How Much Does Hot Tub Removal Cost in LA? (2026)

Short answer

A hot tub isn't a drag-it-to-the-curb job. It has to be drained, electrically disconnected, and usually cut into sections before it can leave a backyard — and LA's free city pickup won't take one. What you pay comes down mostly to access: a ground-level tub by the driveway is simple, while one behind a locked gate or up on a deck takes more work. A standard above-ground hot tub is a flat $499, all-in — drain, breakdown, and haul.

Why a hot tub isn't regular junk

It's heavy, it's wired into your electrical panel, and it won't fit through a standard gate in one piece — three things that rule out the usual disposal routes.

You can't curb it, and the city won't take it

An empty hot tub weighs 300–800 pounds, is hardwired to a 240-volt breaker, and won't fit through a standard gate whole. It isn't eligible for LA's free bulky-item pickup — see our guide to free city pickup vs. paid removal.

How the removal actually works

Turn off the dedicated 240V breaker and disconnect the wiring at the control box.
Drain the water with a hose or pump, directed away from the house foundation.
Remove the side panels (the cabinet or skirting).
Cut the shell into manageable sections with a reciprocating saw so it fits out the gate.
Haul it out — the metal pump, motor, heater, and copper get recycled; the shell and foam are disposed of.

What drives the price

Four things: the size of the tub, where it sits, how it's installed, and how fast you need it gone. Access is by far the biggest — the same tub is an easy job by the driveway and a hard one behind a locked side gate.

300–800 lb

empty shell weight

240V

hardwired electrical

Access

the #1 price factor

Where the tub sits	What it takes
Ground level, near the driveway	Quick breakdown and a short carry
Fenced backyard or narrow gate	Cut into sections on-site to fit through
Deck-mounted or built-in	Disassembly around the deck or surround
Rooftop or second-story patio	May need a crane to lift it out

How to keep it simple

Drain the tub the day before if you can — a garden hose takes about an hour.
Turn the breaker off ahead of time (leave the wiring to the crew unless you're confident).
Clear the path from the tub to the street and unlock any gates.
Point out sprinklers or soft ground the crew should avoid.

With a full-service removal you don't have to do any of it — the crew drains, disconnects, cuts, and hauls.

Flat price, all-in

Hot Tub / Spa$499
Pool / Diving Board Equipment$749

All-in · $75 job minimum · drain, breakdown, and haul included

Get my price

Built-in, in-ground, or crane-access jobs

Standard above-ground spas are the flat price. A built-in or in-ground spa, or a tub that can only come out by crane, is unusual — we confirm those specifics with you before booking so there are no surprises.

See our hot tub removal page or the full price list for how a spa fits alongside a larger backyard clear-out.

Frequently asked questions

A standard above-ground hot tub is a flat $499, all-in — including draining, electrical disconnection, breakdown, and haul-away — with a $75 job minimum. Built-in or crane-access jobs are confirmed before booking.

No. It's too heavy and bulky, it's hardwired, and LA's free bulky-item pickup doesn't take hot tubs. It has to be drained, disconnected, and usually cut down before removal.

It helps, but you don't have to — a full-service crew drains it for you. If you drain it the day before with a hose or pump, the job goes faster.

The metal pump, motor, heater, and copper are recycled through scrap channels; the acrylic or fiberglass shell and foam insulation are disposed of responsibly.

Yes — related pool equipment is $749, and we can take it in the same visit under the flat price.

Reclaim the backyard

Drain it yourself or leave it to us — either way, get an exact, all-in price for hauling the old spa away in seconds.