Hot Tub Removal Cost San Diego: What to Expect (2026)
That old hot tub taking up space in your backyard? Whether it stopped working years ago, costs too much to maintain, or you simply want to reclaim your outdoor living area, removing a hot tub is one of the most common junk removal requests we handle across San Diego. Here is everything you need to know about the cost to remove a hot tub in 2026.
Why Hot Tub Removal Is So Common in San Diego
San Diego's warm climate makes backyard living a priority for homeowners, and hot tubs have long been a popular addition to properties throughout neighborhoods like Scripps Ranch, Poway, Del Cerro, and Rancho Bernardo. However, hot tubs have a typical lifespan of 15 to 20 years, and many homeowners find themselves stuck with a broken or unused spa that has become an eyesore, a safety hazard, and a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
At Demo Diego, our hot tub removal service is one of our most requested offerings. We have removed hundreds of spas and hot tubs from backyards across San Diego County, and we know exactly what goes into the process and what it costs.
Below, we break down everything from average pricing to the factors that can increase or decrease your total cost, plus tips on whether DIY removal makes sense for your situation.
Average Hot Tub Removal Cost in San Diego (2026)
The cost to remove a hot tub in San Diego typically ranges from $350 to $1,200, with most homeowners paying between $450 and $800. This price generally includes disconnection of any remaining electrical connections, breaking down or cutting up the spa, hauling away all debris, and cleaning up the area where the hot tub sat.
Here is a more detailed breakdown based on the type and size of the hot tub:
| Hot Tub Type | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small Portable Spa (2–3 person) | $350 – $500 | Lightest and easiest to remove |
| Standard Hot Tub (4–6 person) | $450 – $800 | Most common size in San Diego |
| Large Spa (7–8 person) | $600 – $1,000 | Heavier, may require more labor |
| Built-In / In-Ground Spa | $800 – $2,500+ | Requires demolition of concrete/tile surround |
| Swim Spa (12–15 ft) | $800 – $1,500 | Extra large, heavy units |
What Affects Hot Tub Removal Cost?
Hot Tub Size and Weight
A standard acrylic hot tub weighs between 400 and 800 pounds empty, while larger models can weigh over 1,000 pounds. Heavier units require more labor and sometimes specialized equipment to break apart and remove. The bigger the tub, the more material there is to cut, haul, and dispose of.
Access and Location
If your hot tub is on a back patio with a wide side gate, removal is straightforward. But many San Diego properties, especially in hillside neighborhoods like Mission Hills, Tierrasanta, and La Mesa, have narrow walkways, stairs, or steep slopes that make access difficult. Limited access increases labor time and can add $100 to $300 to the total cost.
Built-In vs. Portable
Portable above-ground hot tubs sit on a pad or deck and can be cut apart and removed relatively quickly. Built-in or in-ground spas, which are common in older homes in La Jolla, Point Loma, and Encinitas, require actual demolition work to remove the concrete shell, tile, plumbing, and surrounding hardscape. This is essentially a small demolition project and costs significantly more.
Electrical Disconnection
Hot tubs are typically hardwired to a 220/240-volt dedicated circuit. Before removal, the electrical connection must be safely disconnected. Most professional removal companies handle this, but if a licensed electrician is needed to cap the wiring to code, that can add $75 to $200 to your total cost.
Deck or Pad Removal
Many hot tubs sit on a concrete pad, reinforced deck, or paver patio. If you want that pad or deck section removed as well, the cost goes up. Our deck demolition service can handle this as part of a combined project, often at a bundled rate.
Disposal and Recycling Fees
Hot tub materials include acrylic, fiberglass, wood, foam insulation, PVC piping, and electrical components. Most professional removal companies include disposal in their quoted price. At Demo Diego, we recycle as much material as possible, including the wood framing, copper wiring, and metal components, to keep waste out of San Diego County landfills.
DIY Hot Tub Removal vs. Hiring a Professional
Some handy homeowners consider removing a hot tub themselves to save money. While it is technically possible, here is what you should know before tackling this project on your own.
DIY Hot Tub Removal: What It Takes
To remove a hot tub yourself, you will need a reciprocating saw (or circular saw) with appropriate blades, a pry bar, work gloves, safety glasses, and a way to haul away the debris. The process involves draining the tub, disconnecting electrical (which should be done by a licensed electrician for safety), cutting the shell into manageable pieces, and transporting everything to a disposal facility.
