 when bundled.
If you only need the tub removed, the franchise may quote a single‑item price of $300 (mid‑range of $70‑$400). In most markets, bundling wins the money‑saving battle.
Comparison table: Solo vs. Combined Load
| Scenario | Items included | Truck load size | Final price (range) | Effective hot‑tub cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solo hot tub | Hot tub only | Medium (5 cu yd) | $396‑$600 | $396‑$600 |
| Solo hot tub (single‑item) | Hot tub only | Small/Single | $70‑$400 | $70‑$400 |
| Combined load | Hot tub + mattress + sofa | Medium (7 cu yd) | $396‑$600 | $264‑$400 (depends on split) |
| Combined load (large) | Hot tub + several appliances | Large (10‑12 cu yd) | $600‑$1,099 | $300‑$500 (hot tub share) |
Tip: Call the franchise and ask whether they can “fold” the hot tub into a larger load you already have scheduled. Most crews are happy to do that at no extra charge.
Alternatives to Paying 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK
| Option | Typical cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Municipal bulky‑item pickup | $0‑$50 (often free for residents) | No contractor needed; often scheduled weekly | Limited to a few items; may require you to transport to curb; strict size/weight limits |
| Retailer haul‑away (e.g., Home Depot, Lowe’s) | Free with purchase or $25‑$75 for drop‑off | Convenient if you’re buying a new tub; includes disposal of old unit | Only works when you’re buying new; you must bring the tub to the store |
| Donation (Habitat for Humanity ReStore, local charities) | Free (tax‑deductible receipt) | Good for usable tubs; helps community | Must be in decent condition; you must transport it |
| DIY dismantle + dumpster rental | $250‑$400 for a 10‑yd dumpster (30‑day rental) | Full control; you can load at your own pace | Requires a permit in many cities; you handle labor & safety |
| LoadUp (online‑price competitor) | $89 minimum; per‑item pricing | Fixed price online; often 20‑30 % cheaper | Availability varies; you must load the item yourself |
When the alternatives beat 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK
- Your hot tub is still functional – donating or selling it can net you cash or a tax write‑off.
- You have a curbside bulky‑item program – many cities allow a free pickup once per month.
- You’re already ordering a new tub – most big‑box retailers will haul the old one away at no extra cost.
- You’re comfortable with DIY – renting a small dumpster and loading the tub yourself can stay under $300, especially if you already have a truck.
Get a Free Quote from 1-800-GOT-JUNK? →
Ready to get a concrete price? Use the free on‑site estimate from 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK, or compare the quoted numbers with the alternatives above to choose the most cost‑effective route for your hot‑tub removal.
Common Mistakes People Make
Assuming curbside only
Many homeowners think the crew will only pick up items left at the curb. 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK loads from anywhere on the property, so you don’t have to waste time moving the tub yourself.
Not accounting for disposal fees
The quoted price includes all disposal and recycling fees. If you hire an independent hauler, you may be surprised by hidden landfill tipping charges that can add $50‑$150 per load.
Over‑looking local regulations
Some municipalities require a permit for oversized items or impose a $10‑$15 extra fee for hazardous components (e.g., electrical panels). 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK’s crew handles permits where needed; DIY routes often leave you responsible for compliance.
Forgetting to drain the tub
A water‑filled tub adds several hundred pounds and can cause the crew to need a larger truck, pushing the price into the large‑load bracket. Draining the tub beforehand usually keeps the job in the medium tier.
Not consolidating loads
Scheduling two separate pickups (e.g., hot tub one week, sofa the next) doubles dispatch fees. Combining everything into a single medium or large load usually saves $100‑$200.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to move the hot tub to the curb?
No. 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK crews load the tub from wherever it sits on your property, as long as there’s a clear path.
2. How long does the removal take?
A typical hot‑tub pickup, including loading and cleanup, takes 30‑45 minutes. Larger combined loads may require up to an hour.
3. What if my hot tub has a built‑in heater or electrical components?
The crew will disconnect and remove those parts for you. The price already covers any extra disposal fees for electronic waste.
4. Can I get a discount if I’m a veteran, senior, or AAA member?
There is no official military, senior, student, or AAA discount. The only reliable savings come from email‑list coupons ($10‑$25 off) or local franchise promotions.
5. How do I know the exact price before the crew arrives?
The on‑site estimate is the only official quote. The crew measures the load, confirms any special disposal requirements, and gives you a final number on the spot.
6. What if I need the tub removed on short notice?
Same‑day service is often available, especially if you’re flexible with timing (mid‑week or off‑season slots are the easiest to secure).
Bottom Line
- Solo hot‑tub removal with 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK: $70‑$400 (single‑item) or $396‑$600 (medium‑load).
- Bundling the tub with other junk can lower the effective cost to $260‑$400.
- All labor, hauling, disposal, and cleanup are included; no hidden fees.
- No official discounts exist, but email‑list coupons and local promotions can shave $10‑$25 off.
- Always compare with municipal pickups, retailer haul‑away, donation, or DIY dumpster rental to ensure you’re getting the best value for your situation.
Takeaway: Get a free on‑site estimate, drain the tub, clear a path, and consider adding a few extra items to stay in the medium‑load tier—this usually yields the lowest per‑item price for hot‑tub removal.