The DIY approach can save you $200 to $400 compared to hiring a professional, but it typically takes four to eight hours of hard physical labor, plus the time and cost of renting a truck or trailer and paying dump fees at a San Diego County disposal facility. Miramar Landfill charges by weight, and a full hot tub worth of debris can run $50 to $150 in dump fees alone.
Why Most San Diego Homeowners Hire a Pro
The majority of our customers in neighborhoods like Carmel Valley, 4S Ranch, Eastlake, and San Carlos choose professional removal for good reasons. A professional crew can complete the job in one to two hours, handles all safety concerns including electrical disconnection, removes every last piece of debris, and leaves the area clean and ready for whatever comes next. There is no need to rent tools, borrow a truck, or spend your weekend sawing through fiberglass and foam.
At Demo Diego, our hot tub removal service includes everything: disconnection, demolition, hauling, disposal, and cleanup. Most jobs are completed the same day you call, and we provide upfront pricing with no hidden fees.
How the Hot Tub Removal Process Works
When you hire Demo Diego for hot tub removal, here is what to expect from start to finish:
- 1.Free estimate. We assess your hot tub's size, location, and access to provide an accurate quote. Most estimates can be done over the phone or via photos you send us.
- 2.Drain and disconnect. If there is still water in the tub, we drain it. We safely disconnect the electrical connection and cap the wiring.
- 3.Cut and demolish. Using professional-grade saws, we cut the hot tub shell into sections small enough to carry through gates and walkways. The wood frame, foam insulation, and plumbing are all broken down.
- 4.Haul and dispose. All debris is loaded onto our trucks and hauled away. We sort materials for recycling whenever possible, including wood, metal, and copper.
- 5.Clean up. We sweep and clean the area where the hot tub sat, leaving your backyard ready for its next chapter, whether that is a new patio, garden, or ADU foundation.
What to Do With the Space After Hot Tub Removal
Once your old hot tub is gone, you have a blank canvas in your backyard. San Diego homeowners are using reclaimed hot tub spaces for all sorts of upgrades:
- •Outdoor living area: Pavers, a fire pit, or an extended patio for entertaining.
- •Garden or landscaping: Raised garden beds, drought-tolerant native plants, or a new lawn area.
- •ADU foundation: With San Diego's ADU boom, many homeowners are using the cleared space as the starting point for an accessory dwelling unit.
- •Storage shed or workshop: A practical use for the concrete pad that often remains after hot tub removal.
If you want the concrete pad removed as well, Demo Diego can handle that during the same visit. We also offer deck demolition if the hot tub was sitting on a raised deck that you would also like taken down.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Tub Removal in San Diego
How long does hot tub removal take?
Most above-ground hot tub removals take one to two hours from start to finish. Built-in or in-ground spa demolitions may take half a day or longer depending on the complexity of the surrounding hardscape.
Do I need a permit to remove a hot tub in San Diego?
In most cases, no permit is required to remove a portable above-ground hot tub. However, if you are removing a built-in spa that involves demolishing concrete or modifying plumbing, a permit may be needed depending on the scope of work. Demo Diego can advise you on permit requirements for your specific situation.
Can you remove a hot tub from a rooftop deck or balcony?
Yes. We have removed hot tubs from rooftop decks, elevated balconies, and second-story patios across San Diego. These projects require cutting the tub into smaller pieces that can be safely carried down stairs or through the home. The cost is typically $100 to $300 more than a standard ground-level removal.
What happens to the hot tub after removal?
Demo Diego recycles as much of the hot tub as possible. The wood framing goes to wood recycling, copper wiring and metal components go to metal recycling facilities, and the acrylic shell is disposed of responsibly. We aim to divert as much material as possible from San Diego County landfills.
Should I drain the hot tub before you arrive?
If possible, draining the hot tub beforehand can save a few minutes, but it is not required. Our crew will drain it if there is still water inside. Just make sure to drain it into an appropriate area, as San Diego water regulations prohibit draining chemically treated water into storm drains.
Do you also remove the concrete pad under the hot tub?
Yes. Concrete pad removal can be added to your hot tub removal project. A typical 8x8-foot concrete pad removal adds $300 to $600 to the total cost depending on thickness and reinforcement. Many homeowners choose to keep the pad and repurpose it for a shed, planter, or patio furniture.
Get a Free Hot Tub Removal Quote in San Diego
Ready to reclaim your backyard? Contact Demo Diego today for a free, no-obligation estimate on hot tub removal. We serve all of San Diego County with same-day and next-day availability.
Call 760-860-8080Or visit our Hot Tub Removal page to learn more about our process.